5 “All day long they distort my words;All their thoughts are against me for evil.6 They attack, they lurk,They watch my steps,As they have waited to take my life.7 Because of wickedness, cast them forth,In anger put down the peoples, O God!8 You have taken account of my wanderings;Put my tears in Your bottle.Are they … Continue reading Don’t Give Up The Fight!
persecutions
Be Patient in Your Tribulations
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of … Continue reading Be Patient in Your Tribulations
We Do Not Want You To Be Unaware
“For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on … Continue reading We Do Not Want You To Be Unaware
Even Though I Walk Through a Dark Valley
One of the saddest days of my childhood is when our family moved from a wonderful neighborhood in Ellet (a subdivision of the City of Akron in Ohio, USA) to South Arlington Street in Akron. In Ellet we had good neighbors and many friends to play with and to do things with. We played all … Continue reading Even Though I Walk Through a Dark Valley
Being Tested and Tried
James 1:2-4,12 ESV “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when … Continue reading Being Tested and Tried
Sometimes We Have Pain
Psalms 46:1-3,10-11 ESV “God is our refuge and strength,a very present help in trouble.Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,though its waters roar and foam,though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah “Be still, and know that I am God.I will be … Continue reading Sometimes We Have Pain
When the Fiery Trials Come
1 Peter 4:12-16 ESV “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 … Continue reading When the Fiery Trials Come
Minds Stayed on Christ
Isaiah 26:1-2 ESV “In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: ‘We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in.’” Under the New Covenant, which God’s people now have with God (Father, Son … Continue reading Minds Stayed on Christ
Be Thankful Even for Trials
Matthew 5:10-12 ESV “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 … Continue reading Be Thankful Even for Trials
Examples of Persecutions
Psalms 94:3-7 ESV “O Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult? They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast. They crush your people, O Lord, and afflict your heritage. They kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless; and they say, ‘The Lord does not see; … Continue reading Examples of Persecutions
Run With It 