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Matthew 24:13 - Faith and Endurance.

Matthew 24:13 - Faith and Endurance.

Matthew 24:13 (KJV) But he that shall endure unto the end, the 
same shall be saved.  

INTRODUCTION

Chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew comprise what is known as the 
Olivet discourse, one of Jesus' three great discourses. (The other two 
are the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 and the upper room 
discourse in John 13-17.) On the Mount of Olives, Jesus discussed future 
events, including the destruction of Herod's magnificent temple and the 
judgment coming upon Israel (which would occur in AD 70), as well as some 
of the events surrounding his second coming. His intent was to 
encourage his followers always to be ready. We don't know when Jesus will 
come back, but we do know that we should prepare for his return and 
live as though he is coming soon. [NIV Once A Day Bible] 

Very Moving Side-note - The verse just before this one says: 
"Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold" 
Matthew 24:12 NLT.... WOW! - Doesn't that describe the days in which we 
are living. 

COMMENTARY

   A relationship with God is our only means of finding 
fulfillment and satisfaction in life. But it isn't always easy. One of the 
most frustrating aspects of that relationship is couched in Matthew 
25:5 - "The bridegroom was a long time in coming." The primary 
purpose of this parable is to depict the return of Jesus, but the 
dynamic of waiting applies to so much more. Abraham waited long years 
for God to fulfill a promise. Joseph waited a lifetime for his dream 
to become reality. The Israelites were in Egypt for 430 years 
before God delivered them through Moses.  
   One of the keys of life with God, apparently, is waiting. We 
can be encouraged by the fact that, according to Hebrews 6:12, it is 
"through faith and patience" that we inherit God's promises. Delay is not 
his denial of those promises. It's part of the process of fulfilling 
them. [NIV Once A Day Bible re Mat. 25:5] 

   As long as you focus on Me, you are safe. If you gaze too 
long at the myriad problems around you, you will sink under the 
weight of your burdens. When you start to sink, simply call out "Help 
me, Jesus!" and I will lift you up. 
   The closer you live to Me, the safer you are. Circumstances 
around you are undulating, and there are treacherous-looking waves in 
the distance. Fix your eyes on Me, the One who never changes. By the 
time those waves reach you, they will have shrunk to proportions of 
My design. I am always beside you, helping you face today's waves. 
The future is a phantom, seeking to spook you. Laugh at the future! 
Stay close to Me. (Phi. 4:7; Mat. 14:30; Heb. 12:2) [Jesus Calling by 
Sarah Young] 

   Let Me prepare you for the day that stretches out before you. 
I know exactly what this day will contain, whereas you have only 
vague ideas about it. You would like to see a map showing all the 
twists and turns of your Journey. You'd feel more prepared if you could 
somehow visualize what is on the road ahead. However, there is a better 
way to be prepared for whatever you will encounter today: Spend 
quality time with Me. 
   I will not show you what is on the road ahead, but I will 
thoroughly equip you for the journey. My living Presence is your Companion 
each step of the way. Stay in continual communication with Me, 
whispering My Name whenever you need to redirect your thoughts. Thus, you 
can walk through this day with your focus on Me. My abiding Presence 
is the best road map available. (Exo. 33:14; John 15:4-7) [Jesus 
Calling by Sarah Young] 

ILLUSTRATIONS 

How We Live - Persevering in Faith
   Caleb was one of the spies whom Moses sent to explore the 
Promised Land. Upon returning, only he and Joshua reported that the 
Israelites should obey God and enter the land. The other spies insisted 
that such a mission would be too dangerous, and the people sided with 
them. That entire generation died in the wilderness (Numbers 13-14). 
Only Caleb and Joshua were allowed to live and eventually enter the 
land. 
   What was the secret to Caleb's faith? He persevered. Caleb 
refused to go with the majority opinion when it contradicted what he 
knew to be God's will. Because of his faithfulness to the will and 
purposes of God, Caleb never lost his spiritual edge. He had to endure 
forty years of desert wandering before he could enter the Promised 
Land, yet he never doubted God's ability to carry through on his 
promise. 
   You've begun a spiritual walk with the Lord that will last 
the rest of your life. You will face "desert" times that might cause 
you to doubt God's promises. Like Caleb, stand for God's truth, no 
matter what the rest of the crowd says. Like Caleb, trust God to carry 
through on his promises. [The One Year Bible for New Believers re Jos. 
14:6-14] 

Lesson in Perseverance - Songbirds:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjnES-GEhBg

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE:

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2015/20150115-2032.html

GREAT PRAISE SONG BASED ON PSALM 29:9

Oh, My, Glory, Glory, Glory [Live] by The Gaithers: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l5_HQFpYjE 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:

Special Video Clip On Seeking God: http://vimeo.com/31489782

Your Choice: http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice