February 18, 2012

Matthew 5:11-12

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

I know we all have had that feeling where we feel ridiculed for our faith and beliefs (and if you haven’t had that feeling, hmmm….that’s something to be addressed o_O). You probably feel a little crappy, add a little bit of anger and frustration, yep, that sounds about right. So, what happens next? Does the anger subside? Does it last? Are you left questioning your faith? What about God? Angry with Him too, think He’s forgotten you maybe? Or maybe wondering why did He let you endure that embarrassment??? He could’ve at least made you think of a really good comeback -_-

But think about it for a moment…are you the first person to be persecuted for your beliefs??? I mean there were the Christians before you, the disciples, the prophets and even Jesus himself. Now think about those people and the people who were persecuting them…who do you think is in a better place right now??? O_O

Sometimes, we let things upset us, but it’s not that they really have to. We just let them have that power over our lives. Jesus says we will be blessed when people do these things towards us. Why get angry when you’re receiving a blessing? :-) You just gotta stand your ground because you know what you’re saying, even if no one else believes you. Always stand firm. As this songwriter so eloquently put it:

"I believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, His only Son, And the blessed Holy Spirit, Distinct, yet three in one. I believe there is forgiveness for everything we've done. That is why all the more, I will serve Him.

I believe the Son of God was crucified upon the tree and laid within a borrowed tomb not far from calvary. I believe He rose up from the dead, alive for all to see. That is why all the more, I will serve Him.

Chorus:

I have made my decision. I have STAKED my claim. I have drawn a line in the sand and I'll not be ashamed. With the world behind me and the cross before, by the grace of God, I will serve the Lord.

I believe you must be born again, John 3:16 is true. The old life can be washed away, everything made new. I believe the love of God can somehow find its way to you. That is why all the more, I will serve Him.

And I know when Satan and his minions come to torment me, when I invoke the name of Jesus every demon has to flee. I know the time will come when Christ returns again someday. Till then there's just one name on Earth whereby men can be safe.

I believe there is a right and wrong. A time to live to die and the Bible is the blueprint that all men should live by. I believe I'm not alone with my faith in Jesus Christ. That is why all the more, we will serve Him.

We have made our decision. We have STAKED our claim. We have drawn a line in the sand and we won't be ashamed. With the world behind us and the cross before, by the grace of God, we will serve the Lord.

By the grace of God

I will serve the Lord"

and by God's grace, WE WILL! :-)