“Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.”
Hebrews 13:3 NLT
“And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.”
Ephesians 6:19-20 NLT
We can get offended when someone on social media doesn’t agree with the way we believe concerning Jesus Christ. But sadly—even in the United States of America—some have experienced actual persecution relating to their relationship with Jesus Christ. However, none of this persecution compares to what many Christians are experiencing all over the world at this very moment.
As I was growing up, my father would often share stories about the Armenian genocide in which over a million and a half Armenian Christians were mercilessly raped, tortured, and killed. In my thoughts and mind, it seemed so far away. It was easy to think that those kind of things were forever behind us. But the reality is that they are right here and now. In fact, there are now even more incidences than have ever been in places all over the world.
Indeed, persecution is still going on toward Christian Armenians by Turkey and Azerbaijan. In Nigeria, the Christian population is being systematically extinguished. The list goes on from China—where churches are regularly razed and burned—to Pakistan and India where Christians are dealt with harshly.
These are but a few of the many places where Christians daily face threats to their actual life. Their steadfastness should humble all of us who are able to serve the Lord with relative ease.
Make no mistake, this persecution is extending into our country. Let’s not wait until our lives are on the line to seek the Lord for those who are persecuted. Let us remember our Christian brothers and sisters who are part of the true body of Christ. Remember them daily. Pray for them daily. Find ways to support them as you are able. Believe it or not, many of them are praying for us.
Peace to you
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
“And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”
Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT
My father was not a person given to anger. Indeed, he was very slow to anger. In fact, his anger would generally be concerning someone else being mistreated in some way. But, when he did get angry, it was a whole body experience for him. I remember hearing him say that it felt like rockets were going off in his chest. I had no idea what he was talking about…until it happened to me.
Now, the fact is, if a person can look at some of the things going on in the world today without being angry, I would seriously doubt their grasp on reality.
Indeed, anger is a very human emotion. But—as the Bible will confirm—it can also be a very Godlike emotion, even righteous indignation.
What makes the difference concerning anger is what we do with it. Now, I must say here that someone always given to anger,
has some other issues they need to take before the Lord, asking for forgiveness and deliverance.
What we are considering here are the things that would make basically anybody angry, rather than those people who are an angry outburst waiting to happen.
In fact, the ecclesiastical writer says that the person who is always ready to be angry, makes themselves foolish.
“Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, For anger dwells in the heart of fools.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9 AMP
Anger, given full outward expression, becomes aggression, vengeance-seeking, or even violence. Anger, turned inwardly, can become depression, despair, and even suicidal imagery.
The fact is that nothing good grows from an always angry heart.
“Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior which He requires from us].”
James 1:19-20 AMP
As the Holy Spirit is given more freedom in your life, you will find that the fruit of the Spirit will begin to take away the inclination toward being angry. However, godly anger will and should continue to exist. But, godly anger should be dealt with through taking the anger to the Lord in prayer, asking Him what He would have you do. Yes, allow that anger to be turned into fervency before God. After all, we know that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)
In our opening scripture Paul exhorts the people to not allow anger to cause them to sin. As well, he warns that anger gives a place for the devil in your life.
Remember: anger can be a destroyer of your peace, or a motivation towards fervently seeking the Lord. Choose the latter! And if anger does cause you to sin, quickly repent!
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
“Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”
Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT
The old gospel song, “Each Step of the Way,” speaks of “following Jesus one step at a time.” Indeed, this is the way we must live.
The Lord Jesus Christ has gone before us and has made a way where there was no way, a way that leads to the Glory of God and eternal life. Through Jesus Christ we are connected to the never-ending life of God. As such, we have access to the guiding power of His Holy Spirit.
However, when we take our eyes off Jesus, we go toward where we are looking. In doing so, we fall into temptation.
“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”
James 1:14-15 NLT
Walking where our Good Shepherd leads, keeps us from harm, keeps us from temptation, keeps us from traps.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.”
Psalms 23:1-2 NLT
If you find your feet where they don’t belong, recognize that they got there because you looked away from Jesus and left the path of following after Him, choosing rather to chase after some provocative distraction.
Repent for stepping off His path of peace. Follow the wise advice in our opening scripture. Resume following Jesus, one step at a time!
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!