| Subject: Devo #51: Strong Convictions |
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Gail
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Date Posted: 21:21:05 10/03/01 Wed
Topic—History Makers
Power Point—I must be willing to endure all things for the sake of God’s purpose and plan!
This Week’s Memory Verse—1 Timothy 4:12
Access Database—1 Corinthians 4
Strong Convictions
by Scott Gurule
A history maker is just what it says—someone who literally determines the way the history books will one day read. A history maker is someone who, even after he is dead and gone, will continue to live through the legacy he has left behind. Most importantly, a history maker is a person who will endure any hardship for the sake of his mission in life.
Think about how Paul, one man, has changed the course of history. He was at one time a mortal enemy of the Christian faith. He had others imprisoned and executed for their commitment to Christ. But God got ahold of his life and turned that energy into a mighty force for the advancement of the gospel! Perhaps the most astonishing thing about Paul was his ability and desire to endure anything for the sake of Christ. His list of hardships in 2 Corinthians 11:16–33 is enough to make anyone cringe.
In his letter to the church of Corinth, Paul mentions his "faithful son" Timothy. Timothy also knew about the need to endure, because Paul emphasized it. "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus...I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory" (2 Tim. 2:3, 10). Paul was a history maker.
Abraham Lincoln was a history maker. Everyone, no matter their age, knows of Lincoln’s fight to end slavery and free all Americans. This is a man who knew what was right for his country, and he was willing to tear it in half to make it whole again. When no one believed in him, he stood strong for his cause. Now he is revered for his contribution to our country.
These are men whom history will look at and say, "Thank you for your passion, integrity and influence." And those are all traits that you can have. Does it come overnight with success and your name in the headlines of the New York Post? No. Is it easy work with big rewards at the end? No. But, it is well worth the fight and the years of sacrifice!
Now go back and read 1 Corinthians 4 one more time.
Identity Matrix—Disciples of Christ...
Know God—In what way did God reveal Himself to you as you read His Word?
Live for God—What one lifestyle change is God calling you to make?
Love others—In what way is God calling you to minister to someone in need?
Bear Fruit—In what ways will you set the example and the standard for others to follow?
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