Don't Stop!

Ezra 4

First of all, please make sure you read the scriptures that go along with what I write. I appreciate everyone reading and responding, but it is just my thoughts, whereas, the Bible is the ultimate truth and that is what we are to live by. Besides, I promise you will get more out of it!

Have you ever heard the phrase 'silver-tongued devil'? Well that is exactly what I thought after reading chapter 4. Isn't it just like the devil to show up right when you are excited about a great work of God! Isn't it just like him to discourage you when you are starting a new journey. He wants to stop what ever is good, and he will do what ever it takes to do that. He will lie, steal, cheat, kill and use any willing soul to go against the children of God. If you have been a Christian for any length of time, I am not telling you anything you don't already know. If you are a new Christian then listen up!

The letter that was written to King Artaxerxes not only attempted to turn the king against the children of God, but it was done in a way to convince the King that by stopping the building of the temple it would benefit him. It was lies written beautifully and that is exactly what Satan tries to do to us every single day. He takes lies and makes them look like they will benefit our lives, but no matter how good they sound, they are still lies. As Christians we need to be aware of the devil's schemes, however, we are not to focus or dwell on them. Instead, our focus must be on the Lord and we should dwell upon His Word. While the devil has some power and is the father of lies, he has no power when it comes to Jesus Christ, and if Jesus Christ lives within us then he has no power over us. The Bible tells us in Luke 6:24 that "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." We have to choose and if our choice is God then nothing can seperate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39). I am here to tell you that life can be real hard sometimes, but God is greater than anything that we may encounter. We have to grab hold of the truth of God's Word and never let go of it. We have to proclaim the promises of His Word, even in the middle of the worst circumstances. It is time for us to stop allowing ourselves to be oppressed---we say so many times, 'well it is just the devil attacking me'. Listen, God's Word tells us that we have power over the devil, we can rebuke him, and he will flew in the name of Jesus Christ. He shutters at the sound of the name Jesus, so why aren't we shouting Jesus' name to the rooftops?

We are to continue building! Even if our walls are being torn down as we go, keep on---don't stop! It will be hard, but God will carry you through! Even when you see no progress or even if you have setbacks, keep on---God will not let go of you! I can say this with assurance, I have had moments when I didn't think I could hold on any longer, but I did---I was holding on by a thread, but I never let go and all the while God was working a great work within me.  Don't let go and you will find yourself shining the light of Christ right in the middle of your trial!