Monday, January 27, 2025

January 27, 2025

There is something we may leave out when trying to convince someone to follow Jesus: the cost. Even though salvation is free, when you turn away from the devil, he comes after you to try and convince you to stay worldly. When Jesus sent out his disciples to preach, teach, and heal, he warned them that they would be like sheep among wolves. He didn't paint a beautiful picture but prepared them for possible persecution and discouragement. Refinement is the byproduct of following Jesus and dealing with the devil at every turn. The most beautiful stones are made under pressure, and the refiner's fire purifies gold. Once the dross is poured away from the gold, or when the rock is chipped from the stone, the beauty is exposed, and the truth about the work God is doing in you can be seen. The road to refinement is grueling, but it is better to lose your flesh than your soul. Jesus says it is more beneficial to fear the One who can kill both your body and soul than the one threatening your flesh. He tells us not to fear them at all. You will face challenges in whatever you do to fulfill your part of the great commission, but be strong and courageous, and do not be afraid, the Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still while he intervenes on your behalf. When you are weak, then He is strong. 

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

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