Father, thank You for being with me…even when I’m grumpy. Thank You for Your patience and the loving kindness extended to me. May You be my focus today. Amen.
1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 (<<click here)
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 that 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!
July 14th, 2015, Tues, 5:54
