The lesson for my life group today was from Acts 5 and the subject was persecuation. I hardly feel we really know what persecution is in our country although I know we face it. Unfortunately, it seems that Christians in America are facing persecutions of some types more and more -- maybe injustice is a better word. It does not compare to the stories I heard while in India, however. I've yet to be threatened to be thrown in jail or, well, other horrible things that I just feel like I won't mention for now.
Anyway, I did a word search on searchgodsword.org this morning for every time the word persecute is used in the NT. In the NASB, it's only 10 times. I don't know why, but I was surprised by that. First mention is in Matthew 5:11but 2nd is Matthew 5:44 "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." But, I really got stuck on Romans 12. Yeah, the whole chapter. It does contain the word persecute but what a great, great chapter. I think I'm going to spend some time camped out there over the next few days, maybe weeks. It's that good.
Verse 18 is getting to me today, though. "If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone." (HCSB, emphasis mine) Something happened today that absolutely unhinged me. Drove me to my knees, quite frankly. I had to literally lay it on the alter this morning. Because, my part is to live at peace. So, if I don't get the last word in or make my feelings known or other things that are completely not fitting for the follower of Jesus then that's ok. My part is to live at peace. God's part is to take care of the rest. (and, besides, verse 19 lets me know that I gotta leave room for God's wrath. If He sees fit to send down some wrath, then that will be ok, too. ok, just kidding...sort of)
If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.
Live your part!
Serving the King,
Jeanette
4 comments:
Thanks for sharing that Jeanette! Amazing how God teaches us what He wants through different avenues (like taking you on one them (persecution) and then getting you to living peaceably).
I remember learning the entire chapter of Romans 12 word for word in Grade 7 or 8 for school. One verse that always stuck was "Rejoice with those that do rejoice, and weep with those that weep". Came in handy over my life!
Blessings on you today! Hugs
Girl, it is so good you reminding everybody to be serving the King. I been telling everybody that we need to go be seeing Michael Jackson's This Is It movie as a tribute to the King of Pop.
My King is Jesus! Thanks for the comment!
Praying for peace, hoping for a little of God's wrath! : )
Team Queen J,
Julee
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