Matthew 11:12 – “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.” 

Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. – Dylan Thomas (Welsh Poet – 1914-1953)

Anyone who speaks of the love of God and the joy of fellowship with Christ, must also speak of the violence that is waged to maintain that fellowship.  It will not always come easy, the seasons in which it does are few and far between.  There are days when darkness surrounds you, and you just have to feel your way forward; there are days in which you simply cry out to God; there are days in which all strength is spent, and Christ must carry you.  My encouragement is to not take lightly you time today to spend with the Lord.  It is preparing you for the seasons in which you will be tested, and is sanctifying you for eternity.

Often, it is helpful to me to think about my eternal dwelling, and push forward with that in mind.  Romans 8:18 – “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Isaiah 60:15-22 – “Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, with no one passing through, I will make you majestic forever, a joy from age to age.  You shall suck the milk of nations; you shall nurse at the breast of kings; and you shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.  Instead of bronze I will bring gold,
and instead of iron I will bring silver; instead of wood, bronze, instead of stones, iron. I will make your overseers peace and your taskmasters righteousness.  Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.  The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.  Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself;
for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.  Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be glorified.  The least one shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation; I am the LORD; in its time I will hasten it.”

As you fight the fight of faith today, be encouarged, there will be a day when Christ is coming for each you, to bring you home – John 14:1-3 – “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

Grace and Peace,
Adam