New Surroundings!

(Matthew 10:8) “Freely ye received, freely give.”

How new surrounding play their part in our lives, it’s not that we are privy to change by choice, at times they take us out of our comfort zone and even our dreams take on a different perspective. But regardless, we must learn to apply the Word of truth in every situation wherever possible; a while back I resolved to speak the truth even if that meant being despised. I have such a wonderful opportunity this week to be put to the test. Thank you Lord, I pray that your name may be exalted, this is the desire we must find… “In the word of truth, in the power of God; by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,” (2Corinthins 6:7) – It is times like these that the Word teaches us correct practice and we must look to it to find direction. It is the greatest of aids! But we must be quick in remembering to seek out God the Holy Spirits direction in uncovering its truth, never forgetting to put on the Armour of God.

Here is Matthew Henry’s take on what we should do…

“The apostle went by a good principle in all he did, and tells them what his principles were (2Co_6:6, 2Co_6:7); namely, pureness; and there is no piety without purity. A care to keep ourselves unspotted from the world is necessary in order to our acceptance with God. Knowledge was another principle; and zeal without this is but madness. He also acted with long-suffering and kindness, being not easily provoked, but bearing with the hardness of men's hearts, and hard treatment from their hands, to whom he kindly endeavoured to do good. He acted under the influence of the Holy Ghost, from the noble principle of unfeigned love, according to the rule of the word of truth, under the supports and assistances of the power of God, having on the armour of righteousness (a consciousness of universal righteousness and holiness), which is the best defence against the temptations of prosperity on the right hand, and of adversity on the left. (3.) By a due temper and behaviour under all the variety of conditions in this world.” (Matthew Henry)

It is true that all things are lawful but not all things are expedient, simply put we must learn to be all things to all men and yet without compromising the truth, never where possible leaving it suffering reproach. Nevertheless this is a journey, may God help us be faithful! We make mistakes in this area of our lives, but I suppose the intentions of our hearts need to be examined.

Wherever we may find ourselves we must always look to be the salt of the earth and within ourselves that will be an impossible task, but with the help of our great Saviour, the One who has overcome, we can be more than conquerors. As I sit on a beautiful balcony overlooking the sea in total darkness I am mindful of this verse; “Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house.” (Matthew 5:15) – We cannot and must not go into hiding as Christians with so many souls blind to the truth of God’s Word; I pray that God would place such a heavy burden upon our hearts that we would not find rest until we skillfully offload His truth to this dying generation, there are those dying around us who are doomed for hell, unless they find repentance in and through Jesus Christ our Lord. This is a serious responsibility we are commissioned with; we must be the light to this dying generation, whatever the cost.

Imagine finding ourselves at the White Throne Judgment as billions then face their sentence and we glimpse over to the person on trial, the one we knew who now faces the wrath of God and they look over at us without hope in absolute horror and with desperation in their voice cry out, “but you knew the truth but never found it in your heart to wrestle with me declaring the truth that without Christ as my Saviour I would be doomed for hell.” Then it will be too late!

Father God I pray place urgency in my heart, in our hearts, help us wrestle with men with great vigour until they reject or accept the grace of God, in and through the Lord Jesus. Until we are able to truly clean the dust off our feet, as disciples we must learn to presented the gospel with clarity to all those who are blind to your truth of your Word.

Freely we have received now freely we must learn to give…

Signing off

Tyrone