Thoughts for another day
May 25, 2010
Today's verse: Lk. 21:12,13. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Sometimes as we journey along in life, comes a point when we’re broken. Then we go for a crusade or a retreat and are impacted by the power of God’s Word and His cause in our lives. We begin to praise and glorify the Lord at all times. I’ve even noticed people, when you call them on the phone, greet you with ‘Praise the Lord’. At this point in time, we’re willing to do anything for the Lord and even die for Him. Then time passes and slowly the fire within us begins to die. Our real self comes out and then we have excuses for everything the Lord invites us to. If He asks us to sit up and pray, we’re tired. If He tells us to minister to someone in hospital, we’re too busy; and so on. Now we’re not ready to suffer injury for the Lord, leave alone die for Him! You wonder why? What happened to the zeal, the fire burning inside, etc? The question whether, we’re really called to be disciples of the Lord is critical at this time and also whether we are willing to be separated for the Lord’s work.
One thing I can say, when you’re chosen to be a disciple for Christ, Paul’s words hold true, ‘For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake’ Philip. 1:29 and this is so true of all who represent Christ in this world. Their lives are not their own but in the hands of the Lord, to do as He wills. And persecution is a must for the true man of God!
Our Scripture affirms when we’ve been set apart for the Lord, we will be persecuted. Jesus says it and He also went through it. Wonderful isn’t it to have a Master who has gone through all that He says we will go through. In fact, His going through the terrible agony and crucifixion gives us so much strength as we’re aware that He is up in the sky beckoning us to look at Him and He gives us much strength to bear the persecution. We know this of Stephen the first martyr who beheld the heavens opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father, as they were stoning him. What a glorious picture and a fabulous way to depart from this world and move into the world of glory!
May 25, 2010
Today's verse: Lk. 21:12,13. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)
Sometimes as we journey along in life, comes a point when we’re broken. Then we go for a crusade or a retreat and are impacted by the power of God’s Word and His cause in our lives. We begin to praise and glorify the Lord at all times. I’ve even noticed people, when you call them on the phone, greet you with ‘Praise the Lord’. At this point in time, we’re willing to do anything for the Lord and even die for Him. Then time passes and slowly the fire within us begins to die. Our real self comes out and then we have excuses for everything the Lord invites us to. If He asks us to sit up and pray, we’re tired. If He tells us to minister to someone in hospital, we’re too busy; and so on. Now we’re not ready to suffer injury for the Lord, leave alone die for Him! You wonder why? What happened to the zeal, the fire burning inside, etc? The question whether, we’re really called to be disciples of the Lord is critical at this time and also whether we are willing to be separated for the Lord’s work.
One thing I can say, when you’re chosen to be a disciple for Christ, Paul’s words hold true, ‘For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake’ Philip. 1:29 and this is so true of all who represent Christ in this world. Their lives are not their own but in the hands of the Lord, to do as He wills. And persecution is a must for the true man of God!
Our Scripture affirms when we’ve been set apart for the Lord, we will be persecuted. Jesus says it and He also went through it. Wonderful isn’t it to have a Master who has gone through all that He says we will go through. In fact, His going through the terrible agony and crucifixion gives us so much strength as we’re aware that He is up in the sky beckoning us to look at Him and He gives us much strength to bear the persecution. We know this of Stephen the first martyr who beheld the heavens opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father, as they were stoning him. What a glorious picture and a fabulous way to depart from this world and move into the world of glory!
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