It's bound to happen

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

From the beginning Christians faced persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ, including the apostles. They faced horrible deaths at the hands of the opposition, as did many early church leaders. Truth is, Jesus warned them that persecution was inevitable. Persecution would come because others hated Him (Jesus) and others would hate them as well on account of believing in Him. (John 15)

Jesus’s life was in danger from the beginning. King Herod had ordered that all male children (2 years and younger) were to be killed in Bethlehem, trying to stop the prophecy of the coming Messiah (Matthew 2). As Jesus continued His life and ministry and performing miraculous signs and wonders, His opposition grew stronger and stronger against Him. Ultimately leading the leaders to nail Him to the cross.

After His death and resurrection, the apostles continued His works and they too became targets. There were multiple accounts of worldly and religious leaders telling them not to talk about the name of Jesus (Acts 4).

The thought of persecution for our faith has been brewing inside of me for a couple months now. And recently I’ve been hearing more thoughts and messages about persecution from others. I have learned through the years of my life journey, when a message starts to come from multiple areas, God is intentionally getting a message across and preparing us for something to come.

Persecution is bound to happen and usually happens when we take a stand or a courageous step in our faith. We live in a world where the message of Jesus Christ is attacked, and others are trying to stop it from being preached. Although, we may not be facing death for our faith in Christ, we still face persecution. We will face rejection from others for our faith, and many times we will be verbally attacked. There will be people who will try to shut us up and tell us we shouldn’t or can’t talk about our faith in Jesus. There will be people who are against us and turn others against us because of our faith. Unfortunately, it may even people who are close to us, including our family and close friends. Jesus never said we would have peace in this world, but that we may have peace in Him. 

I pray He grant us that peace today!

What do I think?

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4)

What do I think?

I think we’re all trying to walk this life journey together.  Trying to discover our true self and where we belong.

I think we have two opposing spirits for our soul, God and the enemy, Light and darkness.  

I think we all have to sift through our stuff, the good, the bad, and the ugly.  We have to face our own demons, our own dark side and acknowledge the Light that breaks through.  

I think the enemy robs us with his lies and deception. The lies that we are unworthy or not enough.  He projects guilt and shame that keeps us in hiding.  He attacks at the core of our being and we live in a false self perception. 

I think living in false perception of our self keeps us from true community and relationship with others, most importantly God.

I think there is a greater He in this world, our God and Savior who speaks His Truth against those lies.   He claims us as His own, He says we are worthy and loved!

I think God gives people the gift of faith to see past the false wounded self of others.  He enables us to see the person He sees them as  and the good within them!  

I think if you knew my true thoughts, you’d be surprised.  I think your loved more than you know.  I think people care more than you think.  I think you should stop believing the lies of the enemy.  I think God speaks to you and you need to receive His eternal words of love, grace, and affirmation over your life.  I think your a pretty amazing person and pray you would see it too!

Meeting God...

Where do you meet God?  Maybe the better question is, where does God meet you?  

It can be normal to think we can only meet God is in a certain place. However, God is omnipresent, everywhere, and often God meets is in places we don’t expect.  

He met Moses on the mountain through a burning bush and instructed him to lead the people out of slavery.  

When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." Then he said, "Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." - Exodus 3:4-5

Jesus revealed Himself to the Samaritan woman at the well, while she was living in a shameful state. 

The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things." - John 4:25

He interceded Saul on his way to persecute Christians, calling him His chosen instrument to carry His name before the Gentiles. 

And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"  And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. - Acts 9:4-5

God often shows up in the very places we’d lest expect!  Never underestimate where He might meet you, reveal Himself to you, and/or lead you as His chosen instrument for a specific purpose.  

Lord I thank you we don’t have to be in a certain place to meet you.  You meet us where we are at, you meet us when we least expect it.  I pray today Lord would meet with us, direct us, reveal yourself and your plans to us.  In Jesus Name, Amen.