Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Opposition
Today's reading from Ezra in our One Year Bible tells the story of the opposition to rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, after the Jews were authorized to return by King Cyrus.
King Darius, later, confirmed the authorization of Cyrus and warned that anyone who interfered with the building was to suffer the consequences ( see Ezra chapter 6).
God's work will always be opposed. But woe to those oppose it.
It is not only missionaries efforts to spread the Gospel in hostile Islamic or Communistic countries that are opposed by the Enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy . . . God's work is opposed in our own culture and country as well. The days ahead will reveal intense opposition to our ministry, coming from places and people that may be surprising to you.
Sadly, a spirit of competition, rather than cooperation, exists in the church. The first wave of opposition will not come from an apathetic, secular culture (they couldn't care less), but from church folks, who see new work as threatening to their carefully, worked out comfort zones.
"A man's steps are directed by the Lord," (Prov. 20: 24a). If we prayerfully and obediently walk in the Spirit we have assurance that we will triumph over the opposition of Satan. Yes, there will be conflict--but we follow the One who has already won the victory for His followers.
May you experience Sabbatical peace as you face criticism and opposition to following God's will--
Blessings,
Tim
Congratulations! Tuesday, Aug. 13, the Wild Goose will have a grand opening by our Chamber. Come out and support this joyous occasion. Remember, service tonight at the Carter Credit Union Community Center and Sunday afternoon at 4 pm at the Goose. Thursday, Aug. 15 at 6 pm we will meet at our house.
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Tim and Julie and family: Great writing- you've got such a great spirit my brother, and, you're right about tough times; remember this, God didn't call you, equip you and then bring you to this point by prayerfully following his truth - to allow your enemies to be victorious over your calling. ---- Isaiah 54:17
ReplyDeleteNew King James Version (NKJV)
17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord. ----
Let's pray: Lord Jesus we thank You that You allow us to have enemies, for they prove to us that You are in command; they strengthen us, as the bear and lion strengthened a great servant king; and they provide for us no small amount of s sad kind of myrth, for in being misguided they choose to not hear your voice- Jesus all things are possible through You and with You, and we trust You and bring to You hope that we'll track the trail to the door of those who might not know You, and share with them, per Your will and love, that they need to ask You, Jesus, to forgive them of their sins- therein, Lord is the ministry and we pray we won't leave You out of it, nor ever forget we serve You Christ and remain in always reverent fear of God. For it is in the name if Jesus we'd lift this up:
Amen
In Suus Muneris - Dana