The below is from a daily devotion by Pastor Andy Andrews, Gainesville, Texas. I believe we are in an interesting and perilous time where we as Christians need to press into God like never before! Where “diversity” includes everyone EXCEPT those who believe in Christ! Press in, Brothers! Go give ’em Heaven!
“You might take this as a political message this morning, but it is on my heart to be said. The Lord is impressing on me more and more, about the faith we are to reveal and show, the ethics that we, as believers, are supposed to live by in a world that seems to be decaying before us. I do believe that big and nasty things are happening. The political bigotry that is growing, is also spiritual bigotry, because it is no longer: “I don’t agree with your views, but I’m alright with letting you have your views and I will have mine.” And this has gone to: “I am no longer tolerant of your belief’s, be they spiritual or political, and unless you believe like me, I will do all in my power to discredit you, including persecution.” This message is on my heart to believers. I was taken to Scripture this morning, that is somewhat long, but necessary to print: “Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil, cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:9-19 Now is the time to rise above the noise, rise above the persecution. Now is the time of testing for the believer. Now is the time to reveal what Christ can and will do in us. Now is the time to trust; Now is the time to live by faith and not by sight. Now is the time for you and me to be the living Word to a generation that has succumbed to bigotry of the highest form. Now is the time to live by truth. Now is the time my brothers and sisters, to rely on the Lord to fix this. Let’s remain in fervent prayer for God’s will to be done here, and to petition Him through repentance, reconciliation, and forgiveness.
Heavenly Father, Forgive us Lord, for forgetting that You are the Warrior who will fight this battle. Forgive us for becoming like that which we despise. Forgive us for complacency in our petitions to You to heal us, and restore us. Lord, If You are setting up the day of Your return, we await anxiously, but we need You to reveal this to us. Help us to see the sign of the fig tree in what is around us, and to keep the faith, and to keep alive the hope the lives within us. We will come before You, Lord, for answers, for direction, for patience, for the words to say to an unbelieving world, and a world no longer tolerant of our faith, no longer tolerant to have You as Lord. Please forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Make us more like You, in Jesus name.”
Barnabas Man 