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Call to action

Call to action

Matthew 10:27 “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.

Christ has been traveling preaching repentance, performing miracles, and gathering his 12 apostles. He gives them the power to heal and command evil spirits to flee those possessed by them. He is sending them out into the world to spread the good news that is available to all that will hear. They are to share what they have come to know as witnesses and men called by God to serve Him. They are bursting with anticipation, but surely fear is at work also. Knowing this Christ speaks to those fears, of their certain persecutions, of the price they must pay as disciples of His. But He promises the power that is given them as messengers of God, of how when they are brought up before councils they will be messengers with the words they will not utter. 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. Matthew 10 is an encouraging passage to all those who are missionaries.

Do you feel that same urge to share what you possess? Do you feel that you want to shout it from the rooftops that you are forgiven, redeemed, and free from death as a result of the grace you were given in Christ? This realization should surely produce a level of zealousness. Many newly saved Christians are spoken of as “on fire for God”. What happens; why do they loose that passion of their early walk? What distraction or discouragement did Satan take their eyes off of that eternal prize? Where in this life did the enthusiasm become lost in our hope for eternity? Christianity and passivity should be polar opposites. We are commanded to live our lives as disciples, to make disciples of those that God places before us, to sacrifice ourselves for Him, just as He did for us. Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

When you stand before God in that day of judgement and He asks you what you did with the sacrifice he gave you through Christ, how will you respond? “Well…..I went to church, I wore a cross neckless, I listened to some Christian music……..I……” What evidence and what actions are in your life of the eternal promise you claim. Matthew 7 contains the scariest scriptures in the Bible; those that think they are saved and going to heaven, but are turned away. 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ When you live your life as a disciple; your life focused on God and the things of God; your life as a response to what He freely gave you and the desire to share it; you will possess that eternal security of Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

 
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Posted by on April 20, 2013 in Daily Devotions

 

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Most Wanted poster?

Wow……It is so hard to just start reading the book of Acts and not get drawn into the story and loose track of time. The book of Acts alone could easily be a best seller, or even a movie on it’s own. Any readers out there can appreciate the story and how it grabs you. I just couldn’t help but wonder, what would the angels of hell say about me? It is a piercing question when I think of all the known and unknown sin in 44yrs. They have had their highlights, but I also rest in the assurance of Salvation now, and the Light that lives in me, that dis-spells all that darkness. His light that can live within you can and will cover all your regrets past, present, and future. All you must do is humble yourself, repent, and accept Christ into your heart for eternal forgiveness. I pray that you too will draw near to God, and the angels of hell know they lost you for eternity.

 

 

 

Most wanted poster?

Acts 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

Paul was in Ephesus on his second missionary journey and he had baptized about 12 men as disciples of Christ to aid him in spreading the Good News. Ephesus was a city filled with those who practiced magic, and many even using the name of Christ in doing so. They were held in high esteem, most likely wealthy, but committing great sins against God. I encourage you to read chapter 19 for the benefit of the entire story. God was performing miracles through Paul in unusual ways and reaching those who were lost through them. This event in verse 15 led to a great repentance, an expensive burning of magic books, and even a riot that followed afterwards. But in all of this God was glorified.

There is so much in this passage, especially a direct warning from God on using His name in evil works. But do you get the question too? Do you pretend to walk as a Christian, yet continue in sin even tarnishing the Name you claim? We all sin every day, we all need forgiveness every day, we all fail, but we all can strive to live more Christ like and glorify Him in all we do. Matthew Henry said, “This was written for a warning to all who name the name of Christ, but do not depart from iniquity.” These warnings are direct for great sins committed here. But don’t we desire to be so close to Christ that the angels of hell know our name too? You must draw near to Him, seek Him daily, pursue the teachings and revelations of Him in the Word, and maybe, just maybe you will have a Most Wanted poster at the gates of hell with your name on it. James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Strive to make today a better day, living more like Christ than the day before.

 
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Posted by on March 24, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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