Acts 4:29

Acts 4:29
What are some of the things God desires to give us that can only be released into our lives and through our lives in relationship to threats, persecution and conflict? What if our lack of real trouble hinders us more than helps us become powerful in Christlikeness. It would almost be like what Jesus warned us, that only through tribulation does one enter the Kingdom of God.

I want to proclaim the greatness of those who are willing to fight for the Lord. I know of many people who love to be esteemed and valued by God, people who boast about the favor of the Lord being on them. But what if that favor is not really favor at all but rather the mercy of God protecting them because they are not able to stand and fight in a Christlike way. I once had a pastor of a large congregation tell me that he could not do what the small church pastor was doing. He could not mow the church yard, shovel the snow, clean the church, go to homes and the hospital. He was talking like he was above that, that God somehow raised him up to live a life of favor.

In my mind I thought the Lord was protecting him because he was basically a whimp. This guy could only serve the things that served himself and had little or no interest in serving others through practical and loving ways. I love the people that can handle of load of “other serving burdens”. To me these people are not the scorned by God but the truly favored by the Lord. Sure they do not feel like it. That is what makes them even more worthy of double honor. Think of Luther, John of the Cross, Fenelon and a thousand others who served the Lord at the cost of persecution and renouncement.

So here you are and you are upset because you have to battle against pornography, drinking, drugs, same sex attraction, laziness, joblessness and whatever. Don’t waste your energy by being upset. Use your life to live for Christ and overcome all the works of the evil one. Don’t let your mind think that “others” do not have the troubles you do because they are “more Godly” or “highly favored” by the Lord. Living right bears fruit through sowing and reaping and you want to start receiving that harvest as soon as possible. So allow your pride to die and get on with fighting the fight the Lord has set before you. But your fight is for you to overcome.

The Maser does not have a magic wand that He waves over our lives to make everything better. We live in relationship with God and out of our friendship with God, He speaks to us, heals our bodies and directs our steps. But the main thing is the relationship, not the “live is easier now”. Beware of the idol of “easy and blessed life” when the Master is calling you to be an over comer, preserver, endureing and trusted friend.

I said all this to start to lay the foundation for understanding what the “bond-servant” of the Lord is. In Acts 4:29 these bond-servants call out to the Lord for the ability to speak. Before we have authority, we need character. Trouble and treats have a great way of helping us mature.

Living Sacrifice

Every day millions of people give large portions of their life for others. Mom’s are most notable for this, but our list of awareness should also include Dads, brothers and sisters. It is one of the most common basic Christian events, that part of the family of God lives for the other parts. Each day in the body of Christ someone is cared for, fed, clothed and even given gifts; all because of the loving sacrifices of others. With all the negative media in our world you would tend to think that this is rare, when in fact it is quite common.

I am thankful to God for the millions within His body that love others in a sacrificial way. But I also want to be loving toward them. Even with all their sacrifices there is still needs in our world. Even those who generously give and live find the reality of needs beyond supply. Right now in Africa, in South America and in our own streets are endless needs. The one who must bear the weight of this burden of humanity is the Lord. As we each do our part, we must depend more on the Lord than our efforts and programs. I say this because one of the tactics of the enemy is to wear out the body of Christ. If the evil one can offend and discourage the ongoing living sacrifices of a thousand souls, just think of the harm it occurred in our land.

The best way to stay encouraged is to have hope. In the case of giving to meet needs, our hope is in the Lord, maker of heaven and earth. We all give our lives to Him and trust and hope in the Lord to care for all. This is not escapism, but real faith in a living God. Keep on doing your part and do not become discouraged by what you perceive is not getting done. Rejoice in the Lord, for He is able to make a way when our resources have come to an end.

Our personal obedience to the Lord is more crucial than the amount we give.