DATE WRITTEN: Sunday, 2021-01-10
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Matthew 5:11-12
TRANSLATION: New Century Version (NCV)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹¹ “People will insult you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow me. But when they do, you will be blessed. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did the same evil things to the prophets who lived before you.

OBSERVATION: There’s a saying, that if you keep on doing what you’ve always done, you will likely see the same results. I believe this also means that if you do what others have done, you should expect the same results as they did. The Bible says that prophets of old were condemned and had to deal with various forms of evil, because they stood for, represented, and boldly spoke the words of God. If we do the same thing as our Christian ancestors, we should not be surprised about the way we are treated in this world. Although our Scripture today prepares us for the outcome, God is smiling, because He has a great reward awaiting for us when we arrive in heaven! Are you preparing for your reward?

APPLICATION: I believe that faith is doing what you know will give you the ultimate prize, in spite of very challenging times accomplishing the work that will be judged. Fellow Christians, we are told that people will insult us, they will hurt us, they will lie about us, and they will say all kinds of evil things about us. The natural man will immediately ask, so what must I do to avoid that, because that sounds like anything but fun, or enjoyable times. But today we stand boldly with the Word of God in hand, and our Father says that if we truly stand up for Him and the things of God, we will experience the acts aforementioned. Why is that? I believe that the world acts in ways so opposing to the Word of God, and their actions so different to Godly actions, that they tend to look at us as the odd ball. We are looked at as the group that thinks differently; acts differently; stands for everything opposite to what the world enjoys; opposes some of the funnest times that the world enjoys; or as in my case, accused of being too black and white. In fact, the world may look at us and refuse to associate with us because we are simply no fun to be around. But the great news of Jesus Christ is that there is no reason for us to go to our corner and pout when we are looked down on, or not worth hanging around, but instead rest assured in knowing that because we are bold enough to do the right thing, our Father is smiling in heaven knowing that the prize He has set aside for us is merely gaining more jewels until we arrive safely at His feet. It’s worth it dear friend. Commit yourself to the Lord Jesus Christ, honor Him in all your ways, and all these things will be given unto you! Heaven is a glorious place, and I would be thrilled to have you join me at the feet of the Master one day very soon!

PRAYER: Praise the name of Jesus, we have a future that includes praise, worship and prayer at Your feet forevermore! But we need You badly while we remain on this old earth, dear Lord, for we live as a prince among thieves. Please continue to give us strength and boldness to encourage and love those who despitefully use us, for we would love to see them surrender their lives to Your lordship and rule. Oh that they may accept You as Lord and use their energies for promoting the Kingdom of God instead of their evil agenda to discourage and hold back the children of God. You are bigger than all our troubles Lord, so we trust in You, and depend on You, to help us deal with, and overcome this wicked world. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!