Chatting with Jesus
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Lord, it’s not like you didn’t warn us: “if this world hates you remember the world hated me first,” (John 15:18). Matthew summed up what believers could expect—Get ready, they are coming after you, (Matthew 24:9).
Our freedom to openly worship came at the price of our blood and treasure. May we never regard this freedom lightly. Countless believers in hostile environments worship underground under the threat of death. Before our soul-changing encounter with you, we also were among those who felt your message of redemption was unnecessary.
The world rejects you— “who needs God? We’re intelligent enough to run our society ourselves.” (Hey world, how’s that working out?)
Persecution, torture, and even death happen far too often for believers. Your heart breaks for the suffering faithful, but you promised a great reward in Heaven for those who persevere under trial.
The psalmist refused to believe his suffering went unnoticed:
“Are our sufferings not all written in your book? You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book,”—Psalm 56:8 (NLT).
Yes, Lord, all our losses for the sake of the Kingdom, the abuse heaped upon us for living our faith daily, the scorn for just sharing how a new life and hope are found in you—all these, and more, are recorded in your book.
May I never stop talking about you, Jesus. Amen.