Stand Up.

 

1) Stand in Awe
First, we should look to God. He created us; He should be our motivation. God has done everything, created everything, knows everything, and still love US. He gave us another day to live. We should stand amazed and be obedient.
“Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore, stand in awe of God.” Ecclesiastes 5:7
2) Stand Firm
We were saved by grace through faith and are no longer bound to the law. We are free. We are free to love and let the Holy Spirit guide our lives. So, stand firm in purity and get rid of that old sinful nature. We are free from sin, so stand firm against it. We shouldn‘t be asking questions like “How far can I go before this is a sin?… How much can I drink before it is a sin?…This isn‘t really gossiping…That wasn’t really a lie…” Let’s step up and run towards purity. Let’s run towards God and set a new standard. Imitate God and stop cutting corners. We are free, we shouldn’t use that freedom to become slaves to sin again.. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
3) Stand against injustice
We need to remember that because of God, we have the victory. He is our father, and He is victorious and has overcome the world. So stand against injustice. If people are talking trash, don’t allow it. If you get a bad thought in your mind, read God’s word. If you don’t feel good about a person or place, do a prayer walk. We are God’s warriors and we need to start living like it. We need to stop being influenced by the enemy and the world around us and start recognizing the authority we have in Christ. We are more than conquerors because of God! “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:11
4) Stand up
The last times are coming. Are we ready? Do we have faith? Is God the most important thing? Are we willing to do anything for Him? I hope so. With God on our side, we can’t lose!….but it is going to be a rough road.
Jesus was talking to his disciples in Luke 21 (read the whole chapter if you get a chance!!) and warning them about the last times. 12″But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13This will result in your being witnesses to them. 14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17All men will hate you because of me. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By STANDING FIRM you will gain life… 25″There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When these things begin to take place, STAND UP and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Like my good friend Josiah said to me, “It is cool how you are standing up and praising God during the trials in your life, because there won’t be trials in Heaven. This is our only chance to praise Him through the trials.”