CONTEND
Today’s Reading: Jude
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
From En Gedi, Israel, looking north along the shore of the Dead Sea, the waves, heavy with minerals, roll slowly toward the shore. Today’s reading tells about people who are like “waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame.”
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Jude 24-25
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen.
This short but powerful letter gives us a huge challenge, as well as great encouragement. After praying that “mercy, peace and love” would be multiplied, Jude then challenges us to “Contend earnestly for the faith!” The word “contend” means “to assert,” “to affirm,” “to grapple with,” and “to go head to head”! Just think! Jude uses that word “contend” again in describing the confrontation of Michael, the Archangel, with Satan! (verse 9). This gives us some idea as to how we are to engage in the battle for Truth! Jude says that we can do this by (1) Building yourselves up, (2) Praying in the Holy Spirit, (3) Keeping yourselves in the love of God, and (4) Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Let’s read two or three times verses 22 & 23 and decide firmly to “contend” with “compassion!” Finally Jude gives us a most beautiful and powerful benediction, our key verse. Amen!!!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Yes! I pray Jude’s benediction. Lord God, keep me from “stumbling,” and may I be filled with “exceeding joy!” In the Name of Jesus, “God, our Saviour!” Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
When I was 12 years of age, my mother died. I was angry at God but loved my minister Dad who, at that time, had taken on two country churches in the Ottawa Valley. I listened to sermons and knew that he truly practiced what he preached. But it was not until after he had left for his mission to Egypt when I was 15 that I came to “grapple” with whether to believe in God or not. It was when I was 16 that the owner of the Chrysler dealership, where I worked part time, took me on, not just as an employee, but as a lost soul who needed Jesus. Syd Healey truly contended for my salvation by incessantly quoting Scripture, arranging for me to drive his 1952 Chrysler New Yorker to church (what 16-year-old could resist that!), and the result was that I made a lifetime decision to believe in Jesus Christ and follow Him forever.
By the time I was 18, I was a public school teacher in the village of Chalk River, Ontario. I remember clearly struggling with the challenge of conducting myself as a follower of Jesus should. I memorized Jude 24 & 25 and would quote it often. Later in my life as a Pastor, I would often say those words as the benediction at the close of a Sunday service. To this day, those words fill me with joy and confidence!
Yours for the wisdom that comes from “God our Saviour, Who alone is wise!”
David
Wonderful scripture, message and photo. The benediction in Jude is a favourite memorized verse I often say at the end of prayer groups. It has such power. God bless you fellow saints in the Lord.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV
I Have Overcome the World, Jason C. Smith & Remnant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QorSWGBfPU
I so look forward to your message in the morning, Beverlee. You are such an inspiration. Today was a good messsge and scripture.
Wanted to let you know I prayed for you earlier this morning. I pray your troubles will pass from you.
May God bless your day.
Thank you so much, dear Nan. I so appreciate your kind words and prayers for me. Prayer is the cloak of my protection. “Do not fear,” came to me this morning. Perhaps that was the time you were praying. God bless your day as well.
Amen Nan, I agree with what you said about Beverlee.
Sah asked for prayer last night for the man who fixed her washing machine. He had his truck stolen with all his tools. Dear Heavenly Father, I earnestly pray for the dear man that his truck would be restored to him. You know that this is his livelihood, please have mercy on him. Lord I also pray for Doreen that you would surround her with a blanket of love at this time. I pray that her sister is being well looked after and that one day soon they will be able to see each other again. Bless and help them both . Praying also for others who need you help and love today dear Lord. In Jesus Name Amen.
Stay safe dear friends, Eleanor M.
Agreeing in prayer with you Eleanor for the man who fixed Sah’s washing machine. Lord, return his truck and tools to him and bless Sah and the community she lives in with great peace and comfort during these times. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Amen Beverlee
Amen Eleanor M
Thank you Eleanor for remembering my sister. They notified me yesterday that upper respiratory illness has touched a few people in the nursing home (& that often means residents are confined to their rooms). Up to this point there has not been any virus cases. I do agree with you for the return of the workman’s truck & tools. We should all pray also for the Lord to protect our internet messages, etc. I received 2 messages yesterday which indicated they came from relatives on my list. Both were scams. One,I am concerned about (it asked for help) & I answered it not realizing it was “fishing or a scam”. I asked the Lord to protect my internet & make me more alert & aware of such things. God’s greatest blessings to all today & everyday.
Doreen, I do pray that the Lord would protect all of us from these scams. Some sound so real that we feel we have to click on them.
I will continue to pray for you and your dear sister. Eleanor M.
Stay strong ❤️
Agreeing with Eleanor in prayer for your dear sister, Doreen, and those in her nursing home. Also for your comfort and peace.
Amen
Good a.m. dear saints. Love this parable…so true:
The parable is told of an old dog that fell into a farmer’s well. After assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the dog but decided that neither the dog nor the well were worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he planned to bury the old dog in the well and put him out of his misery. When the farmer began shoveling, initially the old dog was hysterical. But as the farmer continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back he should shake it off and step up. This he did blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up, shake it off and step up, shake it off and step up!” he repeated to encourage himself. Eventually, the farmer filled the well and the dog stepped out of it onto firm ground.
Love the pic of the ocean and sky today. Thank u Reynold et al. God’s abundant blessings upon all saints this Spring day.
God bless you, too, Lynda.
Thank you Beverlee. 🥰
Dear Father, thank You for the sunshine, for the rain. Thank You for the birds that sing, and that You feel my pain. Thank You for each loving thought that comes across my way. And thank You for the loving ones who care enough to pray.
Lord God, thank You for treasuring Your people. May we do what is right and true, loving and kind today, and bring glory to You, in Jesus’s name, amen
Amen
And amen. We bring You glory today!
Amen,!!
Amen
Amen!
Amen Rob
Amen
Amen to all the posts today. God bless you.
Jude 24-25: Such an uplifting blessing: Yes, God Bless you and keep you Ron, Ann and Reynold this day and always.
Be blessed in the LORD; bloggers