Friday, November 10, 2023

Friday, November 10, 2023
Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

It’s very hard to reconcile suffering and persecution of God’s people here on earth. Doesn’t the Almighty God see what His people are going through, in foreign countries and right here in our own? What is happening to Christians now is what was happening to the early church, too. Paul emphasized that the suffering, the pain and the persecution you endure in this life isn’t even worth comparing to the good and splendor waiting in Heaven. If you endure, God will reward you with more than you can possibly imagine.

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Thursday, November 9, 2023
Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them

Have you ever been rejected, made fun of, or not taken seriously because of your faith? Have you witnessed what’s happening to Christians in foreign countries around the world? It’s enough to make anybody furious; but you aren’t just anybody, not anymore. If you’ve depended on God for salvation, you understand that the people persecuting others need saving, too. Bless those who curse you and pray for those who persecute you.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Matthew 5:11
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

You and I have both prayed at some point that God would make our lives easier and yet, the leaders of the early church celebrated when they suffered for Christ’s sake! When they were beaten, whipped, scorned, and thrown in prison for their faith, they rejoiced, because they remembered what Jesus had told them. When the world despises and mistreats you because of Him, your rewards in Heaven will be multiplied abundantly.

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Tuesday, November 7, 2023
John 15:18
If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you

The Jews hated Him, spat at Him, and traded Him for a murderer. Christ was crucified by the people He loved… but it was love that held Him there. If the world spits on you, remember that it spat on Jesus too, and hold on for the same reason He did. If you bravely keep your eyes on Christ, there is a Kingdom awaiting you that will put the bad and good things of Earth to shame.

Monday, November 6, 2023

Monday, November 6, 2023
2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

The world that persecuted and scorned Jesus is still trying to stomp out His influence today. We don’t want to be told that God judges our sins, no one wants to leave their crooked lifestyle and follow Christ, and certainly no one wants to believe that there will be punishment for those who don’t. The truth is Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him.

Friday, November 3, 2023

Friday, November 3, 2023
Luke 15:7
Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

We will have no enemies in Heaven; the truth is, you don’t have enemies on this earth either. Not a single earthly gripe or disagreement is going to matter in the grand scheme of eternity. The only thing that does matter is where you spend eternity. During this short life God has given you, fight everyday to fill seats at His table, introducing people to the friend you have in Jesus and telling them the good news: Christ died for sinners, wanderers, and enemies, and He died for them too. On this planet, you and I have no enemies… only sheep that have yet to be brought into the flock.