Sunday, April 27, 2008

Standing Up for Christ

God is building a new chapter in today's generation as we witness many people around us rise up with authority. For such a time as this, God is calling us to expand his kingdom for the kingdom of God is near. But how should we go about doing this?

Equipping yourself with God's word
The last thing we want to happen to ourselves, is to give in to the devil's 'inviting' temptations. You see, he is furious with how much we love and obey God and he wants to destroy that! So now, he is more often heard saying things to our ears like," Aww, come on! There's no way you can be so nice to her when she's not gonna notice it! Are you sure God told you to PRAY FOR HER?!"
Or even worse, he tries to manipulate God's word to make it easier for us to believe in his lies. In the book of Luke 4, Satan challenged Jesus to throw himself down a temple to prove that He was the Son of God, for it was written:
"He will command his
angels concerning you to guard you carefully;
they will lift you up in your hands,
so that you will not strike
your foot against a stone."
But Jesus answered, "It says:'Do not put the Lord your God to the test' "

In such circumstances, it is vital to remember God's word and apply them to situations in our life. Remember, whenever you are in a dilemna, always think about what GOD would want you to do. And when you have done that, God will bring you to higher level of faith.

You make an impression by the WAY YOU SPEAK
Throughout the life of Jesus, many people were amazed at the gracious and wise words that came from his lips and praised Him. If you speak vulgarities, people recognize your rude nature. But if you speak like a man of faith, you will be regarded differently. Always align your language to what the Bible talks about and do not let your friend's languages influence the way you speak.

When Others accuse or reject you

As we allow Jesus to live in our decisions and our hearts, there will be a group of people who'll say, " Wow, there's something different about her/him nowadays..maybe I should get to know this God that he/she has.."

Another group of people will probably say, " I can't stand him/her nowadays, she/he is acting so holy and all that!"

And almost everyone will be hurt if someone rejects you this way. But listen to what God has to say to all of us in Luke 2:34-35:

" Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many will be revealed.."

Jesus was destined to be a sign that will be spoken against. When we are rejected because of God, we have suffered for God. Jesus Christ was crucifed so that we could be with God. Compared to the pain He went through, what does that little remark even amount to?

2nd Crinthians 12:10

That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

1st Peter 2:12

Live such good lives amomg the pagans that, though they accuse of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Carrying the Authority of Christ

Luke 4:36

..With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!

Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth, given to him by his Father the Lord God. And in all things we should submit to Him because he has the power to save any situation. He can even drive out evil spirits! What more the various situations in our life?

Luke 4:34

"..Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are- the Holy One of God!"

The evil spirits know Jese and are afraid of Him. What if you are faced with an evil spirit tonight? Will you freeze in fear and wait for it to move? Or will you remember that Christ has all authority over everything and drive it away in Jesus' name?

God is calling this generation to rise up with audacious fervour, so much so that we will be able to venture out for the impossible and leave the rest to our mighty God.

The Bible says, in 1st Corinthians 14:1, " Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy" because one who prophecies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.

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