Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead.
2 Timothy 2:8
I want to share something with you as we close this month and yet continue on our journey with Christ. It’s a word from the Bible that has guided and strengthened me in my ministry and personal life.
In the spring of 1958 Winnie, who is now my wife, and I professed publicly in front of the members of our church that we knew that God loved us and that we wanted to follow Jesus Christ.
My dad, who was the pastor of that congregation, blessed both of us with a verse from the Bible. My father took great care in finding a text that would suit the person who received it. The text he gave me was from 2 Timothy 2. “My dear son,” said my dad, “‘remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead.’”
My father wanted to remind me never to forget that Jesus is alive, that no matter what happened in my life, I would not face it alone. As a pastor, I have walked with people through deep valleys. But I have always been blessed to remember that Jesus is alive.
When temptations come, when fear grips you, when doubts attack you, “remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead.” When shame wears you down, peace escapes you, guilt overwhelms you, or the journey gets more difficult than ever before, always “remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead.” He is with you.
Thank you, God, that “because he lives, I can face tomorrow; because he lives, all fear is gone.” Lord Jesus, help me to walk with you today and forever. In your name, Amen.
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