Good Morning! For some reason, it just doesn’t feel like a Tuesday today, but apparently it is. Ah, well. I guess I am pretty excited that it’s Tuesday, because that means we get to go see Max Lucado speak at our church tonight! He is such a great author, and I’m really excited to hear what he has to say. I’ll let you all know how it was in tomorrow’s post. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. So I know I said I was going to start reading the Bible straight through again like I did last year, but I kind of changed my mind. By all means, if you’ve started reading straight through, keep going! It’s just that for me, I’ve been feeling led to pray, letting the Holy Spirit lead me to the passage of scripture I’m supposed to read for the day. Lately, it’s been 1 John. And there is a LOT to be learned from 1 John. So, here is something I felt led to read and share with you this morning…
“Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.”
1 John 3:13
Well that was simple and to the point. Don’t be surprised if the world hates us. Hmm. As Christians, we were never meant to blend in to the background. We were never meant to conform to the patterns of this world. Quite the opposite actually. Instead of conforming, we have always been called to stand out. To live differently—separate from the patterns from the world. The problem? Living differently isn’t always the most popular choice amongst our peers. They may not understand why we act differently, and this lack of understanding often leads to hatred, or rejection, on their part. Don’t be surprised. They only feel this way because our lifestyle pushes them to conviction in regards to their own lives. As Christians, we can’t let persecution, rejection or even hatred cause us to live within the patterns of the world. We can’t let them affect us, but rather, we must have an effect on them.
If ever you are feeling rejected, persecuted or hated because of your faith, take comfort in the fact that Jesus knows exactly what you are going through. In fact, he’s been there himself. Rely on him, and he will bring you through any trial or circumstance you may find yourself in.
Well, I hope you all are having a great Tuesday so far. I’m off to get a few things done before work. Have a great day, and God Bless:)
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