Popularity vs. Sacrifice by John Belt
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&view=post&articleid=100406&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=John%20Belt&fldTopic=0
By John Belt
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I John 2:15-17 "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."
Just because it is popular does not mean it is the best. Just because everyone follows something does not mean you should. The majority of people on are earth are taking the path that leads to destruction, a popular path. I'm not saying that because it is my opinion, but because that is what Jesus said. (Matt. 7-13-14) It is the truth. Many take that road, but you should not fall into that pit. The truth is not popular. Most people will fall for lies. Many will do this because they don't want to come to grips with the reality of God's truth.
God is not Cheap
I was online looking at "popular" dress shirt brands. I was mentioning this to my wife. Then she said, "Just because it is popular does not mean it is the best." When you think about it, the most expensive things are not the most popular things. People like to pay a smaller price. As a matter of fact, people like to spend as little as possible. In most cases you get what you pay for. What you spend little money on, you value less. What you spend more money on, you value much more. God is not cheap. God is expensive. Do you think Jesus got off cheap laying His life on the cross for us? Not at all. He paid the highest price for us. He took the road less traveled. We need to be willing to take that road not just looking for the next bargain buy in plastic Christianity.
Don't get overly consumed with the price that you may have to pay. His grace is sufficient. God helps you pay the price. But don't think for a minute that this is a cheap life you are living for God. It is expensive and because of that it is very valuable. Can you see it from God's perspective? He really values those who are willing to pay a price, go the distance and make their lives count for eternity.
It is not all about us. But we do have a role to play, a stewardship, a responsibility and an opportunity to glorify the Name of Jesus. Don't try to get through this life easy and cheat yourself. Be a yielded vessel that God can flow through, His grace will take care of the details.
John Belt
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=Empowered-by-the-Holy-Spirit-by-John-Belt-&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=John%20Belt&fldTopic=0
You have greatness inside of you! You have the power to see lives transformed and God glorified. Jesus told the disciples not to try to do anything for Him without first receiving the Holy Spirit. Being assembled with them, He commanded them, "Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, of which you have heard from Me. For John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." (Acts 1:4-5)
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=Your-Interaction-with-the-Spirit-by-John-Belt-&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=John%20Belt&fldTopic=0
Have you ever struggled to live for God? To be a living sacrifice? Even to just do the things that please Him? Typically, the issue lies in the focus and "the means" of how that is to happen. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 It is through tending to our relationship with God, our communion with the Spirit and focus on the Lord that we are transformed and able to live after His desires. It's all about the relationship.
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=Finding-Your-Focus-with-God-by-John-Belt-&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=John%20Belt&fldTopic=0
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2