New LIFE—FRESH Determination

Many weeks ago (seems like last week), two couples from our Young Adult class took steps—to follow after Jesus.  I cannot express what happened to me that Sunday—it was only small compared to what I am certain happened in the lives of these two couples.

When I witnessed the expressions on the faces and heard the passion in their voices—I knew God had really impacted them in a way they (as well as us) would never forget. 

They were baptized IN HIM.  Walking away from the old ways of living, thinking and believing…taking instead a new fresh stance in their neighborhoods, their work places—and most of all in their families.  It has been costly for them in some ways—as it was for you….do you remember your decision to follow HIM?

I’m not sure who in the “blog-world” would ever think that living for Christ comes without paying a price…there is always a cost.  But the blessings of being adopted into the family of God—far outweighs anything we could have to pay or suffer through here.

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.  And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:15-17 NLT

We have a great group of Young Adults—and there is a fresh fire stirring among them…and can I say the enemy is NOT happy about this in the least!  We’ve talked about what it takes to follow Him…

It takes everything you’ve got.  It takes determination to walk on—even when our family or friends go the opposite direction.  It takes studying God’s word to see how “Paul” made it through…It takes seeking GOD daily…even when time seems to squeeze everything OUT of us…. It takes digging into the well of forgiveness when you’ve been hurt—however it may have been.  Whether intentional—or accidental.  It takes forgiving….and walking away from the pain—but not the people. 

We rub shoulders with the world daily—and even in the checkout line we experience rudeness and behavior unbecoming a Christian…even when they “claim” to be a Christ follower.  What are we to do?  Well, as I’ve asked our class… “what would Jesus do?  How would He handle the situation?” 

For those who have been Christians for a long time, “we” should know to show compassion and love “no matter what”…but for those who are new in Christ—they will all need our prayers as they learn to walk this path of Life in His Light.  Prayer changes things…

Prayer changes things…but so does criticism.  Criticism causes discouragement, bitterness, broken heartedness and even sometimes giving up…. (If you have a new convert in your group or church, please don’t criticize….lovingly “show” by example and kind words and MUCH prayer, the Way.)

I love what I read in Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost for His Highest” earlier in the week:

“I am not being saved, I AM saved; salvation is as eternal as God’s throne; The thing for me to do is work OUT what God works in.  “Work out your own salvation,” I am responsible for doing it.  It means that I have to manifest IN THIS BODY the LIFE of the LORD Jesus, not mystically, but really and emphatically.   “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection.”  Every saint can have his body under absolute control for God.  God has made us to have government over all the temple of the Holy Spirit, over imaginations and affections.  WE are responsible for these, and we must never give way to inordinate affections.”

There is no way to speak any more clear.  Oswald wrote with such passion and anointing—for “such a day as this”….these days we are living in…when everyone wants the living for Christ to be made “easy”.  

There is no easy route friend.  “It is what it is”.  The trek Jesus made up the hill to Golgotha was not easy…but it was necessary in order for you and I to be saved….the price had to be paid…the Sacrifice had to be made.  And He willingly gave all.

How can we expect to do less than the very Son of God?  We give what God requires…our all.

When you pray—pray for those in your neighborhoods and churches who are making these new decisions of walking with Jesus….the way of life is new and certain to have difficulties as they learn to lean on God and trust Him for everything…but I pray that those near you will be encouraged by your testimonies of faith and perseverance to follow HIM.  Leave a trail for others to follow.

Jeff and I are very proud of “our” new family (we claim all our Young Adults as “ours”), and all that God is beginning in their lives.  We pray for them as they lean on God and learn more each day of His LOVE.

I can’t wait to see what God does NEXT!!

© Angie Knight—The Knightly News~Giving Him All.  All rights reserved.