Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Every now and then as Christians, we are discredited unjustly and tagged with an identity of dishonor. As we stand on the truth and live the truth daily, we are surrounded by hoards of people who condemn us because they don't understand why we are what we are. You may face instances where you are tagged as 'weird', 'weak', or outright 'foolish' because you wouldn't make your decisions or take actions that are conventional to others. You may even be stigmatized by your family, friends, colleagues or neighbors for your association with Christ.
We are encouraged today to count ourselves blessed every time people put us down, or throw us out, or speak lies about us to discredit the God we serve and represent. These people act this way because they see the truth in us and it is too close for their comfort. When they can't handle their discomfort any longer, they throw stones at us.
In Matthew 5:12, Jesus says we should rejoice and be glad, because our reward in heaven is great, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. Don't be discouraged when you find yourself in this position. Rejoice that your stand and lifestyle is reaching out to the unsaved for Christ. These people may not tell you, but the Holy Spirit can convict them in their quiet corner and they too choose to be like Christ, because of you.
As we continue to stand firm in our conviction and faith in Jesus Christ, we receive strength from him to overcome persecution and trials to our faith in Jesus name.
Prayer: Dear God of grace, thank you for the words of encouragement today. As
I try to live by your word, father please help me to be firm and not find a position of compromise in order to please the people around me. Help me Lord to know the truth and live by the truth so I will be free from entanglement with sin. Holy Spirit of God, I ask that you remind me of these words of encouragement whenever I find myself in a dilemma, whenever I am confused or discouraged. Lord I rejoice in the privilege you've given me to be a Child of the Most High. Thank you, Jesus.
One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - June 3 2010 - 2 Chronicles 27 - 29 (OT), 1 Corinthians 8 (NT)
Pray for someone today - Pray for people who sow sparingly into the works of Gods kingdom with their resources like time, energy, money, etc. Pray that every plan of the enemy to cause them loss will not stand. Pray that they will yield bountiful promotion just as the Kingdom of God is promoted above this world. Pray that God himself will defend their means of livelihood.
