In reference to Matt.10:41, I asked the Lord many years ago what a 'prophets reward' was,
and immediatly these three words rang out inside me;... "Knowledge, Wisdom and Suffering."
Hebrews 5:8 says that Jesus 'learned obedience' through the things that He 'suffered'.
Suffering, to one degree or another, is part of discipleship.
There is no getting around it for those that are truly called.
Afflictions, persecutions and hardships are often the tools used to humble us and bring us
to greater degrees of obedience.
The 'bread of adversity' and the 'water of affliction' can grieve a man to the depths of his soul.
The 'Chastening of the Lord' can grieve a man nearly unto death, yes,.....
but then,... THAT,... is exactly the point.....
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For says the Lord;...
"Those who have obediently eaten of My 'bread of adversity' and drank
of My 'water of affliction' shall dine with Me at My table for eternity in My kingdom.
Those who have not run from My chastening, and have endured My scourgings are sons indeed,
and I will abide with them forever!
Blessed are they that wait on Me!
Blessed are they who endure and do not cast away their confidence," says the Lord.
"I will repay!"
"There shall be great joy in Zion, not only because I am there,
but also because of the witness of the brethren assembled.
There shall not be a perversion or a coward among them.
The 'elect of the Lord', humble and true, will be each ones neighbor!
Those whom I have picked and proven will worship in My streets and upon My hills.
Those who have given their life for Me and have come through the fire will be with Me
and see Me as when a child wakes to the arms and kisses of his mother.
Yes, I will rule the nations with a rod of iron, but My beloved I will dandle on My knee!"
"What would a man give for his soul?
What in this life of yours O man, is so important and precious that you would sell your soul and deny Me?
If My love could be weighed, the world would be as a feather in comparison.
My 'LOVE' has come forth and has always been with you.
Also My 'JUSTICE'.
The Blood of My holiness and righteousness is the SACRIFICE that demands an answer!
It is the Covenant that cannot be broken;... 'My Life, for Yours'.
I have given Mine. What will you do with yours?
I have given ALL... I can give no more."
"The last call has gone out.
My mighty ones are gathered at the corners of the earth.
On the wind they ride with death and destruction!
What will you give for your soul O man? The end is near!
Look up. Turn your ear to My spirit.
For in the day that you deny Me, lay on your back and spit straight way into the air.
So shall your shame cover you!"
"I am the Lord your God.
Before Me there are no others!"
"What will you give for your soul O man?"
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