Today's encouragement comes from Hebrews 6:15, where we read these great words:
"And so, after he [Abraham] had patiently endured, he obtained the promise."
The most important practical fruit of sincere and saving faith in Jesus, in this world, is perseverance. Without endurance to the end, even love has no cred-ibility. It is not easy to stretch-out all the way to the finish line, and to conclude the race of faith well. But, if we are to please God, and be satisfied in our souls, we must do this.
So, are we having problems in church, home, state, marriage, job, raising children, etc.? Then, let us join our spiritual father (Abraham); and, like him, make it all the way to the end—through our faith in Christ. (If we do this, we will get to enjoy the promises: in this life, and in the one to come.)
[Puritan quote of the day: "If civility were sufficient to salvation, Christ need not have died." --Thomas Watson, in, "The Doctrine of Repentance"]