"Stand Up For Jesus"

"God setteth the solitary in the families: He bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land." (Psalms 68:6) You have no doubt heard it said, "If you don't stand for something then you will fall for anything", well it makes more sense when you are being pressed. Let's just say that there are lines being drawn in the sand; and I know for a fact, that standing up for what you believe is all good and well, as long as it's not standing up for Jesus. You can say that you believe in God, and for the most part you will be alright; but as soon as you start to use the name of Jesus, people start getting offended; even the cross is enough to cause people to feel offended. It has gotten pretty ridiculous in some cases, where some people even claim that the sight of the cross makes them feel sick or gives them nausea. The point I feel God is making within this verse, is one based upon the power found in Christ alone. First we must realize that if Christ is the center of your family, then your family is one in Christ; that goes for the church as well as for the family that lives in a home together. If the enemy can't defeat your family one way, then he will try another; but if the cross of Christ is at the center of your relationships, then everyone has common ground to meet. Secondly we are set free in Christ, and in Christ alone! No other way than Jesus can man find freedom from the chains of sin, and from the bondage of being born a sinner. And, oh my goodness; did you know, no matter where you are at, or how bound up you are, if Christ has set you free, no chains can hold you captive, and no walls can make you feel bound: If Jesus sets you free, you are free indeed! And then we have those that are rebellious against taking a stand for Christ. These are those that thirst, not because they do not have water available, but because they do not choose to drink it. They know where to find it, but they would rather stay where they are at, "in a dry land." It is more than a matter of being in the dry land, it is more about settling in that dry land, and being stubborn; too stubborn to take a stand, because you have forgotten what the Living Water taste like, or how much He can quench your thirst... "Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink - even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk - it's all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised David. See how I used him to display my power among the peoples. I made him a leader among the nations. You also will command nations you do not know, and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey, because I, the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious." (Isaiah 55:1-5) NLT