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Day 127 2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. 4 But in all things, we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fasting; 6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. In every election, people campaign about why they are the best person for the office. They always put forth their best qualities. You hear nothing bad about what they do or what their intentions for the future will bring to the people they represent. Paul was no different in his campaign except in one thing: he told the Corinthians everything he endured for the gospel of Jesus Christ. His campaign was not for himself but for the people. He let them know how far he went for the gospel of Jesus Christ. He left nothing out of all he endured for their salvation. He pleaded with the people not to receive the grace of God in vain. Many Christians hear about what missionaries endure for the gospel and turn away because what they hear is too hard to endure. They want to sit on the sidelines, give when told to give to the ministry, but not become part of it. Not go where it would mean laying their lives down for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s okay for missionaries to go and present the gospel to people who want to kill them, but they will stay in the comfort of their homes and attend church and listen to messages about the importance of taking the gospel to the world. But don’t ask them to go. What will it take to move you to go, to fulfill the mandate Jesus gave you before He went back to heaven? Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (NKJV) Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 These signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” 19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. Luke 24:46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” Jesus didn’t tell His disciples the task would be easy. He told them what to expect. He also told them they wouldn’t be alone because he sent them out with the promise of the Holy Spirit to help them take the gospel to the world. Many Christians forget they aren’t alone in the work Jesus told them to do. He would be with them everywhere they went, and the Holy Spirit would open the way before them to preach the gospel to the nations. As the Holy Spirit led Paul everywhere he went. He will be with you too. You have nothing to fear from the work Jesus commissioned you to do because no matter what happens, you win. Even if death finds you in the work Jesus called you to do, you will be with Him for eternity. Paul endured much hardship for the gospel of Jesus Christ. He never once threw in the towel but persevered to the end. 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (NKJV) Are you ready to take up the campaign many before you laid down their lives for so people would know Jesus and the work of the cross for their salvation? Let’s pray: Father, I don’t want to sit on the sidelines. Let me say as Isaiah said, ‘Send me.” Send me as You sent Paul and the disciples into the world to take the gospel to everyone who would listen. Help me remember I am not alone, but Your Holy Spirit goes with me and helps me in everything I say and do. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 20 November 2023 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.