Steady on

Friends,

We can stand strong in the face of attack, for we can cry out to the victorious LORD of Hosts.

Psalm 22:11 [NKJV]
Be not far from Me,
For trouble is near;
For there is none to help.

Truly, there is no one else that can fight for us. Our worldly "friends" will abandon us when we are persecuted for believing on Christ. We already see how governments will be an instrument of affliction. And our own courage simply cannot outlast the relentless assault of doubt, envy, and fear.

But the LORD has won greater battles. He will come through and bring us through. Stay faithful, brothers and sisters. Stay strong.

Be encouraged, Jose

Coming glory

Friends,

What we encounter here is not a preview. This world is filled with hate and rage that is intentionally directed at Christ and His followers. We see more and more evidence of what has been the case since the moment the enemy stood ready to devour the Child of God (Rev 12:4).

Jesus knew that we might question the point of all this suffering and persecution. And, because He is a wise leader, He answers this fundamental question ...

Matthew 19:27-28 [NKJV]
Then Peter answered and said to Him, See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?
So Jesus said to them, Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

What we encounter in this world will not last. It is passing. It is difficult, painful, and frustrating. But it is not eternal.

Our place, seated in the throne of Christ, is eternal. It has no end. And it is glorious.

Be encouraged, Jose

Friends,

We are naïve if we believe that we are immune from persecution and trouble. The world hates Christ. Therefore the world hates the followers of Christ. We should not be surprised when the violence of muslims and atheists is condoned with silent appeasement. We should not be surprised when the slaughter of Christians is accepted as left unchallenged.

But this will not last forever, brothers and sisters. The LORD has told us what is coming ...

The nations have sunk down in the pit which they made;
In the net which they hid, their own foot is caught.
The LORD is known by the judgment He executes;
The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
Psalm 9:15-16

Be not intimidated nor afraid. Fear not the persecution of this world. Look ahead to the coming victory of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Be encouraged, Jose

No surprise ... How the world sees us

Friends,

Christians around the world continue to endure persecution. Here in the United States, what we are subjected to is barely a nuisance compared to the physical torment that our brethren experience in other countries. Nonetheless, being the butt of jokes, being ridiculed and shouted down, and being scrutinized for every slip-up is all part of the suffering which comes being part of the Body of Christ.

1 John 3:13 [NKJV]
Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.

We are admonished to expect this treatment. It is evidence that the world is at war with Christ, just as our Lord told us it would be. We can look forward to His victory and ours.

Be encouraged, Jose

Standing up

Friends,

Every so often, we hear of the blatant persecution of our brothers and sisters around the world. We in the US are blessed with the freedom to come together and worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, without interference from government.

But how often do we go to the King with a prayer similar to this ...

For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen?
Esther 8:6 [NKJV]

When the Lord called us into His Kingdom, we became citizens of a new, eternal nation. Our countrymen live on every continent, now. We are bound together by the same King, the same Law, the same Redeemer, the same Father. As such, can we possibly ignore their circumstances?

Today, lift them up before the Lord, that they be delivered from persecution and affliction, according to His will.

Be encouraged, Jose