DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT MONDAY - VICTORIOUS CHRISTIANS!

There are no victories at discount prices. - General Dwight Eisenhower.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. - 1John 5:4.

During the days of Billy Sunday, D.L Moody, Amy Semple McPherson, Smith Wigglesworth, and many others; we had real revival in the world! REAL REVIAL! Why then and NOT now? Here's one reason why… these people were not afraid to preach against the root of all of man's problems: S-I-N!

Today, many preachers and evangelists, are afraid to preach against sin, because they are afraid they will be mocked or made fun of, so they hide behind anything they can, hoping to make themselves look good, they would never think of making someone angry at them, so they just go with the flow. We do not need people in pulpits today who will not preach the whole counsel of God! The Bible is inspired by Almighty God Himself, and it is our Manual for Victorious Christians.

Are we the kind of men and women that Christ can (and wants to) use? Is He the Lord of your life? Let's look at three characteristics of what God is looking for in Victorious Christians…

A CHRISTIAN WITH STRONG CONVICTIONS
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. - 1 Cor 15:58. Our labor in the Lord is not in vain; we must not only work, but we must labor and put forth all our strength; and we must work and labor in the Lord under his direction, and by his influence; for without him we can do nothing. And this labor cannot be in vain, for we shall have a resurrection unto eternal life, not because we have labored, but because Christ died and gave us grace to be faithful.

We need to determine our convictions… He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. - Titus. 1.9. We need to maintain our convictions… Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. - Phil 4:1.

Athanasius, early bishop of Alexandria, stoutly opposed the teachings of Arius, who declared that Christ was not the eternal Son of God, but a subordinate being. Hounded through five exiles, he was finally summoned before emperor Theodosius, who demanded he cease his opposition to Arius. The emperor reproved him and asked, "Do you not realize that all the world is against you?" Athanasius quickly answered, "Then I am against all the world." - Source Unknown.

A CHRISTIAN OF SERVICE
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. - Phil 2:3. Never be in opposition to each other; never act from separate interests; we are all one in Christ Jesus; therefore let every member feel and labor for the welfare of the whole. And, in the exercise of our different functions, and in the use of our various gifts, do nothing so as to promote our own reputation, separately considered from the comfort, honor, and advantage of all.

But in submissiveness of mind, always have a humbling view of ourselves, and this will lead us to prefer others to ourselves; for, as we know our own secret defects, love will lead us to suppose that our brothers and sisters are more holy, and more devoted to God than we are; and they will think the same of you, their secret defects also being known only to themselves. And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." - Isa 6:8.

In his book 70 X 7, The Freedom of Forgiveness, David Ugsberger tells of General William Booth, the founder of the salvation Army, who had lost his eyesight. His son Bramwell was given the difficult task of telling his father there would be no recovery. "Do you mean that I am blind?" the General asked. "I hear we must contemplate that," his son replied. The father continued, "I shall never see your face again?" "No, probably not in this world." "Bramwell," said General Booth, "I have done what I could for God and for His people with my eyes. Now I shall do what I can for God without my eyes."

A CHRISTIAN WITH BACKBONE
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. - Phil 4:1. Because we have this armor, and God for our support, see that we stand firm in him! Stand firm in the service of the Lord, and in the strength which He imparts; For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? - 1Thess 2:19. When every situation and circumstance, seems against us, we stand firm!

Henry Wingblade used to say that Christian personality is hidden deep inside us. It is unseen, like the soup carried in a tureen high over a waiter's head. No one knows what's inside--unless the waiter is bumped and he trips! Just so, people don't know what's inside us until we've been bumped. But if Christ is living inside, what spills out is the fruit of the Spirit. - Carl Lundquist.

Dare to be a Daniel...a Joshua...a Moses...one of the three Hebrew children... a Paul. God wants us to be strong men and women for Him, victorious Christians, that will be willing to stand up for Christ, and uphold the Truth!

Loving Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, help me to be a victorious Christian. Help me to have strong convictions, a servant of you and your people, and to be of strong character, in Jesus wonderful name I pray, amen!

GBYAY