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Devotional: Jesus endured the full wrath of God on the cross for you and for me and for everyone else. Because He loved us. At Jesus' very worst moment, He found joy in us. This profound truth should encourage us as we face our own trials and sufferings. We can find joy in knowing that Jesus has already paid the ultimate price for our salvation. Our sufferings, though real and painful, are temporary and cannot compare to the eternal glory that awaits us. Let us find strength and joy in Jesus, even in the midst of our hardships. Bible Verse: Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:2 Reflection Question: How can you find joy in your own sufferings by focusing on Jesus' sacrifice and love for you? Quote: At Jesus' very worst moment, he found joy in us. I don't have the words to really adequately describe that, but I hope you can see how much Jesus loved us and how it cost him everything. Prayer: Lord, help us to find joy in our sufferings by focusing on Your sacrifice and love for us. Give us the strength to endure our trials and to trust in Your eternal promises. Amen.
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Devotional: Persecution continues to grow each year, but praise God, the church is growing. We have a responsibility to support our persecuted brothers and sisters through prayer, financial contributions, and advocacy. Their stories of faith and endurance in the face of extreme danger inspire us to stand firm in our own faith. Let us be proactive in finding ways to support them, whether through organizations that provide aid or by raising awareness in our own communities. Bible Verse:This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. - 1 John 3:16 Reflection Question: How can you actively support persecuted Christians around the world? Quote: Persecution continues to grow each year, but praise God, the church is growing. Prayer: Lord, show us how we can support our persecuted brothers and sisters. Help us to be generous with our resources and to raise awareness about their plight. Give us the courage to stand with them in their suffering. Amen. Devotional: Following Jesus comes with a cost. Are you willing to give up everything to obediently follow Jesus? This is not a question to be taken lightly. The cost of discipleship may require us to give up our comforts, our security, and even our lives. Second Timothy 3:12 reminds us that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. This is a sobering reality, but it also calls us to a deeper commitment and trust in Jesus, knowing that He is worth any sacrifice we may face. Bible Verse: In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. - 2 Timothy 3:12 Reflection Question: What are you willing to sacrifice in order to follow Jesus more closely? Quote: Are you willing to give up everything to obediently follow Jesus? And don't just give the immediate church answer of yes, because I know, I love to do that when somebody asks a question. Prayer: Lord, help us to count the cost of following You and to be willing to give up everything for Your sake. Strengthen our faith and our resolve to live godly lives, even in the face of persecution. Amen. Devotional: The Great Commission is probably one of the most preached on topics that you will ever hear and with good reason, because it's Jesus' last charge to us as his followers and his disciples. With 75% of the world not knowing Jesus, we have a huge mission field before us. We are called to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything Jesus has commanded. This mission is urgent and essential, and it requires our full commitment and dedication. Bible Verse:Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' - Matthew 28:18-20 Reflection Question: What steps can you take today to actively participate in the Great Commission? Quote: 75% of the world right now does not know Jesus. Clearly, we have a huge mission field. Prayer: Lord, help us to be faithful to the Great Commission. Give us the courage and wisdom to share the Gospel with those who do not know You. Empower us to make disciples and to teach them to obey Your commands. Amen. Devotional: Today, we recognize the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. This is a special time set aside by the global church to come together as one unified body of Christ to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are facing persecution. As we reflect on this, let us remember that our purpose is to glorify Jesus in all that we do. Our prayers can make a significant impact on the lives of those who are suffering for their faith. Let us lift them up, asking God to give them strength, courage, and hope in the midst of their trials. Bible Verse: Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. - Hebrews 13:3 Reflection Question: How can you make prayer for the persecuted church a regular part of your spiritual practice? Quote: Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, a special time set aside by the global church to come together as one unified body of Christ to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world that are facing persecution. Prayer: Lord, we lift up our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. Give them strength, courage, and hope. Help us to remember them in our prayers and to support them in any way we can. Amen. |
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