Today's Verse: Matthew 5:11-12

Sunday, October 1, 2006

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

For most who can read this Internet message, the sentiments of this verse seem foreign. But among those who closely study persecution, believers in Christ are enduring perhaps the greatest amount of persecution in the history of Christianity. For those of us who live in cozy places where belief is tolerated and Christians are just considered "unhip" or a bit out of touch, we need to be thankful that our lives make enough of a distinction from our culture to be noticed, even if it's a bit unfavorable. But at the same time, we need to pray for other believers throughout the world who are undergoing the wrath of hell for the faith.

My Prayer...

Great Deliverer, we have many who call on your name with faith in Jesus who face persecution and hardship every day. I pray that they will not lose heart and give up their confidence. I pray that you will bring deliverance from this time of persecution. I pray that their sufferings will be the source of powerful witness so others will come to see the great value of Jesus and our allegiance to him. This I pray in Jesus' precious and holy name. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

14 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 5:11-12 — Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, October 1, 2006

A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"God didn’t spare angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, where he has secured them with chains of darkness and is holding them for judgment. God....."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! ... Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, king of nations and peoples, This is for all people everywhere - We plead for all people because they all need you. We pray for all..."
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"When Jesus saw [Mary] weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. "Where have..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.