Persecuted

Stand in the right place in order to know where you are standing. Jesus is the full and complete circle. 

Galatians chapter 6 verses 7-10.

Don't be misled; remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it: a man will always reap just the kind of crop he sows! If he sows to please his own wrong desires, he will be planting seeds of evil and he will surely reap a harvest of spiritual decay and death; but if he plants the good things of the Spirit, he will reap the everlasting life which the Holy Spirit gives him. And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we do not get discouraged and give up. That is why whenever we can we should always be kind to everyone, and especially to our Christian brothers. 

What does it mean to be persecuted? It means others may have an opinion that is different from yours. So much so that there could be anger, hatred and violence involved. 

   Do we not face these scenarios everyday? Everyone has an opinion. It is how you feel about their opinions that will escalate a situation or not. Stubborn people do not like to give in to new ideas and usually push for their own selfish desires. 

   God wants us to get along with others, so that He is seen through our actions. 

   1 John chapter 3 verse 1 says, "See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for He allows us to be called His children---think of it---and we really are! But since most people do not know God, naturally they don't understand that we are His children."

   In Psalm chapter 42 the writer is talking about all the attacks he is enduring and he is pleading for God's help, day and night. He even feels like God has forsaken him, but in verse 11 he comforts himself saying, "O my soul, don't be discouraged. do not be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise Him for all that He will do. He is my help! He is my God!"

   Times can feel tough. Words may get spoken that bring on feelings of sadness and depression. Jesus went through some real tough times and throughout His life He was hassled about His beliefs, but He never faltered or wavered. He spoke to God all the time about everything. And He tells us to do the same. Don't let this world get to you.

   In Matthew chapter 11, Jesus asks us to bring our burdens to Him, all of those who are weighed down. He says, "Let Me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens." 

   The only way you will get by, is not to hide and hope for the best, but to face your troubles head on with Jesus, letting Him take your worries and concerns. For He will give you the right words to speak. He will guide you with the right steps to take. Do not give up on seeking His help and guidance and always remember to be thankful to Him.

   Ephesians chapter 4 says, "Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do. Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and do not forget to thank Him for His answers." 

   I used to have no thoughts what so ever in my mind about Jesus or God. I got up each day and went about doing whatever. I was not married and did not have a spouse. I followed the group, the group that got high. There was drugs, alcohol and loud music. I was lucky enough to avoid fights and did not stick around if the law got involved. 

   This was my life style for many years. I met many different people and went to many different locations. The bottom line, of each day, was an empty, fog filled existence that was missing out on peace and true happiness. I did not know what it meant to love or be loved. God heard my prayers and brought Jesus into my life. 

   We are all different and the path from persecution can be different for each of us. God has made the path to Him easy through Jesus Christ. 

   Ephesians chapter 3 says, "Now we belong to Christ Jesus, and though you once were far away from God, now you have been brought very near to Him because of what Jesus Christ has done for you with His blood. For Christ Himself is our way of peace." 

   It was like night and day. I struggled with getting free from many years of abusing my body, but the Light of Jesus filled me with God's love. God led me to my spouse and has blessed us with a life of being involved, in worship, in prayer and in thanksgiving to Him. I enjoy being creative and the beauty of God's world. With a clear mind, I walk through the troubles that try to attack, the circumstances of life that try to discourage us, knowing that I am walking with Jesus in a life that is pleasing to God. 

   Does everyone want this? No, for they need to want this in order to seek after Him. God has put the idea out there and if people choose to find their way to Him, they will find that He has been there all along waiting. God is not forced upon anyone, but to those who do believe, they will tell you there is no other place they would rather be. 

   In John chapter 20, Thomas would not believe what the others were saying, so when Jesus stood before him, He told him put your finger into My hand and put your hand into My side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe! Then Jesus said, "You believe because you have seen Me. But blessed are those who have not seen Me and believe anyway."

   Thank You Father for Jesus. Thank You for Your listening ear and a lifetime full of grace. 😊           

   

Matthew 5 verses 14-16.

You are the world's light---a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father. 

 

John chapter 15 verses 10-12.

Jesus said, "I have loved you even as the Father has loved Me. Live within My love. When you obey Me you are living in My love, just as I obey My Father and live in His love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your cup of joy will overflow! I demand that you love each other as much as I love you."

 

Galatians chapter 5 verses 25 and 26.

If we are living now by the Holy Spirit's power, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Then we will not need to look for honors and popularity, which lead to jealousy and hard feelings. 

1 Peter chapter 2 verses 1-4.

So get rid of your feelings of hatred. Don't just pretend to be good! Be done with dishonesty and jealousy and talking about others behind their backs. Now that you realize how kind the Lord has been to you, put away all evil, deception, envy and fraud. Long to grow up into the fullness of your salvation; cry for this as a baby cries for his milk. Come to Christ, who is the living Foundation of Rock upon which God builds; though men have spurned Him, He is very precious to God who has chosen Him above all others.