Out of the Sifter
Though some irresistible gravity be pulling on us to suck us down that abysmal “sifter” (Lk.22:31), our Lord has prayed for us and we can endure to the end and be saved (Matt 24:13). Jesus was so certain Peter could endure that He said, “And WHEN you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Lk 22:32, NIV) Cf. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Heb. 7:25, NAU; also Rom 8:27, 34). Though the temptation is to draw away from God and the fellowship of the saints when we fail, it is obvious from the book of Hebrews that those who are saved are those who draw near to God through Him. The concern Jesus has is not only to see you and I turned back to purpose and productivity but that we might strengthen others to do likewise. While we acquiesce to the pain of our failures and disillusionment and award ourselves precious time to lick our wounds, the strengthening of others simply gets put on hold.
(This is the seventh excerpt from Marty Gabler’s article “Too Late“ which was published in SEEC Magazine -Volume 4 Issue 5 [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine]. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Previous excerpts may be read by scrolling down this page.)
MARTY GABLER is speaking at the Kingdom Equipping Congress.
KEC2016 March 2-4, 2016
Audio excerpt MARTY at KEC:
http://martygabler.podomatic.com/entry/2014-02-26T13_27_21-08_00
More Info on KEC2016: martygabler.com/kec2016/
Blessed Assurance Undergirding Us
On top of outright trying of our commitment is added the machinations of that “roaring lion” (1Pe 5:8). He seeks to devour us and, at all costs, stop us and leave us choking short of the goal. But we have more than a coach or cheerleader working in our behalf and a blessed assurance undergirding us knowing that Jesus is for us. No matter what presses against us and no matter how determined the opposition is, our Lord is going before us in resurrection victory and in intercession: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded {permission} to sift you like wheat; 32 BUT I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Lk 22:31-32, NAS).
(This is the sixth excerpt from Marty Gabler’s article “Too Late“ which was published in SEEC Magazine -Volume 4 Issue 5 [Marty and Kathy’s ministry magazine]. More excerpts will be posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Previous excerpts may be read by scrolling down this page.)
Melissa Gabler is speaking at the Kingdom Equipping Congress.
KEC2016 March 2-4, 2016
Audio excerpt Melissa at KEC: http://martygabler.podomatic.com/entry/2014-02-24T20_55_32-08_00
More Info on KEC2016: martygabler.com/kec2016/
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