LIVING FAITHFULLY

Text:” That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” – 1 Pet. 4:2

If you are born into Christianity with the usual support group of friends and family you might not appreciate what I am about to say. For any Muslim or pagan to come to our faith, that decision to follow Jesus Christ may result in being disowned by family, threats to or from the person’s spouse, and fear of physical harm. Many faint and backslide, returning to darkness, a few soldiers on, because “the end of all things is near,” they resolve to live “for the will of God.” Yet we must all persevere because the end can come at any time. Look around you, Scripture is literally being fulfilled every day!

Faith can face painful challenges. But because the Lord “set eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11), Peter articulates reasons for faithful living:

• God’s Son: Armed with Christ’s attitude, believers focus on eternal hope rather than temporary pain.
• God’s deliverance: Christians celebrate freedom from debilitating desires and the self-abuse of disobedience to God’s will.
• God’s judgment: Content that the Lord makes “everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11), God’s children trust Him who will judge without fear or favour.
• God’s encouragement: Encouraged by the Lord’s faithfulness, Christians serve to encourage fellow believers in their struggles.
• God’s glory: Rejoicing in salvation, believers accept suffering as the birthing room for God’s glory to be fully revealed.

As Christians we will continue to encounter pressure to disobey God. Yet we must refuse to be blinded by circumstances and to live only for the moment. Instead, we should strive to live for Christ and his return! HEAVEN IS ONLY FOR A FEW. Be wise my friends. Shalom.

Prayer: “Lord, when we are weary of attacks on our faith, strengthen us with eternal vision, encourage us with grace, and surround us with love.” Amen.

For prayers and counseling we can be reached at Facebook/SalvationHouse, or by email at salvationhouse@gmail.com, or by sms on +234 8033085177. BlackBerry PIN: 321F187B. You can also follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SalvationHouse; or our blog at https://salvationhouse.wordpress.com. You shall excel!!!