Tuesday: GUARDING MY HEART

This week, I am exploring what God says about SUFFERING. As I enter prayer now, I reflect on God’s instruction, “Join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.”

Lord, teach me today about suffering. I desire to be receptive to the grace You give me, so my heart can be full of Your Holy Spirit.

Let me consider the Word of God from 2 Timothy 1:8-14

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

The Lord did not create me to be happy—He created me to live a holy life. A holy life is one which is constantly shaped and molded into the Lord’s image by eliminating those pieces which do not conform. Removing these habits, thoughts, and behaviors which cause suffering helps me to realize that what I have lost are not the best things for me.

I also experience emotional suffering by watching God do the same process in people I love—my family and friends. I want to save them from their suffering, and in doing, so I intervene. When God prompts me to intervene by showing compassion, then my gifting of the Holy Spirit shines into the world.

I should realize that the Great Physician is the surgeon I need to seek for my life and for the lives of others. Through Christ Jesus, God has destroyed death and brought life and immorality to light. I am to proclaim His light, since I do not have a light—I cannot shine at all without Him.

I try to hide in shame, but this too is without cause. I know I believe Jesus, and I need to show that I trust Him. Just as a bank vault needs to have a guard, I am called to be a security guard over God’s deposit inside me.

Lord, please help me be a good steward by guarding

Your gift inside my heart!

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman

www.tolministries.org

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