Daily Devotional
Christians Are Promised Persecution
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.”
Matthew 24:9
July 14, 2023
Ponder This
Did you know this world has room for almost every religion except that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Our persecution is going to center in the name of Jesus. The world does not mind religion, but it resents Jesus. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). It is estimated that 360 million Christians live in countries where persecution is significant. Every year tens of thousands are kidnapped, detained, or imprisoned. Every year, thousands of Christians are murdered, and thousands of churches are destroyed*. And if you are paying attention at all, you know that Christian bashing is a favorite sport now for many forms of media.
- How does it make you feel to be reminded that Jesus has promised His people would be persecuted for following Him faithfully?
- Why is it worth facing this harsh reality?
*Statistics from Open Doors USA
Practice This
Spend time today reading about a few well-known Christian martyrs. Pray for Christians facing significant persecution and for your own faithfulness to Christ, no matter what you face.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
