Words to encourage those that are persecuted for their faith: By MG Henry
When I first learned of the vitriolic attack on your reputation as a righteous daughter of God, anger rose up in my heart. However, as I pondered the fictitious accusations and judgmental observations against you, the anger started to lift because I believe the Holy Spirit started bringing to mind The True Word of God.
Paul in Romans 1:32 states, “Although they know God’s righteous decree…that which is written in the commandments…..’Thou shall not murder; Thou shall not bear false witness; thou shall not commit adultery’, etc. and that those who do such things deserve death…even so… they persist and excuse and continue to do these very things, over and over. And others who approve of those who practice adultery, lying, stealing, etc. are partners in collusion with them. “ That is …they are just as guilty as the ones committing the sin.
And Paul indicates….the approvers deserve death, also. This is very scary. So, instead of LOVING them enough to tell them that their sin will send them to hell and that there is a God Who forgives a repentant heart that changes its ways, they, instead take delight and personal pleasure in the sins of others and they call that “love”.
And, who is the accuser of the brethren? Who stands on one’s own concocted moral standards and uses the Scriptures to brow beat those who are standing for true morality? The Bible states, ‘SATAN is the accuser of God’s people.’
SO!!! I rejoice with you and thank God on this Thanksgiving day for you and your godly little family because, “All who want to live a godly life in union with the Messiah Jesus will be persecuted. [2Tim. 3:12]
“In fact, Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” [James 1:2]
In addition, Acts 5:41 says, “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. So, day after day, in the temple courtsand from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good newsthat Jesus is the Messiah.”
So, Beloved Friend, you are in very good company with Paul and Silas and the other apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. They NEVER stopped teaching and proclaiming the GOOD NEWS that Jesus is the Messiah, Lord and God.
We have only one alternative as children of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that is to pray for them and leave them in the Hands of a living God.
I praise God that you are a true Christian soldier and that you and your household will not let anything come between you and your Lord. Amen and Amen.
Your Friend, MG
thedailylily.com 
And so it seems that this will be happening more and more. in these end times. It has happened to others before me and now I have found it somewhat in my own life’s events. So, yes, let’s be encouraged when we are ridiculed, falsely accused, rejected even by those of our own household. Jesus said, ‘ if they do it to ME your Master, what makes you think they will not do it to you, My children?’ OH! And think that they are defending God in the process!
Psalm 70:4,5 and Psalm 11:1-7
Ps. 11:1-7, gives the account of what’s in store for those who are not upright in heart. They may be pretty, handsome, intelligent, nice, stylish, interesting, talented gregarious…but if their hearts are not upright and in right-standing with Jesus Christ, none of those other things matter one bit. They will split hell wide open. That is offensive to some who might read this…but I didn’t make this up. It’s what the Scriptures say.
Our devotionals this morning lend credence to the spiritual combat in the situations that our Christian sisters and brothers are going through especially at this ” most wonderful time of the year” [quote the lyrics to the song].
Paul says in Romans 8:38-9…and I am paraphrasing….’”to those beleaguered by [WORLDLY ASSAILANTS,] often the members of our own families, “neither life nor death, angels, principalities, things impending, or threatening; not things to come, nor height, nor depth nor anything else will be able to come between us and our Savior’s embrace.’
Wilkerson’s devotional speaks this to me, pointedly, as I am addressing myself as well as my brethren who suffer needlessly at these times of the year…and birthdays, anniversaries, Easter Time, Thanksgiving, Christmas , graduations. Weddings, funerals. He says succinctly..that once you, dear Christian, have decided to follow Jesus and you cross over that border of commitment that Paul speaks about in Romans 38:8-9, [above], you need nothing nor anyone else but JESUS! If we still seek the companionship of those who are NOT of the same persuasion, i.e. don’t need Jesus the way we do, and we are still fulfilling the works of the flesh and calling it ‘love’, then our works are in vain. We might see Jesus but we will have nothing to lay down before the feet of our Savior when we see Him face to face.
Wilkerson encourages us to “ possess the Promised Land by faith,” now, and the peace that passes all understanding, with or without…for if it’s a celebration without Jesus, then it doesn’t matter anymore whom it’s with. (preposition intended)
Upholding God’s standards, drawing lines for righteousness, seeking to be obedient to Jesus first and foremost…these are not virtues popular with those who don’t have the same goals and priorities. For me, James 4: 4 paints a picture of a tug of war in a popularity contest: “Whoever wants to be a friend of this world is an enemy of God.”
Graciousness is a key for all! Respect for others is a biggie! It seems less and less we see respect for Christians! Hope the disrespect is for righteousness and not the flip side of coin. We must keep the faith! Does anyone remember the time we would end our communication with keep the faith!
God forbid we should lose our communication with “keep the faith.” Jesus said when He returned that’s what He would be looking to find on the earth.