The Best of Company

Hello,
 
"I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord"   Phi. 3:8
 
This is a happy time of the year, for it is the time to reap a harvest from the labor.  Throughout Southern Indiana including over my back fence, farmers are picking beans and corn.  Some are still harvesting from their vegetable gardens, but for all of this to happen, months ago the seed had to die. 
 
Now this is its solemn word to me. You must die in order to live. You must refuse to consult your own case and well-being. You must be crucified, not only in desires and habits which are sinful, but in many more which appear innocent and right.  
 
My heart fails me as I listen. But, when Jesus asks it, let me tell myself that it is my high dignity to enter into the fellowship of His sufferings; and thus I am in the best of company.  Also, I think of those that did turn back from following Him at this point.  But like Peter I then must ask, where else could I go.   So I tell myself again that it is all meant to make me a vessel meet for His use. His own Calvary has blossomed into fertility; and so shall mine. Plenty out of pain, life out of death: is it not the law of the Kingdom?  But this law is the result of love, not legalism.  Jesus, Your callings are Your enabling.

Do we call it dying when the bud bursts into flower? --Selected

"Finding, following, keeping, struggling,
Is He sure to bless?
Saints, apostles, prophets, martyrs,
Answer, 'Yes."'

Be blessed today, and remember that you are loved!!!

Henry