On fire for God...the devil is coming!

One thing we learn very quickly in the Christian life is that if you are on fire for God, the devil is coming to try and put that fire out! Look at the book of Acts. Over and over again the disciples worked for God through the Holy Spirit and time and time again the devil worked through people to arrest, beat and even kill the disciples to try and put the fire of the Holy Spirit out! Be ready....opposition will come!



2 Timothy 3:12

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.



It is not a question of will persecution happen but when. Now chances are for us, we will not be killed for our faith in our communities but we will be ridiculed, questioned, and even mocked when are are faithful to God's call and His work. Matter of fact I say if you want to know if you are on fire for God, look at your life and see if you have faced any opposition lately, if not, are you really sharing Jesus and trying to win the lost for Christ?



Here are 3 reasons we should be thankful for persecution! Yes I said thankful!



1. Persecution is a blessing.



Matthew 5:11-12

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.



Nothing more to be said here! Think on this!



2. Persecution is a purifier.



It separates those who are faithful to the end and who are not! In the early church, persecution strengthend believers and those who were fake or weak ran for the hills! Trial by fire will purify you!



3. Persecution reminds us of who we are in Christ!



When we are being abused or made fun of for Jesus sake, standing upon His Word, it should be a reminder to you that you are on the right track! Christ suffered and told us we would to on His behalf. Just remember this life in a vapor but life on the other side is for eternity!



Romans 8:18

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.



2 Corinthians 4:17

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,



Oh my brothers and sisters don't let Satan put your fire out for Jesus, we want all saved for God's glory! What we face in trials on this side will be nothing compared to the glory that lies on the other side!



Tom