Shakin' the Dust Off My Feet

Luke 9:5 (NASB) And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.

You can't force the truth on anyone.  Jesus Christ himself didn't make anyone believe in Him.  You have a responsibility to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  You do not have the authority to make anyone believe it.  Once someone rejects the message of the cross, salvation through Jesus Christ, move on!  You don't have to keep beating them up with it.  Stop arguing about it, and just pray for his/her soul.

Father God, in the name of Jesus Christ, we come to you first to thank you for saving us.  We thank you for your grace and your endless mercy.  We ask that you have mercy on those who have rejected You and Your holiness.  Allow them to have yet another opportunity to believe that You sent Your precious son to take away our sins.  We give them over to you, Father, because You are sovereign, and it is Your will that will be done.  Help us to forgive those who have hurt us, slandered our names, and mocked us for Your sake.  Keep us in perfect peace, as we keep our minds on You.  Cause us to have a burden to know You all the more, to study Your Word all the more, to fellowship with You all the more.  Give us Your heart, O God, for a broken nation that has strayed from Your commands.  We plead for holy boldness to declare Your Word among the heathen, and wisdom to keep it movin' if we are not received.  Amen.

And There You Have It

Isaiah 41:10 NLT "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

The Bible is filled with God's promises, and every now and then, we just need to be reminded of God's faithfulness.  It doesn't matter if it looks like the enemy is winning; God is in control.  We need not be discouraged by the appearance of the situation.  It may seem like it can only turn out one way, but we must trust God above all else.

Our senses are no match for God's omnipotence.  Just because we can't see where our deliverance is coming from doesn't mean it isn't coming.  When all the doors and windows are blocked, God can lift us up through the roof to our blessing.  Stop trying to have all the answers.  God already knows how He's going do it, and His ways are not our ways.

This promise in Isaiah tells me in simple terms: "Don't sweat it; I am ahead of this game.  Don't you know me by now?  I am the only wise God, the Sovereign above all.  You are mine, so I have made perfect plans for you.  Trust me."  Trusting God isn't always easy when we're playing chicken with a life-changing decision, but it is ALWAYS best.

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 NASB) Happy Independence Day! Although all Americans didn't receive their freedom at the same time, the fact is that Christ made us all free thousands of years ago. For those who have accepted His sacrifice, we will ALWAYS be free as long as we abide in Him. Enjoy your freedom, both natural and spiritual! Have a safe holiday, friends.