Our pastor, Dr. Ted Sherrill, at First Baptist -Georgetown preached a wonderful sermon today that reminded me of the following blog. To me, as I evaluate the situation that we find ourselves in during these stressful times, I am reminded that there has never been a better time for those of us who call ourselves Christians to be light in a dark world; salt that allows others to savor the flavor and a lamp, when placed upon the lampstand, will light the hearts of those we encounter with the LOVE of Jesus. If we do those things, then our GOOD WORKS WILL SHOW and those that see is at work for Him, will glorify our Father and be drawn to come to know Him as their Father also; so my question is...

 

Are you an Authentic Christian?

 

Let me ask you a rather poignant question…..How’s life treating you…..Things going well, running smoothly, no problems? Are you a Christian and not being hounded on all sides? Well, could it be time to take your spiritual pulse?

 

What do I mean by such a preposterous question? Aren’t we all supposed to be working to have a better, smoother running, more fulfilling life? Besides, who wants trouble?

 

We all should….Why? Simply put…because Scripture says that’s the way it is to be. When we read 2 Timothy 2: 12 we have a better understanding of this Biblical truth,

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

 

Since the beginning of time, it has been the mission of Satan to blind sinners and to beguile and undermine Christians…to inflict pain, suffering and discouragement to those who belong to God. He will do anything to disturb our minds, disrupt our lives and discourage our witness for our Lord and Savior. He is the one who led Lot to Sodom, instilled the anger in Joseph’s brothers so they would sell him into slavery and lead Peter, the Rock, to deny Christ three times. He even called out the Son of God and attacked Him…challenging Him to deny His Father to gain worldly fame and fortune.

 

In 1 Peter5: 8, we are reminded by Peter to “be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

 

If you are a Christian and seeking to live for the Lord in a godly and forthright way, you should be on the menu for our adversary, the devil. You will (a promise from God’s word) be pressed and stressed and messed with from all sides…that’s the way the devil likes to operate. He comes at you with all sorts of problems; some large, small, even life-changing …each designed to move your further from God’s perfect will for your life…each with the intent to separate you from the witness of God’s love in your life.

 

So if life has been treating you too good lately, you might want to ask yourself if you are truly living a godly life in Christ Jesus. If your life is truly making a difference in the lives of those you encounter, you can bet the devil is sniffing around to see if he smells “fresh meat”; however, if not; then, even a lion will not eat a dead, decaying corpse.

 

Is Jesus alive in you today…are you striving to live a life that is pleasing to Him….are you beset with trials, problems and persecutions of an earthly and heavenly nature? Then, PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!!!!!

 

Remember….the way you handle the trials, tribulations, test and temptations in your life can be a great beacon that shines the light of God’s love, support and encouragement to others that are watching you. You are living in Him and He lives in you …and it should show!!!!!

 

Today, count your blessings …but also count your persecutions as blessings….for in each one is an opportunity to draw closer and closer to your Heavenly Father…and as you lean upon Him, you will feel your pulse race, your heart pound and your faith grow as you win the war against your adversary….and when all is said and done, the VICTORY IS IN THE LIFE WELL-LIVED IN JESUS!!!!!

 

Living in persecutions ….counting each a blessing,

 

WPQ

 

Poem of the Day...

Father, in Heaven, please grant me

When faced by earthly foes;

A spirit that will not tremble

And be undone by earthly woes.

 

Let me place my trust in Jesus;

Not shrink from the battle near;

And may the sounds of victory

Be pleasing to my Savior's ear.

 

May I always seek to serve you

As I defend my life in you...

For you gave me life at Calvary

So the least that I can do...

 

Is be a Bright & Shining Beacon

So that all who see may know...

To follow in your footsteps

Is the way we each should go.

 

May the victory be ours, dear Lord

As we place our will in thine;

Then all who see will acknowledge

Our Lord and Savior is indeed…. DIVINE!!!!

 

WPQ © August 2018

 

 

If you would like to hear Dr. Sherrill's sermon today,

go to www.firstbaptistgeorgetown.org

and click on the icon for sermons.