Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Have you ever had one of those days? I think we all have. what about one of those weeks? Any takers? What about one of those months or years? No matter who you are, what walk of life you come from, I’ll venture that everyone falls into at least one of those instances. Moreover, I’ll wager that there are many out there who can identify with several if not all of those circumstances. There are those seasons in our lives,as the old saying goes when, “The hits just keep on coming.
This was going to be a message about remaining strong. it was going to be a message about trusting the promises of God no matter what this world throws at us. This was going to be a message about making Psalm 51:10 our prayer; asking God to chasten our hearts and make them clean of all unrighteousness.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;
The amazing part is, the longer I am blessed to share the word of God, the more I learn. in this case, this message will be about, standing strong in the Lord, trusting in His promises, and asking for a clean heart devoid of anything but God. The purpose, for lack of a better word, will be different, will be broader.
In light of the decision Friday by the Supreme Court to legalize same-sex marriage across the nation, I must tell you, I no longer anticipate religious persecution in America as some distant event that will happen eventually. I know it is coming. i also know that the body of Christ must be ready to face it with the knowledge that Jesus is in charge and is with us every step of the way.
John 16:3333 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will[a] have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
I quote that verse often because it is my favorite. It is a not so subtle reminder that I am in charge of nothing and that Jesus has already won. Jesus Christ has beaten the devil and sin and death; that is already done. No matter what the courts of man decree, Jesus Christ is Lord of the universe.
And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give ofthe fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
I have said it before and I will say it again and again, and again and yet, again after the state classifies it as hate speech: Jesus Christ was here before it all started and He will be here when it is all over. His promises can and must be trusted; He remains on the throne!
So what must we do? The law is passed and the ramifications are farther reaching then any of its proponents will admit publicly. Where does that leave us? Where does that leave the church? We are where we always have been, in the palm of God’s hand. It does not leave us to sit idly by and watch. It should stir us to action, righteous action. Scripture tells us to do all things as unto the Lord. So, if you don’t serve, begin, if you do serve, pray that your role would be expanded and in all things preach the gospel!
As I said, I believe that on the heals of this ruling, we will see full-blown, no holds bared, persecution of christians in the United States of America. Remain steadfast in the Lord. We must not allow our flesh to control us. We can not get down in the mud with those that would incite us to battle.
Matthew 10:1616 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
The storm is no longer coming, it is here. Remain steadfast in the word, diligent in prayer, and safe in the knowledge the God is still on the throne! Remember also that the great commission was not to preach to the choir. Jesus never said, ” Build a church, invite like-minded people, and hang out there affirming yourselves.” No. Jesus said, “Go forth!” (Matthew 28) That is what we must do.
As you step forward, remember those people on the steps of the court. Some profess faith in Christ. I pray that God would apprehend their hearts and bring them to a saving faith in Jesus: A faith rooted in relationship born of humility and repentance. The mission is the same as it has always been, reach the lost. Remain steadfast and trust in Jesus!
As the frustrations and disappointments build, remain steadfast in the Word. As the tears fall and the pain intensifies, know that He is there for you. Reach out your hand and touch Him. He is already holding you! Jesus knows your pain. He knows your sorrow for He has felt it too. Tomorrow will come and His mercy will be new. God keeps His promises. He sent His Son to die for you. RemaIn steadfast……
Grace & Peace,
LD
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