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A non-negotiable.
The life of a Christian includes many things. It consists of forgiveness, growth, trust, faith, and much more. Perhaps one of the most comforting aspects of a relationship with Christ is the knowledge that God’s care is non-negotiable.
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!” Psalm 139:1-7
God’s willing sacrifice and plan to reconcile us to Himself provides us only a glimpse of how great His love is for us. His care and provision for our needs is unmatched. His grace is always sufficient. How could we could we live any less than passionately devoted to Him?
Remember, until He calls us, be effective for Him!
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This post was inspired by Mike. Thank you for your unwavering example of Christ, reminding us of His care, and consistently pointing us to our Heavenly Father! -To God be the glory!
What does it take to be effective for Christ?
Commitment.
Let’s look for a few moments at the life of Stephen, the church’s first martyr. The story of the final minutes of his life can be found in Acts 7. Stephen was a man who was unwavering in his commitment to Christ. He performed signs and wonders and boldly proclaimed the truth of Christ publicly. Such was his conviction that when falsely accused and brought before the self righteous Jewish leaders of the Sanhedrin, Stephen boldly turned the tables on all present with the following accusation.
“You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! Name one prophet your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.” Acts 7:51-53
The Bible says the Jewish leaders were consumed with rage at Stephen’s accusations. Many were still observing the rules and traditions put forth in the law. Stephen was arguing against this saying that the law had been superseded by Christ’s finished work on the cross. He was engaging in a monumental task and was perceived to be on the losing end, when in fact, he was on the winning. -Stephen was taking a stand for Christ!
In the midst of what was unfolding, Stephen gazes upward and is granted a glimpse of glory. He sees his Savior standing at the right hand of the Father!
“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, ‘Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!'” Acts 7:55-56
This passage should move us deeply. So often, we have heard of Christ being seated at the right hand of our heavenly Father. But in this passage we see the picture of Jesus standing. I believe this is a statement to all of those who take a stand for Christ. In the following passage, Jesus is clear about our boldness for Him here on earth.
“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:28-33
God loved us enough to send Christ to die for us. Christ loved us enough to obey His Father fully and be the perfect atonement for our sin. Even today He is interceding for us in glory before the Father. It is only reasonable that we give ourselves in service for Him.
We have Christ’s full attention when we respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives and take a stand for God. It honors Him, glorifies Him, and demonstrates our desire to be effective for Him in the lives of others He so desperately wants to reach through us.
If you’re familiar with the story, you know that Stephen’s courage for Christ cost him his life. Yet even while dying, Stephen cried out for mercy towards those who were stoning him.
“While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:59-60
So I ask you, what does your commitment to Christ look like when compared to that of Stephen’s? He was just an ordinary man used by God in an extraordinary way. Simply put, he was one hundred percent in it for Christ.
If you are saved, then naturally you confess Christ as your Savior. The question is, does your life reveal the kind of faith and fruit that demonstrates the Lordship of Christ? Do you live like someone who is passionate about the cause of Christ? Do you proclaim Him before your fellow men?
Remember, until He calls us, be effective for Him!
Please email admin@MEN4CHRIST.us with any questions or for prayer support.
Run to win!
Encouragement for the week ahead.
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NLT)
Don’t forget to spend time in God’s Word and prayer daily. Start your day with Him making sure not to give Him the leftovers of your time, but the first and foremost of your time. Be an example of Christ to those you come into contact with. Place the kingdom of God first, and run like you’re committed to win!
Desiring God
Do we long for and cling to God everyday? May this chapter from the Psalms be a blessing to your heart today.
“O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. But those plotting to destroy me will come to ruin. They will go down into the depths of the earth. They will die by the sword and become the food of jackals. But the king will rejoice in God. All who trust in Him will praise Him, while liars will be silenced.”
Psalm 63 (NLT)
What it’s all about…
An encouraging message from God’s Word.
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)