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- Apr 25, 2006
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WEIGH IT UP
''If anyone suffers...'' 1 Peter 4:16
Check out this passage in the Bible: 'Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God...' (vv.15-17 NKJ).
If you're seeding God's truth into your thoughts, words and deeds and getting attacked for it, it can be really tough. Whether it's cruel words from others, or you feel like satan's ripping at your self-esteem and dragging you down, the Bible's response 'to be glad for it' can seem like a hard pill to swallow.
Looking deeper though, this is truly a compliment - because you're being seen as a threat! Satan hates anything to do with building the Kingdom of God, so if you're doing that in spades, then he's gonna have a go 'cos you're an enemy! But fear not: '...the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you' (v.14 NLT) You're on the right team, so be glad!
God is and will be your shelter and your shield. You can rest under Him and He will protect you. What now? When it's tough and we're struggling with people, don't forget to pray for them, too. The Bible says, '...love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you' (Matthew 5:44 NIV)
written by Bob Gass
''If anyone suffers...'' 1 Peter 4:16
Check out this passage in the Bible: 'Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God...' (vv.15-17 NKJ).
If you're seeding God's truth into your thoughts, words and deeds and getting attacked for it, it can be really tough. Whether it's cruel words from others, or you feel like satan's ripping at your self-esteem and dragging you down, the Bible's response 'to be glad for it' can seem like a hard pill to swallow.
Looking deeper though, this is truly a compliment - because you're being seen as a threat! Satan hates anything to do with building the Kingdom of God, so if you're doing that in spades, then he's gonna have a go 'cos you're an enemy! But fear not: '...the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you' (v.14 NLT) You're on the right team, so be glad!
God is and will be your shelter and your shield. You can rest under Him and He will protect you. What now? When it's tough and we're struggling with people, don't forget to pray for them, too. The Bible says, '...love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you' (Matthew 5:44 NIV)
written by Bob Gass
