Saved

by

Matthew 10:22 Stand Firm

You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22

Very few people like to be hated, most people like to be liked. They want people to like them and will do just about anything to gain their favor and liking.

Watching posts on social media platforms, people get excited when the number of likes climbs higher and higher. It gives the impression that people really do like them. Yet, not everyone will like everyone. Some will hate others, regardless of what they do or don’t do.

As Jesus is sending the disciples out to be His witness, He tells them that they will be hated. Even though they are hated, they must stand firm in what they believe and are doing.

Even though nearly two thousand years have passed, people still hate true active believers. They hate because the message being proclaimed is offensive to the world. It tells the world there is a high standard to live by, that there is only one way to eternal life, that there is only one God, and that living in sin brings about death. People do not like to hear this.

Sadly, over the years, many believers and churches have changed the message to try and get people to like them. Often it is no longer about repentance, but feeling and looking good. This is not standing firm in what one believes and has been taught in God’s word.

Every believer needs to preach or speak the message Jesus taught. That message is that people need to repent of sins, change, and believe in and follow Jesus. When this is done, people will hate them, but it is what God desires. This is God’s will for every believer.

As a believer in and a follower of Jesus, you have the responsibility to share His message with this fallen world. Some will believe and follow Jesus, while many will hate you for it. Do not be surprised or hurt when they hate you, because they did the same to Jesus.

Do not give in to this world, but keep giving the message. Stand firm on the truth in God’s world and continue to live for God in His ways. As you stand firm, you will be saved in the end. With God you will win the battle.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will be God’s true witness; that you will not fear the hatred of this world; that you will know God’s love for you; and that you will remain firm in God’s truth.

by

Jeremiah 15:20 Be A Wall

Rock wall in forest

“I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 15:20 

Being determined is a character trait that some people have. It is what keeps them going when the going gets tough. It is what keeps them going when everyone is against them.

Some of the greatest inventors had the majority of people who thought they were crazy and people fought against their inventions. Yet they focused on accomplishing their task and would not let others overcome them.

God tells Jeremiah that he will be a wall to the people. Jeremiah had a message to get out and the people would fight against him, yet he would not be overcome. God would rescue him and save him.

Every believer has a message to give out. There are many people who will fight against the believer because of the message. The world and some people in the church do not want to hear the message, even though they need to hear the message.

Years later Paul would tell the believer to put on the armor of God and then stand. This standing is being a wall. Walls are meant to keep people out or keep the enemy from taking over.

The believer needs to be a wall in that he is standing firm on God’s word and message and not allowing the enemy to gain any ground in his life.

God is with the believer and will not allow him to be overcome as long as he is standing with God and following Jesus. It may be tough and hard, but in the end God will rescue him and save him.

As a believer, the enemy wants to take you out. You have the message of God to deliver to this dark and fallen world. As you draw closer to God and get His message out, people will fight against you. It is not a matter of if they will fight you, but when they will fight you.

Lock yourself down as a wall and be solid in what you believe in and stand for. Know that you can stand upon God’s word and His promises to you.

As you live for God and spread His message to this world, God will take care of you. He will save you in the end, either out of the problem or into eternity.

I pray today that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will know the message God wants you to spread to the world; that you will stand upon God’s promises and word; and that God will keep the world from overcome your heart.