"...THOUGH THE MORE ABUNDANTLY I LOVE YOU, THE LESS I AM LOVED"
2 Corinthians 12:15
The Apostle Paul could be stating words for our modern times, as world events keep escalating into challenges for Christians in every nation. We are commanded to live as the Ambassadors of Christ on the earth, walking in love, bearing the 9 Fruit of the Spirit which is a portrait of the Lord...a spirit led and controlled life according to Galatians 5:22-26 (Study this)
(Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control)
This is the nature of the Lord Jesus Christ and we are the Body of Christ on the earth. How can we truly show love to the wicked, arrogant, ignorant people all around us? Truly, "they know not what they do!" The world (system) the flesh (theirs and ours) and the devil are real and continue to "press our lives to the wall" as we commit ourselves to follow Christ, obey the Holy Spirit and grow in loving service to others in order to win some to Christ for their eternal salvation.
We see Christians being persecuted and despised in every arena of life. Public Christian figures are attacked by the media, politicians and others. Many idle/idol words are spat out of the mouths of those who are still in darkness and under the control of the kingdom of darkness.
Do not be surprised!
Do not allow this to "bother and fret you."
Do not lose heart or faith as you see the various battles raging worldwide in words, violence and blood. Time is so short. We, as the Body of Christ, the Salt of God, must continue in faith and divine courage to do all the Holy Spirit is directing us in our personal lives and callings. It is worth it! This is our life in Christ while on the earth! Eternity is waiting for us with Joy!
Do the Word! This is wisdom each day!
Be Doers of the Word of God!
Honor the Word each day with obedience!
Learn how to pray in spiritual warfare (lessons coming on this subject) We are not wrestling with flesh and blood...this is a spiritual battle and Almighty God is with us in great mighty power and grace! Pray much in the spirit (Tongues)
Guard your heart!
Guard your words and thoughts!
Do not allow yourself to speak as a worldly, carnal Christian!
You are Redeemed, Righteous and Royal NOW in Christ and do not have to lower yourself, your life, your standards to act and react to the world and all the gross evil in the world. Keep focused upon your Master and Commander...Jesus Christ! Forgive those who spit out angry words and pray for them that their eyes and hearts are opened to the love of God through the Gospel.
Do not give up on the passion of doing the First Commandment...Love God with ALL of your heart, soul, mind and strength. Allow Him to perfect your faith which is more precious than gold to Him. Encourage other Believers in the Household of Faith. Spend much time in fellowship with Abba Father.
Plant the Word into your entire life with little scripture cards sprinkled everywhere...your mirror, your car, your desk, your pillow.....drop all evil worldly entertainment from your life. Limit your feeding on the daily news and turn to the Word of God instead. Spend your time wisely...it is your life and a gift from God...we are bought with a price and we are not our own. In the world...but not of it! Ask the Holy Spirit to "order your steps each day." Pray for other Christians in all the nations. Use a world map on the floor for intercession on your knees.
Worship and give thanks to God for everything great and small.
Paul did not care anymore about the "approval of men"...he was "sold out to Christ!"
He was "untouchable" as he lived to show the love of Jesus to others. We, too, can become the triumphant "epistles read of men" in these "modern times" to joyfully show that Jesus is Lord and coming soon!
REJOICE! REJOICE! REJOICE!
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Rev Gerri Merrick (Copyrighted Message)
