2 Corinthians 8:12
For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.
*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 4288
Willing Mind: inclination, readiness
From the Greek word 'prothumia' (pronounced proth-oo-mee'-ah): before-passion, pre-inclined; predisposed.
Matthew 22:37
Jesus declared, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’"
When our minds are willing to love the Lord, then the rest of the body will follow suit. For in our physical anatomies it is the brain that determines how the rest of the body functions. So, too, when our mind is willing to love God before we meet Christ, then naturally we will want to honor God even more so afterwards.
A crucified life is willing to be obedient to the cause of the cross, the instrument of death by which God has given us life eternal. While it may seem paradoxical, we must remember that God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
In a world where right is wrong and wrong is right, living a crucified life stands out. The lighthouse shines its piercing beams into the darkness of the harbor, highlighting the angry waves crashing against the reefs and the boulders. The born again believer is such, shining the Light of God's Love into that same darkness, that same wave of anger currently smashing itself up against the immovable force.
A crucified life is willing to be the lighthouse. We have chosen to take a stand and stand up for Jesus, raising high the banner of Grace & Mercy through the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world. Our stronghold is our God. Our fortifications are Trust and Obedience, Faith and Hope.
We stand on the Word of our God as our standard of living, for Christ is our Way of Life. The light of Christ in us attracts other believers to us, as well as those seeking to become a believer. When the discernment of the Holy Spirit is active within a believer, recognition is instant and joyful. "I know you! You're a Christian! I can see Him in your face."
But the hateful heart can also see the difference in our lifestyles without wanting anything to do with us except to try and destroy us. Persecution is on every side; no longer does it hide itself away and depend on secrecy and the darkness to hide its agenda.
Blatant hate spews forth in abundance and falls on God's church, Christ's bride. She, however, is both resilient and steadfast, waving her Banner of Love to encourage other believers to keep following Jesus Christ. Her faith in one hand, her Bible in the other, the church moves forward and ahead with a steadfast, sober mind.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Galatians 6:9
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
1 Peter 3:14
Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace--spotless and blameless in His sight.
Colossians 2:6-8
Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
PERSEVERING
Rise Up - Cain
We Will Not Be Shaken - Brian Johnson
Firm Foundation (He Won't) - Cody Carnes
I Will Trust - Red Rocks Worship
I Surrender All
There Is A Name - Sean Feucht
Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me - CityAlight
Spirit and the Bride - Joshua Aaron
