Friday after the Fourth Sunday of End Time, 12/01/00

Matthew 24: 10-13
At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate
each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,
but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
--NIV

In the name of the One Who encourages us to stand firm to the end, amen.

I'm told that long distance running is simply an exercise in withstanding
pain. The runner forces himself to continue running when his longs feel
like they will explode, and his legs scream in pain. But he keeps
running because, even if he isn't the first one across the finish line,
by completing the race he has won a victory of stamina.

We run a spiritual marathon as Christians. It often seems like
everything is against us. It seems like no one else believes anymore.
We are ridiculed and persecuted in subtle ways. But we run our race
anyway because the prize for finishing is eternal life. When you are
troubled by the difficulties of this life, keep focused on the end goal.
When our mind is on heaven, we can withstand the pain of this life.
Amen.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, life is difficult and frustrating. So many things
attack our faith. Keep heaven in our minds so that we do not become
tired and give up. Keep us in the True Faith, amen.

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http://ReformationChurch.org