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Gospel Summary: An Enduring Kingdom

Today I read: 1 Kings 20, Psalms 42-43, Daniel 2, and 1 Thessalonians 3.

Gospel summary: Even though God's people are destined to endure much affliction in this world at the hands of unbelievers, only God's kingdom will endure to the end.

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, you alone have been my refuge in the stormy trials I face because of my faith in you. When it seems at times like I am the only Christ-follower and the world of unbelievers is set against me, help me remember that your kingdom, the remnant of your redeemed saints, will alone inherit and rule over the earth. The deepest levels of affliction I face are destined by your Almighty hand to keep me humble and constant in prayer, so that I can be prepared for life in your presence forever. Fill me with that invincible joy that enables me to persevere through this enemy territory until I reach the Promised Land of glory and spend eternity in fellowship with you my Redeemer and those you've redeemed. Give me encouragement daily as I reflect on the marvelous grace of your Son's blood poured out for sinful one's like me. In Christ's name, amen.

Hymn: "Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken" by Henry Lyte

Jesus, I my cross have taken, 
All to leave and follow Thee; 
Destitute, despised, forsaken, 
Thou, from hence, my all shalt be:
Perish ev'ry fond ambition, 
All I've sought, and hoped, and known; 
Yet how rich is my condition, 
God and heav'n are still my own! 

Let the world despise and leave me, 
They have left my Saviour, too; 
Human hearts and looks deceive me; 
Thou art not, like man, untrue; 
And, while Thou shalt smile upon me, 
God of wisdom, love, and might, 
Foes may hate, and friends may shun me; 
Show Thy face, and all is bright.

Man may trouble and distress me, 
'Twill but drive me to Thy breast; 
Life with trials hard may press me, 
Heav'n will bring me sweeter rest.
O 'tis not in grief to harm me, 
While Thy love is left to me; 
O 'twere not in joy to charm me, 
Were that joy unmixed with Thee.

Haste thee on from grace to glory, 
Armed by faith and winged by prayer; 
Heav'n's eternal day's before thee, 
God's own hand shall guide thee there.
Soon shall close thy earthly mission, 
Swift shall pass thy pilgrim days, 
Hope shall change to glad fruition, 
Faith to sight, and prayer to praise.

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