Stand Out

STAND OUT We are called to “STAND OUT” As a born again believer in Christ Jesus we are called to stand out and BE separated from the world. We are to be separated in our thoughts, actions, and ways of the world. Are you aligning with God’s ways? I was thinking of many in the Bible Mary, Esther, David, Isaiah.. that were called out and walked with God. God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, we may stumble at times but he is calling each one of us that have proclaimed Jesus as our Lord and savior to be separated to him. James 4:4 You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is ... Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Wow! That’s pretty straight forward huh? Being called an adulteress? Think of a marriage if our spouse would cheat with another person? That is adulterous! Well God doesn’t push things under the rug, he has even said on one of the commandments “Do not have any other gods before me” By placing someone or something above God almighty is considered adultery in God’s eyes. You may be thinking, how on earth when I live on this planet can I live separate? Does that mean I hide in a cave or under a rock? Absolutely not! We are to shine our light brightly and not hide under a bushel in the midst of the darkness taking place in the world. If therefore your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining gives you light." — Luke 11:33– 36, ... Taken from GOT Questions? This explains below from scripture what it means to be separated and called out. Second Corinthians 6:17 says, “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will welcome you” (CSB). The clause come out from among them is a reference to a passage in Isaiah. Isaiah 52:11 speaks of the Israelites who are returning from exile in Egypt. (When Jerusalem fell, many of the people were carried away to Babylon, but some of the people fled to Egypt, thinking they would be safe there. Jeremiah warned them not to do this, but many of them went to Egypt anyway, and they took Jeremiah with them against his will. See Jeremiah 42 – 43.) In Isaiah 52, God is promising to call back to the Promised Land the descendants of those who went down to Egypt. The command to “come out from among them” is also an effective call. The people of Israel are commanded to forsake any idolatrous habits they may have picked up while in Egypt and to return to the Promised Land; at the same time, it is a promise that God will be the one to bring them back when the time is right. Peter said”You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. A people for his own possession that you may proclaim the excellences of him who called you out of darkness into the marvelous light” 1 Peter 2:9 How do we walk in the light and be called out and be separated from a world that is so full of sin? By submitting ourselves to God then we can resist the temptations of the enemy. James 4:7 We can surrender each day to Jesus and listen for the Holy Spirit to direct our steps each day. Recognize who are you listening to and what are you thinking? Who are you agreeing with each day? Who are you surrounding yourself with? 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good character." Who you choose to invite into your circle of life closely can either be an encouragement or bring you deception and evil. Choose today to weed out the ones that are not encouraging you and move toward the ones that steer you toward God’s ways. Renew your mind each day and don’t be conformed to the worlds ways. Romans 12:2 NIV - Do not conform to the pattern of this - Bible Gateway Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's. Take every thought captive and set your mind and things that are above . 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,(A) and we take captive every thought to make it obedient(B) to Christ. The devil would try to lie to us and place thoughts in our mind that aren’t good. As a believer in Christ we must recognize the schemes of the enemy and NOT be ignorant of his ways. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 Prayer: Father God we come to you today recognizing in of ourselves we are weak, but we are strong IN you. You said, your sheep hear your voice so help me to recognize your voice over the enemies voice. I surrender to your ways and take every thought captive and renew my mind to your ways. You have called me out to be separate and walk in your ways. I will shine brightly for you. Help me to resist temptation when it comes my way. I want to live for you all the days of my life. In Jesus name AMEN