Friday, April 22, 2022
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
– Matthew 5:10
“Jesus does not present to His followers the hope of attaining earthly glory and riches, and of having a life free from trial, but He presents to them the privilege of walking with their Master in the paths of self-denial and reproach, because the world knows them not.” – Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 29
When selfless-love, righteousness, holiness, and truth is being revealed by faithful Christians, Satan will arouse resistance and hatred amongst those who choose to ignore the Holy Spirit’s voice. We can have the assurance that in all persecution we might face, Jesus will be with us and will be glorifying Himself through our challenging experience. He reassures us that those who are treated badly for doing good are happy and the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. (ICB)
HEART QUESTIONS: Have you experienced persecution because of your faithfulness to Jesus? Why, or why not? Will you choose today to cast off any desire to please the world, and prayerfully focus on revealing God’s glory, even if that might result in persecution?
- Pray that God with help us to be strength and have the joy of serving Him despite being the persecution that we are going through.
- Pray that we will be empowered by the Holy Spirit as we accept the privilege of walking with Jesus in the paths of self-denial and reproach
- Pray for inclusion of persons with disabilities/possibilities in the ministries of local congregations
- Pray that church members in St. Lucia & St. Croix would understand that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a prophetic movement with a prophetic message entrusted by heaven with a very special prophetic mission, and now is the time to shine for God’s glory.