NOVEMBER 29 READING…NEHEMIAH 4-5 & ACTS 18
There is something that you can expect from the world that has rejected God when you are serving the Lord…opposition. Sadly, it is not just from the world that you will receive this opposition, but you will also receive it from the religious world. Nehemiah received this kind of opposition. It began with being ridiculed. The world and the religionists will always ridicule the genuine followers of Christ. Don’t be easily dissuaded because of ridicule…that is their goal. Too many followers of Christ are thin skinned, and all it takes is a little bit of ridicule and they shut down. The second way they opposed Nehemiah was to threaten him. Threats, empty or real, should never cause us to quit what God has called us to. What can the world do to us? Whatever it is, it is nothing compared to the promise we have in Jesus. The world’s threats against us for follow Jesus should have no impact on us. Then they opposed Nehemiah with an attempt to extort him. If you have a price the devil will pay it. Be the kind of follower of Christ who cannot be bought off. I know pastors who will not deal with biblical issues in their pulpit for fear that the “givers” in the church will stop giving their money. Let me make it clear…anyone who “gives” in order to get the pastor to say or do what they want are not genuine givers…they are extortioners. I encourage pastors to preach the whole Word of God…and as Charles Stanley once said, “…let the chips fall where they may, the chips belong to God.” The Apostle Paul in today’s reading is rejected by the Jewish religious leaders, but he continues to fulfill the call God had on his life. Threatened with being tried for blasphemy, Paul continued to preach the Gospel of Christ. Not only did Paul stay the course in the face of opposition, but he encouraged other believers to do the same…Aquila and Priscilla, and Apollos. We need to stay the course in the face of opposition. Don’t be surprised when it arises, and from whom it arises…every genuine follower of Jesus will face this opposition.
Please share your thoughts.
TOMORROW’S READING…NEHEMIAH 6 & PSALM 59 & ACTS 19
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