Stand For Jesus

Jesus must be #1 in our hearts, standing on his word, trusting in Him, and confessing the truth of his word Above All Else. Speaking his truth in love and not wavering to the left or to the right but abiding in the branch of life; while not letting the opinions of others sway us from confessing him and living for him. That may mean we may lose friendships, that may mean we may lose family members. Jesus did not say the life of the Christian would be easy, but He said that as He was hated and persecuted so shall we. But take joy when we are persecuted for His name. We live in the world but not of the world and if you are feeling out of place, it is because this is not your place. This is not your home. Heaven is your home.

“[41] These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.  [42] Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; [43] for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:41-43 NKJV).”

In the verses above we are told how the rulers believed in Jesus. But they feared man more than they feared God. This caused them to deny Jesus and to not confess him. They wanted the approval of man, they wanted to be welcomed in the synagogue, they wanted to be accepted and feel the Earthly love of the people around them. They wanted the praise of man, as it is written more than they wanted the praise of God. It is very sad because since they denied Jesus, Jesus will deny them in front of the father. So while they may have lived a blink of an eye life on earth, and feel what they thought to be love from the people they knew, since Jesus was denied they will live a life of eternity in torment.

So Stand Fast to the word of God and what he has called you to even if you have to stand alone. Stand up for his word and convictions even when outnumbered. Speak his truth with boldness, might, wisdom, and love and do not waiver to the left or the right. Focus on Jesus no matter who may leave your side, and remember He will never leave your side. Although you may walk through the valley of the shadow of death He is with you and will never leave or forsake you. Sorrow may come in the evening but joy will come in the morning. You do not labor in vain, keep pressing on until that day that you hear in glory well done good and faithful servant. 

Be in prayer for those who are lukewarm and wavering. For those who seek the approval of man above God. For those who want to please man above God and receive man's praise. For those who go against the word of God just to appease man and be in their presence even when they know that it's wrong and they suppress that still small voice. Pray for that still small voice to become so loud that it overtakes them and they have a change of heart. That they change their ways, that they fear God rather than man, and that they begin to confess Jesus is the Lord and preach his truth with boldness, love, and conviction. Pray for people to be pulled out of the fire, pray for their souls. You may be the only one doing so. May the Lord bless and keep you may he make his face to shine upon you may he be gracious to you and give you peace.