File: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940723.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                          July 23, 1994 (Saturday)
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READ:  2 Timothy 3


                        WHY KEEP THE FAITH?

            You must continue in the things which you
                have learned and been assured of.

                           2 Timothy 3:14

Many Christians are on the front lines of some very important
battles.  Some are speaking out on social issues and moral
decline.  Others are helping to relieve suffering and battling
the effects of poverty.  Still others are trying to make a
difference in government or entertainment.

Sometimes these battles are won but often the other side gains
ground.  It can be a discouraging effort.

When we lose a skirmish on the front lines of today's battles,
how does that affect us?  We may feel discouraged, but we need
not feel hopeless.  We know Christ will win ultimately, and we
can be encouraged because there are some things that cannot be
taken away from us.

  - Jesus Christ's continued presence with us (Heb. 13:5).

  - The Lord's promise of eternal life (Titus 1:2).

  - The Holy Spirit's indwelling (1 Cor. 6:19).

  - Access to our heavenly Father through prayer (Eph. 2:18).

  - Spiritual gifts to serve the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12).

It hurts to lose a battle in the daily fight for what is right.
But as Paul made clear in 2 Timothy 3, it should come as no
surprise.  We are called only to be faithful.  And when we
contemplate what Christ has given us, we'll never have to wonder
why we should keep the faith.   - JDB

                 Day by day perform your mission,
              With Christ's help keep  at your tasks;
                 Be encouraged by His presence --
                   Faithfulness is all He asks.  

                                - HGB

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Isaiah 49-51

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:  Having the Holy Spirit on the inside
                      prepares you for any battle on the 
                      outside.


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Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible 
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