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New for You! Am I Willing to Worship God No Matter the Cost?
Description: Are you willing to worship God, no matter the cost? And at what cost today? What have you, or are you, willing to give up or change in your life? Are you ready?
Categories: Dating, Pen Pals, Friends: Member Surveys
This Post has been viewed 5508 times.
Submitted by: Nannette | View Member Profile | View Other Posts
Created: 9/18/2003
This week during youth Bible class, we reviewed the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
and how they refused to bow down to the golden idol, knowing they would be cast into the fiery
furnace. Daniel 3.
We reviewed how, in Daniel 1, the three youth, along with Daniel, had made another important decision. And
that likely, had they not stood firm on smaller decisions, that they might have been bending
down dusting off their sandals that day, rather than standing tall and risking certain death.
The question was asked: "Am I Willing to Worship God No Matter the Cost?"
I started thinking this would be a good survey. Something our members could
ask themselves: What small decisions do I make in my life that might affect
the major decision of whether I am willing to worship only God, or obey only God, if
and when that decision comes?
As an example, recently, our family went through all of our video
tapes and loaded up 3 box-loads of videos to remove from our home. We decided that
our time could be spent more wisely, and that we wouldn't be ready for Christ's second
coming if we spent more time with TV than with God or witnessing for God. I'm not
saying we got rid of everything, but we did evaluate our entertainment and limited it
a great deal. Also, we reevaluated how we spend our time overall and what could be changed.
We never want to get to a point where we or our children make the wrong decision that decides our
eternal fate, because we made poor, smaller decisions.
So, I guess, I want to use this as an opportunity for members to look at their
lives and think, do the decisions I make in my current life-style prove that I will
likely pass the test if asked if I'm willing to worship ONLY God, no matter the cost?
You may think, "When would I be asked that?" A young high school girl had to answer that
question in Columbine, CO several years ago.
Christianity Today tells the story:
"Rachel Scott was on the ground crying... Says Dana: "They confronted her with the
question, 'Do you believe in God?' and she said yes, and they took a gun to her
temple and killed her." "
She WAS willing to worship God, even though it cost her her life. We might ask, what purpose was
there to this tragedy? As a result of hearing about her story, many teens gave their hearts and lives to God.
We can read the history through the ages of Christians martyred -- burned at the stake, or eaten
by lions -- and how through their death, thousands gave their hearts to God. What if someday
you are asked to be a martyr for God as were the 3 Hebrews in Daniel 3, or as was
Rachel Scott? Are you ready?
So this week's survey is this:
Are you willing to worship God, no matter the cost? And at what cost today? What have you, or are you, willing to give up or change in your life? Are you ready?
Female - Age Range: 21-30
I'd give up my life today for God, if that's what He wanted. After all, it is His. If it took burning at the stake when the Sunday law comes into effect for continuing to worship on the seventh day of the week...I'd do it for sure. I'm not saying that I wouldn't be scared out of my mind, but Christ allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross only to bleed and die for me, so that one day, I may be saved. Who am I to not return the 'favor?'
Female - Age Range: 21-30
i am will to serve him even if it cost the whole world
he did cost me a relationship that meant the world to before .if i can that up for him then i can give my all to him i dont have anything without him
CanSDA:
Female - Age Range: 31-40
You may use my alias. This is a true story:
A few years ago, during the AY program at my sister’s church, several soldiers drove into the church yard and blocked all exits from the church building. Some of them went inside, stopped the program and walked among the members. Armed with rifles, they would randomly pick out a member and demand to know, “Why are you here?” or “Why do you worship God?” etc. Several church members trembled and were obviously afraid. One young lady in her early twenties burst into tears and said that the only reason she comes to church is because her parents force her to.
After asking several members, the soldiers retreated. Everything about this was real, with two exceptions: 1) the guns were not loaded and 2) the AY leader had asked the soldiers to stage this little attack to shake up the members. Those (real) soldiers were Adventist young men from other churches. The remainder of the AY program was about persecution and standing up to worship God at any cost. It resulted in some real soul-searching (and sackcloth and ashes). When I first heard about it, I tried to imagine how I would have reacted under those circumstances.
I believe that I would remain true to the Lord, although I have not had a major confrontation like what I would expect in the time of trouble that is to come. Seventh-day Adventists constantly make decisions to keep the Sabbath holy, avoiding work etc. on the Sabbath. Sometimes this decision leads to choosing a lesser career/job that will not require work on the Sabbath. Sometimes these decisions lead to conflicts with superiors or family members. Apart from the Sabbath, as Christians we make sacrifices to worship the Lord according to His will, and sometimes we are mocked for it. These are opportunities to witness to others, and not a heavy burden to bear. We’re getting practice for the real time of trouble.
There is nothing in my life that I would not be willing to give up in order to remain true to the Lord. Jesus said ‘Do not fear those who can destroy your body. But fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell’. We will never be completely ready for the time of trouble until it is upon us. ‘Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof’. The Lord gives us strength to handle the conflicts as they come upon us. We need to prepare by studying his word so that we can effectively defend our faith, live constantly close to the Lord, being sanctified daily, and gain small victories over temptations.
Female - Age Range: 41-50
This survey mirrors what is transpiring in my life at the current time. Personally, I've been through many stages of Christian growth, and through personal experiences and God's revelation have learned much about what is in the world as is transpiring according to bible prophecy, and in the context of recognizing evil versus good in graphic and stark contrast (and God bringing more contrast to my awareness a little at a time....) Blind faith and complete trust in God is an absolute to this survey question. Having already been through early experiences of Christian persecution and facing the realities ahead of us that many Christians are still blind to, I step forth in earnest hard prayer, remembering the sweat that dropped like blood when Jesus prayed that the cup be taken from his hand if possible the night before his crucifixion. I can only caution that Christians realize true priorities in their life, and focus solely on God and God's Kingdom. And at this moment I am facing one of the most diffcult to answer situations for a Christian. With my situation which I cannot discuss openly because of the nature of the subject, I asked for advice from over 12 persons with varying levels of faith to include church pastors....only to get varying levels of answers, which yielded me no easy answer for the decision I must make. However, one did answer with scripture ...the same scripture I had been shown by God. Tears drip profusely as I face a most difficult dilemma. My ponderance leaves me to ask, must I subject a person to possible human judgement with the possibility of no mercy, or may I delay their judgement for that given by God, hoping and praying for his mercy ? What will be the cost to my soul and salvation if I make either choice ? Which is the act of greater faith, righteousness, and of true obedience? It may seem easy for someone to give an answer based on the face value of something ...but it is the variables that are known only to myself and the possible costs to the person (s), myself, and society that bring the greatest difficulty in understanding God's position in all aspects of such a matter. And yet, I only as a human do not know all that God knows about such a matter. I can only be obedient to his word. That is all we sometimes have...is just his word, and we must trust that his word is protected and true, and give up all control to him. And yet, in all things, I find the greatest problem to obedience in God to be in the 'little things' we don't hardly notice in our day to day lives.
Female - Age Range: 41-50
Hmm, this is a difficult question, because everyday I must ask myself this question honestly throughout the day. What do my thoughts and actions reflect about my inner relationship with God?
When I left my cousin's(he was the pastor) christian church to follow my deeper convictions on Bible truth and found biblical answers to spiritual questions I'd had since a child, and joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church, my mother was accepting at first. Then she saw my conviction about keeping the seventh-day Sabbath as a memorial of creation and a blessing and command by God, was not optional to me, she became angry and 'disowned' me. We had been very close and it was hard. But, I had given my heart to my Father in heaven as a young child and He has my heart and my first allegiance. Many years have passed (over 20) and while I have tried many times to reach out, and have at times been successful, it hasn't been until a few months ago that she has decided maybe she actually wants me in her life again. God has kept my love for her alive.
I met, fell in love, and married an active SDA Christian
man, who loved me deeply. However, many personal trials and too much responsibilities at work(physician) took him away from church attendance, personal and family devotions and worship. He gradually gave up His relationship with the church, and most importantly with God. As, he did, he wanted me to too. I couldn't, even though I loved him deeply. God has the first priority in my heart.
Eventually he became physically abusive (God's love was no longer the rule in his heart), and he left me, his children, and became fixated with new-age Budhism, and martial arts.
My attempts at reconciliation were met with 'I love you's', from him, along with let me teach you these martial arts techiniques, listen to this new recording of these monks chanting, etc. Loosen-up, or modify my allegiance to Christ and I could be happily married again was always the deep, underlying message.
Our daughters and I were living (and still are) much below our previous standard of living when we were together, and he would make a lavish gift here and there with promises of more--, but it was understood there was an if, (IF) we would take on his new interests in chanting and martial arts. He was very subtle about it, always claiming that he was chanting to the the God of Creation and not a budha statue(none were in his house). Lavish gifts and outpourings of love though began to alternate with threats--including false arrests(the local police were under his sway), with my having to appear in court without being able to afford a lawyer-- to take away our children from me. Push-pull, swamping me with his lawyers and financial clout--just give in and give up my allegiance to God and stop training my children to obey Jesus-- was the point of his assault. Lies, deception, misuse of police power and the legal system, money and physical force were his weapons---God alone has been my sure defense. At first I cowered in fear--but God taught me to stand still and let Him fight my battles. (He could not fight for me if I kept running away). 'Be still and KNOW that I am God.' And He revealed the sovreign God He is. I truly began to understand how to reverently fear His judgement more than anything man and this world can do.
I spent many hours on my knees in prayer for our relationship and for his salvation--and I know God answered those prayers faithfully. But, man is given freedom of choice and my former husband chose to leave God, divorce me, doesn't speak to, and won't support his oldest child--she became a Bible worker and attended a Christian academy (wasting her life according to him), and continues to play emotional games with his youngest, and has left me disabled from his abuse---is choosing God worth it?.
From my innermost being I must answer a most resounding 'yes!' I have learned through all the chaos and pain that the only thing in this life (not to mention eternity) worth living for is our dear Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. But, also I must say that it is only by my being connected with Jesus that He was able to bear me successfully through--I can do nothing without His power in my life. Yet, I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me ---including choosing to worship and serve Him no matter the cost. Its a choice I must make each day, to put Him first and last. I must make this choice in the little things and He will take care of the BIG decisions and guide me through.
And I know the price He has paid for my redemption will always far exceed what ever trial or temptation may befall me in my life. And I praise Him that through all the rough things (including broken bones) I have experienced He has given a greater understanding of the immensity of His love and what He suffered on the cross. The pain it must cause Him when I reject the fullnes of His love, --compared to the rejection I felt by my mother and former husband....yet my love is tainted by my own selfish desires and needs---but my Saviour's love is perfect and untainted and only wants the very highest good for me, for each one of us.
I write this not to gain anyone's sympathy, but to encourage you in that if God can see me, the weakest of sinners, through and bring me victoriously praising His name, He can do it for you too. Make little choices always to serve Him and He will carry you through, even against the strongest arsenal the enemy throws your way. 'I' may never be ready--but I can be willing to be made willing by His power to follow Him always. This is our high calling. May we each be faithful.
Female - Age Range: 51-60
Yes. I feel I will serve God at any cost.
I was prevented from forming a relationship with any male as I was growing up.
I was brought up very strict! Even into Adulthood.
If I tried to make my own decisions I was told I was on my way to Hell. I worked in rich peoples homes and anything my Mininsters wanted I had to hand over to them.
I was taught to know God for myself and I know His voice. I was taught to be sincere when I prayed so I do not take praying lightly.
There were some good things that came from these people and some bad things.
Even today... because of the way I was taught some people would consider me a plain jane. But I am praying to know Gods Perfect Will in my life now and I will not compromise my faith in anyway.
I have been checkings out the Singles Sites to find myself a Christian husband, but I am 52 and no one seems to be interested in a Holy Roller like me.
I do not do what many people do but I still love life and would love to fine my soulmate soon.
So... whether or not I find a husband I will continue in my walk with God in doing what I feel He would be pleased with my walk with Him.
Female - Age Range: 51-60
I pray that I would be faithful to God, no matter what!I realize that it will be His power in my life that makes me so. Recently, I was impressed to give up reading certain fiction that wasn't really bad but was really a waste of time. With God's help, I've been able to find time to read better literature and delete some the worthless stuff from my reading.
blee:
Female - Age Range: 61-70
You may use my alias. This is a haunting question as I live in Colorado, and was a volunteer in a school that day, in fact it was my first day as a volunteer here in Loveland. It was an elementary school and the next time that I sent to the school there were police cars everywhere working with the children and also seeing that nothing like that happened here.
Since that day, that question has been on the minds of so many people encluding me. My Lord gave His all on Calvary for me and you all, I pray that I would be willing to give my all for the one who loves me so much that He would do so much as to give His life for all humanity.
Yes, I think that my love is growing more and more each and every day for Him that I would be willing to give my life for my Lord and my friends, for He is my Forever Friend.
There is so much wickedness in this 'ole' world and the devil doesn't worrry about those whom he already has in his pocket, but he does his best or worst to snare us daily with the trials and temptations that assail us daily, but O how he feas when he sees us on our knees.
Sometimes the Lord allows us to be tempted of the devil as he did Job or other Bible characters from His word. Didn't Job stand true even when faced with the loss of family and his wife told him to curse God and die, but he was faithful. His friends accused him of sin when this happened to him, but he stood true, and they found out that they had a lot to learn about truth and faith and God's Love.
Yes, I have nothing on this earth that is worth more than my Lord, and He has been so merciful to this child of His that I want to live as close to Him and His will for me so that I can answer if asked that question I can say as Rachel Scott did, 'Yes, I love Jesus and am willing to die to worship Him.'
Yes, are we all, I pray that each of us are. He is worth dying for He did for YOU!
Male - Age Range: 31-40
Hi!
Yes am willing to worship God, no matter the cost.
The God i believe is a God of trust. Even God can testify about me to your hearing, if you are spiritaul
people.
Male - Age Range: 31-40
I think this is a question we should ask ourselves constantly. We need to put ourselves in hypothetical situations of persecution and ask ourselves if we are as strong as we think we are when it comes to worshipping and standing up for our faith. I know I have to ask myself this question at times and I pray that when the time comes to be tested, I will stand strong and be faithful to my awesome and loving savior. I would recommend two incredible books for every believer to read and they are Jesus Freaks and Jesus Freaks II. They are stories of persecuted Christians and the incredible circumstances they overcame with the strength and comfort of the Holy Spirit. These stories will show how the Lord will bring us through anything the enemy has for us no matter how tragic it may seem at the time. God bless you all, Living4JC
Male - Age Range: 31-40
From U.S.A.
I know that because of those 'small' decisions there are millions of millions giving up their faith daily. They are may be willing to die for the faith they profess, but they are killing others and themselves with their 'small' decisions.
I wish I could speak of smiles and peace, but I can't, how can I smile? I remember the survey on the war against Iraq, how many took pride in assassinating so many innocent people only to satisfy the personal interests of the congress of U.S.A. And the words of many from this site showed me they are being carried away by a wind of proudful and blind emotionalism mixt with religious politics, they are bowing down before gods made by men's hands, they worship this country, their leaders, politics, weapons, power and deceptions. They may be willing to die for Christ without knowing Christ
died for all nations.
But that is a great decision. If you are willing to die, that is a very small thing! YOU MUST KNOW FIRST WHOM YOU DIE FOR AND HOW TO DIE. 'And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.' (1 Corinthians 13) Because we cannot redeem ourselves or others with our death. IS SOMEONE WILLING TO DIE FOR AND WORSHIP ONLY JESUS???...WE MUST FIRST KNOW THE MEANING OF HIS DEATH.
Did you notice if your church stopped preaching Jesus story since 1914 and became emotionalist? 'When you lift up the son of man, then you will know that I am, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.' (John 8:28)
Male - Age Range: 41-50
Amen ! I believe that we should give ourselves wholeheartedly unto the Lord. he gave Himself wholeheartedly for us. We should strive for the mark of perfection as our upward calling. We should be able to say with the Apostle Paul 'whether by life or death, Christ shall be magnified in my body.
(Phil. 1:20) A Good Soldier is always willing to lay his life on the line for the cause of Truth.'Only one life twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.' We gain new strength day by day when we place our full trust in Christ alone.(Isa. 40:31)
Male - Age Range: 41-50
You may use my name in this rely.
I think this is an excellent question. And for me it does relate to the whole dating part of my life. Because I was in a relationship where I had to question if God was still the most important part of my life. And I did not like the honest answer I got while I prayed. I hope others can read this and see that they are not the only ones that are going through such a trial.
It was the first one I had dated after the divorce. So that may have had a lot to do with it. But eventually it did not work out. It was the distance that was the main factor. But this may have been for the best. It had turned out to be a great learning experience. And we are still great friends in Christ.
Like any trial, I had seen signs from God that He was still with me. Still in my life and leading me. God always draws closest to us in our trials. We only need to learn to draw closer to Him. And pay attention to the signs. And yes. As I looked back God did give me many signs to prepare me for that trial. Knowing God was always there made it much easier for me to learn from that experience. Lessons for the book of Job are what keeps me going in such times.
And now I have been able to take that knowledge and apply it to a new relationship. One that I am sure that God is still first and will always be. There is such great difference in the peace and confidence that I feel in this new relationship. For each one of us these will have have different meanings. The main thing is, does the relationship truly serve in leading both to a closer relationship with Christ? And closer to one another?
There are also many more trials. One can not truly answer the question of putting God first until those trials are met. But from what I have experienced, God knows the trials are approaching and does try and prepare us for them. This is why it is so important to keep God first every day. All day. It is our choice to listen and to become prepared.
Am14Christ
Male - Age Range: 41-50
Jesus told Peter that the 'Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak' and to 'pray'. I know that my spirit is willing but I need Jesus and the Spirit of God to be with me and strengthen me.
Male - Age Range: 51-60
I am happy to see that we all have the same goal in view;However,it's not that easy.Pray for one another and hope that our burden will be much lighter.Tt's easy to talk the talk,but terrible to walk the walk, especially when the boses filed for chapter 7 and gone with your money.These are trying times, Have faith God is still in control.
Male - Age Range: 51-60
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot loose. Jim Elliett
If Christ be God and died for me then there is nothing to great that I cannot do for Him.
I read those wards as a young man and they mean far more to me today than they did then. I is my only regret that I have but one life to give for the One who paid the ultimate price to save me from eternal darkness.
Love so selfless so divine
Love so pure, gentle and kind
Love that does not count the cost
Paid the price to save the lost
Love poured out the last drop of blood
Mingled with our filth and mud
Love that saves to the uttermost
Wretched I who should have been toast
Create in me this love divine
A shinning light to all mankind
-paul 3-28-03
Copyright ©2003 Paul Sornberger file #02861
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