Thought For Today -August 20 - What Did Jesus Say ? - About Persecution ?

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Thought For Today - August 20
 What did Jesus say? - About Persecution?

    Many people, down through the centuries, have suffered persecutions for the cause of Christ, and for the preaching of his gospel.  Jesus warned his disciples, and us, that to follow him would mean persecution and suffering.
    The bible says that Satan is a liar, and cannot tolerate truth, so wherever truth is lived and preached, Satan will be at work to stop it.
    We live in a relatively free country here in America. We have not yet known religious persecution as some in other countries have; but there are many today in our country who would suppress any mention of God in public places, particularly, the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bible reading and prayer is being banned from the public school system and sporting events. If we remain steadfast and remain true to the teaching of the word of God, we stand in line for persecution from the ungodly world. Who knows to where it might lead? It might lead perhaps to martyrdom and death.
    Only as we derive our strength from a one on one personal relationship with Jesus Christ can we find the grace and strength to endure such persecution.
    Jesus said: "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5: 10.
    If we are being persecuted for the cause of Christ and his righteousness, and bear it patiently to the end, Jesus said we would be blessed and inherit the kingdom of heaven.
    We must, however, be sure that if we are persecuted, it is not for any misdeeds of our own, for then we would deserve persecution; but for the cause of Christ, let us be steadfast and unmovable, trusting him to bring us through trials and difficulties for his name's sake.