Father, thank You for getting us safely home last night. The snow of the season is always a bit exciting, but even though it was still way too warm to stick to the roads, people are always super cautious and prone to overreact. It is beautiful lying on the grass in our yard. Thank You for the wonderful gift of Your creation!
1 Peter 4:12-19 (<<click here to read the passage)
Lord, as I read this passage, it speaks of partnering with You in Your suffering and of how we should be glad for it, for it enables us to “have the wonderful joy of seeing [Your] glory when it is revealed to all the world.”
As I sit here thinking of suffering persecution, I know that I have read of this before and written on it as well. On September 16, 2015, I wrote of persecution in reference to Paul’s writings in 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16, and my thoughts haven’t changed. If anything, it is more appropriate today than ever. I feel compelled to share it once again.
Lord, You certainly experienced persecution (even to the point of death). Paul did, as well as the Jewish Christians and the Thessalonians. But me? Uh…no. I’m not putting a requisition in, by any means, but the term is thrown around a lot today. I realize that many of my brothers and sisters in the faith are laying their lives on the line, and many may be ushered into Your presence even this day. (Lord, may Your strength and love fill believers in the Middle East and other areas of the world today.)
But persecution here? Uh…no. We may have had our toes stomped on, but we have yet to be persecuted. Lord, I sincerely believe that if we did experience real persecution in our country that many would not have the stomach for it and would quickly desert the ranks.
I don’t know when it will happen or even if it will happen in my lifetime, but persecution will come. And, Lord, if it does come while I still have breath, may I use every one of those breaths to proclaim my faith in You. May I be filled with Your strength and love to the very last breath!
But, Jesus…as I sit here and ponder…I realize that, regardless of persecution, I should be living that way now! I have no idea when my life here will be complete, so I plead that You will give me the strength and love to live out my faith and to share that faith, each and every day! May I be true to You – Amen!
(Feb 9th, 2017, Thurs, 8:36 am)
Nov 9th, 2025, Sun, 7:29 pm
