UNCONDITIONAL

ALOHA SAINTS, FAMILY & FRIENDS,   Beloved of God and me,   John 3:16

UNCONDITIONAL    “WORTH CONSIDERING”   10/22/20         From Ken Smith<><

Today’s Scripture          (Across my desk this morning from a church in Texas.)
“But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”  (Daniel 3:18, NIV)
   
Unconditional Trust
This is what three Hebrew teenagers did in the Scripture. They wouldn’t bow down to the king of Babylon’s golden idol. He was so furious that he was about to have them thrown into a fiery furnace. They said, “King, we’re not worried. We know that our God will deliver us. But even if He doesn’t, we’re still not going to bow down.” That’s unconditional trust.   You may have a lot coming against you. Perhaps, you feel as though you’re about to be thrown into a fire. This is the key: stay in faith, believe in your dreams, believe the situation will turn around, and then declare, “Even if it doesn’t happen my way, I’m still going to be happy. God, if You turn it around, or if You don’t turn it around, I’m still going to give You praise.” You live like that and all the forces of darkness cannot keep you from your destiny.
   
A Prayer For Today
“Father, thank You that You are worthy of my unconditional trust. There are things in my life that I don’t understand, situations I want to see changed, but even if they never happen, I’m still going to trust You. I gladly leave these matters in Your hands. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Ken’s Comments:
First come to mind the verses concerning  persecution:    “ And they have no real root in themselves, and so they endure for a little while; then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away.”  Mark 4:17   “Yet it has no real root in him, but is temporary (inconstant, lasts but a little while); and when affliction or trouble or persecution comes on account of the Word, at once he is caused to stumble [he is repelled and begins to distrust and desert Him Whom he ought to trust and obey] and he falls away.” Matt.13:21     “So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).  2 Cor.12:10.   “And this is a cause of our mentioning you with pride among the churches (assemblies) of God for your steadfastness (your unflinching endurance and patience) and your firm faith in the midst of all the persecutions and crushing distresses and afflictions under which you are holding up”. 2 Thess. 1:4.  “Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand].” 2 Tim.3:12

So in being a really true and honest to God Christian you are going to suffer persecution.  The darkness hates the light.  So if you have your Christian lights on, folks that love darkness will be tossing rocks your way.  Even as Cain killed Able as he did not like the exposure.   Paul was being persecuted where ever he went with the Gospel.  Jesus clearly taught us that if we followed Him, it was not going to set well with the world.  The little Tract that I give away has 14 verses on Light with encouragement to come to the light of God.  But Jesus warned us that when we served HIM that most would prefer the darkness and seek to put our lights out.  And I have found that to be true where ever I go.  Some folks are looking for the light and it is a great joy for me to find then and help them on their way.  But most like their life as it is and like living in their own comfort zone even when full of thorns.  Even Christians can become the same as the World

But the bottom line is that if you think you are a Christian and every one likes you, something is wrong.  If you are not being persecuted for Jesus living in you, perhaps it is because HE is not there.  In fact Paul states very clearly the “ALL” who live in and for Jesus will suffer persecution.  So if you have little or no persecution then it is because no one is really seeing Jesus in you the hope of Glory.   In my ministry over the past 50 years or so, I have met many with a Monopoly Get out of Hell FREE CARD tucked away in their past by making Jesus Savior.   I was held by an evangelist on a fine thread over the pit of hell at 16 and got saved?  But Jesus was not LORD and it lasted about 6 months or so.  And like the shallow soil, I became gospel hardened and by 22 an atheist.   And had to be dug out all over again in making Jesus both Savior and LORD.  His primary concern, as LORD,  should become ours is finding, for HIM, those other souls around us that are looking for HIS light.  So, if you call yourself a Christian, what are you doing to help the LORD in finding HIS lost sheep.  Are you getting any flack, any persecution?  If not, you better take a better look at the fine print on your “Get out of Hell, Free Card.  It is probably printed in China.  And has no validity in the Holy Scriptures at all.  Another of man’s traditions that have made the Word of God, ineffective.  2 Tim. 3 Paul gave a prophesy about it and so did Isaiah 28:12-20 (18) “And your covenant with death shall be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol (the place of the dead) shall not stand; when the overwhelming scourge passes through, then you will be trodden down by it.”   A WORD FOR THE WISE….  If you shine HIS light there will be persecution, No Persecution ???????

Yours, in HIS great Love and wonderful Grace and Mercy.  Ken<>< www.Trinity-Aloha.org
( Add / Delete, ken@trinity-aloha.org     “Worth Considering” library is a link on Homepage.)
There is but one Church of Christ Jesus and all who Love, Honor & Obey Him are members.

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