Saturday 28 May 2011

The Great Conflict - Part 4

REVELATION 14 v 1-5
What mark will you make?
Chapter 13 was describing the onslaught that there was to come from Satan and his helpers. This chapter is about the hope for the persecuted and the true believers. I also believe it shows us not just where they are going but what they did while on earth fighting for God. The key is they are marked by God. If we are marked by God and we are His children then we should make a mark on the world. I think there are 3 key simple ways we can do this. I don't they are the only ways but here are just 3...

1.  LOVE - Love is key in all that we do for God. Matthew 22 v 37-40 - "37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”" This verse is key in the way we love people. If we just love people that’s ok but what’s at the heart of it? If we just love God then that’s ok but it is very secret. If we love God and people separately that’s ok but still not fully there. But if we love God and love what He loves then we truly love and understand something of God's heart. Do you love what God loves?

2.  SERVING - Jesus washing the disciples feet is the best example I can think of for serving and demonstrating how to serve, John 13 v 1-17 - (key verses) "14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him." Jesus modelled how to serve and who to serve - EVERYONE. If God himself is willing to come down to earth and serve the world, then we should follow His example. Jesus was the greatest leader that ever lived and He led through serving. How can you serve God better?
 
3.  PRAYER - Our prayer life shows our desire for God, Philippians 4 v 6-7 - "6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I so thankful I am able to communicate with God in such a way. Someone once said "Pray until something happens", this so true. Prayer strengths our relationship with God. We need prayer because of the spiritual battle we are in. Do you need to increase your desire for God?

The people mentioned in Revelation as the 144,000 were men and women of faith and what they did for God wasn't easy and wasn't always nice. But i believe they would have done these three things because that is what god calls us to do.
How will you make your mark?


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