Stand With God: Day 5
(Matthew 5:44-45, Matthew 10:22, Philippians 3:20, Deuteronomy 31:6)
A lot of times being a Christian (a true Christian) takes courage. As an American, I don’t face tribulation like those Christians in Syria, Iraq, or Egypt, but there’s no doubt that if I went most places in the country to told people that if they were going to hell unless they believed in that Jesus had died for their sins and that they need to repent of their sins and accept Him as their Lord and Savior in order to avoid going to hell, I would be chastised for judging people. People would ask who I am to tell them how to live their lives. And if I did this at my job, I would probably face legal action for harassment, or any number of other things which I have no idea what they would be.
But we need to remember that Jesus told us that we would be hated for His name (Matt 10:22), and we need to remember that – even though we are currently living here – we are citizens of a different country. We are citizens of the Kingdom of God and there’s nothing that anyone can do or say to us which will hurt us.
For our commonwealth exists in heaven, from which also we eagerly await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
-Pilippians 3:20
Stand With God: Day 6
(1 Peter 3:13-17, 1 Peter 5:10)
Many times, there’s an easy way out. But that way out usually denies Jesus. Peter had the opportunity to take the easy way out after Jesus had been arrested. All he had to do was deny that he knew Jesus and he was able to not have to go through the tribulation that was coming to him. We often can do the same thing. How often have you not took a stand of faith in order to avoid potential suffering? Even if it was something little, like just letting a statement go instead of saying that you believe the way you believe because you believe in Jesus. Let it be what it is but we need to stop allowing others to think that we accept deviance. By remaining silent, we are showing our defacto approval.
But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. (1Pe 3:14-17 ESV)
Stand With God: Day 7
(Ephesians 6:10-18, Psalms 46:10, Isaiah 40: 28-29)
Sometimes, as we’re going through whatever struggles have been put in our way, it’s easy to feel alone and like God isn’t there. Sometimes His perceived silence is the loudest thing you hear. But you’re hearing it wrong. As humans it’s very difficult to not act lash out and act rashly. A lot of times when God is being silent it’s because He wants you to be still, too. It’s important to learn to hear the voice of God so that when you’re having those times of trouble you can hear God saying, “no, not that way”. Sometimes all we want us for God to tell us which way to go, but all He does is tell is which ways not to go. In these times, He’s kind of like our radar system. He tells us that there are obstructions in a certain direction so veer left or right. Don’t think God’s not there, he’s still helping you out.
Be still, and know that I am God…
-Psalms 46:10
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