Psalm 118:6 ‘The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’

DAILY READING; • John 4:43-54; 1 Chronicles 17; Zechariah6

In the sixteenth century, there was a protestant reformer in England by the name of Hugh Latimer. He was known as one of the greatest preachers of his day.
Hugh Latimer was Bishop of Worcester in the time of King Henry VIII of England, but he resigned in protest against the King’s refusal to allow the Protestant reforms.
Latimer’s sermons urged men to upright living and devoutness in prayer.
One time he was invited to preach before King Henry. Latimer decided that he must be faithful to the message that God had laid on his heart even if it displeased the king.
Indeed his bold preaching of righteousness enraged the king. Latimer was then commanded to preach the following weekend and make an apology to the king. But on the next Sunday, after reading the text, Latimer openly acknowledged the king’s power to take away his earthly life if he displeased him, but then declared that he would rather fear and obey God who had the greater power to not only kill him but cast his soul into hell. Therefore, rather than apologize, Latimer then gave King Henry the very same sermon he had preached the week before – only with more passion and more urgency!
Later on, Hugh Latimer was martyred for his faith, alongside his friend and fellow reformer, Nicholas Ridley.
As both men were burned at the stakes, Latimer’s spoke this now famous last words to his friend: “Be of good cheer, Master Ridley, and play the man, for we shall this day light such a candle in England as I trust by God’ grace shall never be put out.”
Latimer faced the choice to preach what the king wanted to hear or preach God’s undiluted Word. He took his stand for truth and preached boldly despite the danger to his life.

Acts chapter 4 includes the story of Peter and John standing before the Jewish rulers and giving testimony of Christ and His death and resurrection.
When they were thrown in jail and warned not to speak or teach at all in Jesus’ Name, they refused to compromise instead, saying, “we cannot but speak of things we have seen and heard.”
The Apostles chose to stand by their beliefs rather than fear what men could do to them. .

Psalm 118:6 says ‘The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’

We should never allow fear of men to dilute our dedication to God
Our desire to please God should always be placed above all else.
As we go through life we would often be faced with the choice of pleasing God or pleasing man. But in whatever situation we may find ourselves, we should always place God first. No matter what goes on around us, we should never compromise our stance.
Our convictions shape not only what we believe but also how we live and even how we die. They define who we are and provide solid straight lines that help us to walk in line with God’s Word
At all times, the word of God must be our standard for living. Sacrificing our standard of righteousness to please others will only result in the loss of God’s best for us. Compromise may secure a momentary gain, but it will only end in pain.
Our ability to stand strong is a function of the state of our hearts. When your heart is full of the Word and faith, you will not be intimidated by any situation to compromise. Often, the reason why people sometimes cave in during challenges or fall into temptations is because of lack of faith.
Faith failure is like heart failure. As long as your faith does not fail, your heart will be strong in God and it will be difficult for you to be intimidated or tempted away from following God’s will..
In times of trials, like Paul in Acts 20:24, we must always declare in faith ‘none of these things move me’.
Surely, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
Understand that there’s no temptation that comes your way that is not common to man and in it, God will always make a way of escape for you.
Today, as you refuse to compromise your faith in the face of trials, certainly, “The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” [Exodus 14:14]

PRAYER: Father I thank You that no matter what comes my way, through faith in You, I am an overcomer in every situation. Please help me to always keep my heart filled with Your Word, so that I will never fall to temptations in Jesus Name.
QUOTE;
The study of The Word will keep shame and disgrace far from you. – WORDBITE 222.