All in

Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you. Daniel 1:9-10

It is easy to claim allegiance to Christ when the culture is friendly to Christians. Where there is a church on every street corner and it seems everyone believes some version of Jesus, it is easy to give lip service to the Lord. Spiritual home field advantage can lead to a watered down devotion.

 

However, like Daniel, when we find ourselves in a hostile environment for God it shows what we really believe. Pressure to conform to conflicting opinions wears down even the most committed.

Are you all in for God? Have you been tested to the point of pointing out what quality of faith really resides in your heart and mind? There will come a time when you have to say yes to Jesus and no to forces that fight against God’s will. It could be a boss who desires to put you in an uncompromising position.  What the Lord has shown you in His Word is black and white but your human authority will define it as a gray area. Thus, to be all in for God is to resist ethical exceptions.

The faith of your friends may become flaky because of financial pressures they face. Indeed, what you learn in your Bible study brings your faith alive, as you have opportunities to apply God’s Word in everyday life. An untested faith lacks the spiritual fortitude to face down ungodly influences. So, stay in the fire and follow hard after Holy God.  Furthermore, the Lord may work through an unbeliever to accomplish His bigger purpose. Your courage could be the catalyst for your authority to make your standards an exception to their inferior expectations. Yes, to be all in for God means you will not be into competing agendas for your time. Even good activities can dilute your allegiance to the Lord. Focus on God keeps as priority pure devotion to our Lord. By grace remain all in for Him

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Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101

Worship with us Sundays at 10:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"