DAY 13: PLEDGING OUR ALLEGIANCE

DAY 13: PLEDGING OUR ALLEGIANCE

Scripture:

John 15:18 If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.

Observation:

The moment we receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we automatically become a citizen of His kingdom. As a citizen of his kingdom, we our allied with those He are allied with, and we are enemies against those who are against Him. Just as He is at war with the kingdom of Satan, so too, we are at war. We must not be deceived and think there is nothing going on in the heavenly realms or that we are free to live life without being influenced by the war that is ongoing.

Whenever we seek to do God’s will and extend His kingdom, we will sooner or later, meet opposition. The prophets of old sent by God were beaten up, mistreated, stoned, even killed. Stephen, the first martyr of the church, was stoned to death. Numerous Christians were crucified during the Roman rule. Today, Christians are still persecuted, in North Korea, in Iraq, in Africa, in China. In Iraq especially, Christians turned out of their homes have become refugees overnight by the masses. Some walked for days in the desert without food, finally succumbing to their hunger.

Application:

For those of us who are persecuted, let us not lose hope, but persevere, for the Lord Himself was persecuted in the same way. It is a great honor and privilege to be persecuted, even to the point of death when it is for our precious Lord. For those of us who are not persecuted as yet, let us remember our brothers and sisters who are suffering and pray for them earnestly.                                     

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, have mercy on Your children, we pray, suffering as they are in diverse parts of the world today. Grant them Your special grace and strength in this difficult time. Provide a way for them so that they can come out and rebuild their lives again. What with men is impossible, Lord, with You, is always possible. Give us a heart of compassion for our fellow brothers and sisters who suffer. Open doors that we may be able to touch and help them. Bless You, Father Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.