Abide by the rules

"Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."   2 Timothy 2:1-5   NKJV 

Even though we have addressed the area before, people are unable to grasp the fact that when we were saved, we were enlisted into the Army of God. And therefore, there are rules that we need to adhere to. If anyone was actually in one of the armies throughout the world, they would know that they need to stick to the set of rules, be disciplined, fit and on guard at all hours of the day.

In God's army, it is slightly different. We used to say that for 23 hours and 59 minutes per day, we belonged to the army - they owned us. However, for the last minute, we can do whatever we wanted. In God's army, we get no such luxuries. We are on duty 24 hours a day, every day for life - oh, and you don't get paid for it either. 

Have you ever looked at Jesus as your Commanding Officer? Well, He is. He is the top man. But unlike other Commanding Officers, Jesus loves you to bits. He thinks you're wonderful. Now, this doesn't mean that we can wind Him round our little finger. Try it, and you quickly find out that you can't. 

Soldiers have to work hard; train hard and when the going gets tough, get stuck in. A soldier rarely gets involved with the things of the world, there is far too much to be done by sticking to your daily routine. Let us not forget that Satan has his own army too and if we don't stay on alert, he will try and take us out. However, Our Commanding Officer - Jesus, unlike other CO's who may sit at their desks most of the day, Jesus is right there in the thick of it with His soldiers. We fight, He fights and as we follow Him, we receive the victory - the crown v5.

Paul says in verse 1: ‘You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.' Paul has already told us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, that Christ's grace is sufficient because, we will be given all the grace We need in time of human weakness. When we are serving Jesus we should never go by our own willpower alone, we have access to Christ's power and His grace, so take hold of it.

Like us, Timothy knew that there would be many challenges ahead but, he had the plan in mind to speak and direct people as he had seen Paul doing. To preach and teach the new converts and re-build the churches. Was this easy, not at all, this is why Paul had said to him to endure hardship. That is a big problem for some of us. We want the good bits and not the bad bits. Well, you can't have one without the other. So, clean your weapons, check the way ahead, commit it all to the CO and get on with it and we'll see you back at camp

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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