Video Devotional
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Bible Verse
"If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if
we deny him, he also will deny us"
-2 Tim 2:12
Meditation
As a child of God and knowing His power and love, we may be surprised that we ever suffer at all, but godly suffering is not an "if." It's a "when." It's a promise.If they persecuted Christ, they will persecute those who follow Him.
In fact, if we have not faced persecution, we should take a serious look at our lives- are we fearing man, or God? Have we been ashamed of Jesus?
I have noticed that there are at least four sources of suffering in our walk with Christ. Knowing the source of the suffering gives us the insight we need to respond to the suffering with faith and confidence.
There are four types of suffering I have taken note of in my Bible studies.
- Godly Suffering
- Illegal Suffering
- God’s correction for our wrongs
- The suffering of compassion
In today's video, we are looking at godly suffering.
The apostle Paul follows Christ's example in suffering for the salvation of souls by taking governmental punishment, and rejection and anger from religious authorities when he is stoned, chained, and beaten.
God did not force Paul to suffer this way. Paul CHOSE freely. In fact, God sent prophets to WARN Paul that if he went on preaching in the direction he was headed, he would face these persecutions. He was warned again and again by prophets and saints of God- yet he pressed on, choosing to suffer with Christ for the salvation of souls.
Godly suffering is always a free choice: Jesus submitted to God, after pleading with Him, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42)
In fact, scripture tells us that some will choose martyrdom to attain a better resurrection.
What was it that enabled saints like these to endure godly persecutions?
"...it was for the joy set before him, Christ endured the cross." (Hebrews 12:2)
When we truly believe that heaven lies before us and that we will enjoy eternal rewards for our faith displayed on the earth, it puts current suffering into perspective. God ALWAYS overcomes evil with good. ALWAYS.
Prayer
Father fill me with the wisdom of Christ so I will value things that matter more than things that don't. In Jesus name I ask, Amen.
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Current Events:
Happy Father's Day!
Sun., June 21. Observed the third Sunday in June. The exact origin of the holiday is not clear, but it was first celebrated June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Wash. In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation making Father's Day official.
Sun., June 21. Observed the third Sunday in June. The exact origin of the holiday is not clear, but it was first celebrated June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Wash. In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation making Father's Day official.
Coming up:
Independence Day,
Sat., July 4. The day of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, celebrated in all states and territories. The observance began the next year in Philadelphia.
Read more: Holidays: Religious and Secular, 2015 http://www.infoplease.com/world/events/2015/holidays-religious-secular.html#ixzz3a32AWE8c
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