Focus
Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you.
Read
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker. 16 Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust their lives to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.
Reflect
I remember hearing a preacher say “If Christians were being persecuted in the United States, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Are Christians being persecuted in the United States today? It depends on who you ask. I looked this question up and found opposing answers. Some Christians perceive the advancement of secularism as a threat to Christianity. Some may feel threatened by situations in which government offices put into place the Establishment Clause which prohibits a government from establishing a religion. I read a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that stuck with me. “Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.”
In verse 19 of today’s reading, something stood out to me. So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. Do good. What does that mean? What is the evidence that I am a Christian? Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Pray
Holy God our Creator, forgive me when I fail to love without judgment. Fill me with your grace so that I can bear your good fruit. Thank you for your unconditional love. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Go with God!
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