Streams in the Desert - July 1
Promise Fulfilled / By: Mrs. Charles Cowman And blessed is she who believed that what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled. (Luke 1:45) My words shall be fulfilled in their season (their fixed appointed time) (Greek, Luke 1:20).
Today's Scripture & Insight:
2 Timothy 2:1-13 (NIV)
1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Matthew Henry says: "We must depend upon the performance of the promise, when all the ways leading up to it are shut up. ’For all the promises of God in him are yea (yes), and in him Amen (so be it), unto the glory of God by us.’ (2 Cor. 1:20).
Through these he has given us his "very great and precious" promises,.... (2 Peter 1:4) (NIV)
Human promises are often worthless, many a broken contract is heartbreaking. However, ever since the creation, God has never betrayed His children, not once.
Today’s Hymns:
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Yesterday today forever
Scripture to Respond:
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Reflection:
The Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 has promised Hong Kong remains unchanged in 1997 for 50 years. However, even before 2047, the whole Hong Kong society has already had great changes. Whether it is international promise or our promise to others and to God, would become empty due to changes in circumstances. Only the faithful God will never change, He will fulfill according to His promise.
Despite the worsening circumstances, God’s promise will not change. Can you cope with the present situation with the faith from God, and to choose God’s direction to press on?
May we be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Prayer:
Lord, please grant me courage to face the present troubles and strengthen my faith through trials. I am willing to suffer with all saints for the sake of Gospel, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus!
Wong Wai Tung (Chief executive officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation) & Sam Chow (Administrative officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation) Translated by Esther Leung
