Let’s have a show of hands. How many of us, when we go through tough trials, immediately count it all joy? How many of us delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, and in difficulties? How many of us, when people hate us, when they exclude us and insult us and reject our … Continue reading Leap for Joy?
Christian persecution
Are You Embarrassed by Them?
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us … Continue reading Are You Embarrassed by Them?
“Everyone Mocks Me”
“O Lord, you have deceived me,and I was deceived;you are stronger than I,and you have prevailed.I have become a laughingstock all the day;everyone mocks me.For whenever I speak, I cry out,I shout, ‘Violence and destruction!’For the word of the Lord has become for mea reproach and derision all day long.If I say, ‘I will not … Continue reading “Everyone Mocks Me”
“Speak to Us Smooth Things”
“Then they said, ‘Come, let us make plots against Jeremiah, for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, let us strike him with the tongue, and let us not pay attention to any of his words.’ “Hear me, O Lord,and listen to … Continue reading “Speak to Us Smooth Things”
In All Our Persecutions
“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in … Continue reading In All Our Persecutions
All Through the Night
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, … Continue reading All Through the Night
Being Persecuted is Cause for Rejoicing
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets … Continue reading Being Persecuted is Cause for Rejoicing
Who are Our Enemies?
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his … Continue reading Who are Our Enemies?
Children Will Rise Against Their Parents
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before … Continue reading Children Will Rise Against Their Parents
Examining God’s Holy Temple
“I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, ‘Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for months. And I will appoint … Continue reading Examining God’s Holy Temple
Run With It 