1 Samuel 1

–Walking in Wisdom- Conquering Through Faith (Mark 9)

8:30 PM





Today’s Scripture: Mark 9
In today’s scripture in verses 1-8, Mark describes how magnificently “Jesus assumes his glory during the Transfiguration at the top of a mountain- shining in dazzling white clothes and revealing himself as worthy of worship” (iWorship Bible) Imagine the marvelous scene Peter, James and John witnessed, that they were stunned by the miraculous sight! (vs. 7-8)

After coming down from the mountain: “When they came [back] to the [other nine] disciples, they saw a large crowd around them, and scribes questioning and arguing with them.”  The father of a suffering boy explained to Jesus that his boy had been tormented by a spirit for so many years and he came seeking for help:” I told Your disciples to drive it out, and they could not do it.”, he said (vs.18b)·

The apostles had failed in their attempt to drive this spirit out of the boy! Didn`t they have the sufficient faith to do so? (vs. 19)  And since the boy’s father witnessed this, his faith  waivered too!
Then the boy’s father continued saying:
“ But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” 23 Jesus said to him, “[You say to Me,] ‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts [in Me]!” 24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out [with a desperate, piercing cry], saying, “I do believe; help [me overcome] my unbelief.” (Vs. 22-24)  In the nest verses we discover how Jesus with His love and compassion healed this child!

Have you presented one or more prayer requests to God and are still waiting for the answer? Has it been a long time? Has this apparent delay strengthened your faith, or not?

 “All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts [in Me]! (9:23)
This promise seems so simple, but it is powerful! We need to believe and trust in Jesus, in His Faithfulness!

C.H. Spurgeon explains it this way:
“The presence of Christ is victory to His Church: the absence of the Lord Jesus entails disgraceful defeat. O armies of the living God, count not on your numbers, rely not on your strength; reckon not upon the ability of your ministers; vaunt not in human might; nor on the other hand be discouraged because ye are feeble; if He be with you, more are they that are for you than all they that are against you. If Christ be in your midst, there are horses of fire and chariots of fire round about you.”
                            
 What about you? Are you still waiting on God for a prayer request? As it been so long you need to ask God:  “I do believe; help [me overcome] my unbelief” (9:24)

We have many examples in the Bible, of apparent delays from God to the prayers of some characters: Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Elijah and Joseph. How about Hannah, one of my favorites in 1 Samuel 1:

“… but the Lord had given her no children. 6 Hannah’s rival provoked her bitterly, to irritate and embarrass her, because the Lord had left her childless. 7 So it happened year after year, whenever she went up to the house of the Lord, Peninnah provoked her; so she wept and would not eat.” (Vs.:5-7)

“ Hannah was greatly distressed, and she prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish…” 13 Hannah was speaking in her heart (mind); only her lips were moving, and her voice was not heard, so Eli thought she was drunk. 14 Eli said to her, “How long will you make yourself drunk? Get rid of your wine.” 15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman with a despairing spirit. I have not been drinking wine or any intoxicating drink, but I have poured out my soul before the Lord…”It came about in due time, after Hannah had conceived, that she gave birth to a son; she named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.” ” (Vs.:12-15, 20)

I waited for 12 years for the birth of my youngest son, who we named Samuel. But when I became pregnant after the joyful surprise and we praised God for this miracle, we later discovered my uterus had many tumors growing on it which made the pregnancy a great risk both for the child and for me. While seeking God in the midst of this situation, He took me to 1 Samuel 1, and Hannah`s faith and perseverance were an example for me!. We praise God that through this difficult situation we experienced a powerful and Faithful God (Sam is now 23)!!

So remember: “All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts [in Me]! (9:23) Let us seek, cry and pray, and continue praying like Hannah did. We must keep on believing and never be moved away from it by what we see or feel. We must stand firm on His promises, and trust that even that apparent delay is an answer to our prayer requests. But there is a powerful purpose for this, and as we wait in Him, He will equip us and strengthen our walk in faith!

Blessings,
Mari


1 Thessalonians 3

You’ve Got This! {1 Thessalonians 3}

4:00 PM



Monday March 23, “Walking In Wisdom”


One of the things I admire most about Paul is his heart. For as passionate as he was about Jesus, he was equally passionate about those he led to the Lord. And like a father who loves and cares for his children, Paul was there to teach, strengthen, and reassure young believers as they grew in their faith. He knew that as important as is the ministry of spreading the gospel, so is the ministry of encouragement.

The meaning of encouragement is “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope”. The members of the Thessalonian church were facing serious opposition from the Jews. And they needed all the encouragement Paul could give. So how did Paul spur them on in their Christian faith? 

  1. Paul Sacrificed-Timothy was dear to Paul. And even though it meant Paul being left alone in Athens, he was willing to suffer discomfort in order to inspire others. And so he sent Timothy to Thessalonica in order to, “strengthen and encourage you as to your faith.” (vs. 2)

  1. Paul Prepared-Persecution is inevitable for followers of Jesus. (2 Tim. 3:12) Knowing that tribulations can cause new believers to become discouraged in their faith, Paul made them ready by previously warning them, “that we were going to suffer affliction.” (vs. 3) 

  1. Paul Rejoiced-Nothing is more comforting than seeing fellow believers grow in their faith walk. Paul delighted in the positive reports given to him by Timothy saying, “What thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account.” (vs. 9)

  1. Paul Prayed- We all need the prayers of others offered to God on our behalf. Paul prayed for the Thessalonians that God would, “Establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.” (vs. 13)

“God has designed the Christian life as a community event, not a solo endeavor.” (Dr. Charles Stanley) 

As the days grow shorter until the glorious return of Jesus, times will continue to get worse before they get better. (2 Tim. 3:1-5, Luke 21:11, Matt. 24:7) And in the current climate of fear and hysteria in which we find ourselves, we all need the love, support, confidence, and hope from fellow Christians. Ephesians 6:18 commands us, “With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the Lord’s people.” So today and everyday, be an encourager! Be willing to sacrifice for others, share God’s Word abundantly, rejoice in fellowship, and pray that we all will abound in love and be grounded in holiness! ( vs. 12-13)



Acts 11:23-24

Encouraging one another to remain true to the Lord

1:00 PM


Friday Feb. 14th   Walking in Wisdom

Encouraging one another to remain true to the Lord.
 Acts 11:19-30
Image result for I thessalonians 5:11

Barnabas:
·    * A Levite from Cyprus named Joseph, whom the disciples call Barnabas, which meant son of encouragement.  Acts 4:36

·     *Has a proper perspective on the use of money and property and gave it to the apostles  Acts 4:36-37

·     *Served others   Acts 4:36-37

·    * Stood up for Saul  Acts 9:26-27

·     *Full of the Holy Spirit and faith  Acts 11: 24

·     *Encouraging other believers to remain true to the Lord  Acts 11:23

·    * Through his ministry a great number of people came to know the Lord   Acts 11:24

·    * Willingness to do whatever church leaders needed
Acts 11 25-30 

I love Barnabas.  

We all have an upbringing.  Some of us have good ones and some of us not so good ones.  It does not matter how you were raised.  What matters is if you know Jesus.  It was obvious that Barnabas knew Jesus and loved Him and served Him well. 
Are you someone who loves to encourage others? 
Are you willing to do what the Lord asks of you?
Are you willing to give up all that you have to the Lord?
Are you willing to be stand up for someone in the faith?
Do you know a Barnabas or are you a Barnabas?

The only way to be like him is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  To spend time in His Word getting to know Him and who you are in Him.   We spend time with people every day and by doing that we get to know them very well, it is the same with Jesus, do you spend time with Him every day?  
For those of you who do spend time with Him every day, are you out there encouraging the believers?  And did you notice that not only was he encouraging the believers but others were being saved as well. 

Father, help us to be  encouragers today of the believers and that it is far reaching into the lives of the unsaved.  That we would hunger and thirst after Your righteousness. 
Let our roots grow down into You and draw up nourishment from You, so we will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth we have been taught.  Let our lives overflow with thanksgiving for all You have done.   Col. 2:7
That we would delight in Your law, Lord and meditate on it day and night and we will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever we do we prosper.  Psalm 1:2-3
That we would be the land which drinks in the rain often falling on it and produces a crop useful for whom it is farmed and we will receive a blessing from you God.   Heb. 6:7
Amen!

Blessings
Lyn




character

SoulSearching Sunday~All Is Well

12:00 AM

Sunday, December 16, 2018


Week Fifty...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Hebrews 7 - 1 Peter 5...

 1. When have you struggled with perfectionism? Allow the power of Christ’s perfect and sufficient sacrifice to release you from the tyranny of “perfection.” List up a praise of thanksgiving for His holiness.

 Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our hearts from deeds that lead to death so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered Himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. (Hebrews 9:14)

 2. Besides Jesus, what biblical character do you must admire? What about that person’s faith walk encourages you? How can you use that person as a model for your own journey?

 Do not throw away this confident trust in the LORD, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised. (Hebrews 10:35-36)

 3. How does you approach to life reflect the truth that Christ is with you, within you, behind you, before you, beside you, beneath you, and above you? Ask Him for courage and protection as you serve wherever He leads you.

 And take courage, for the coming of the LORD is near. (James 5:8)





Angie Benjamin

History Maker {John 1:1- 2:12}

3:25 AM



John 1:45-47 New International Version (NIV)

45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth,the son of Joseph.”
46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.
“Come and see,” said Philip.
47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
In this passage we see Nathanael having a negative opinion of Nazareth because of the sentiment of his day, that there was nothing good that could ever happen there. He doubted Jesus was the true Messiah simply because of where He came from.
So often we are like Nathanael. We decide that a person cannot be any good because of where he lives or where he comes from. We can be so biased and opinionated, even without realising it. 
We often fall into the trap of believing or "buying" what other people say or conclude. 
That's why we need to examine our hearts to see if they are truly open or just full of prejudice.


Can I share with you a story?
This passage really reminds me of what my husband went through when growing up.
You see, my husband, David, was born and raised in a very poor traditional African family.
The father would be away most of the time working for mines in South Africa, while the mom would try to raise 8 children on her own. The mom would also try to work small "piece jobs" like picking veggies from nearby farms and doing cleaning and cooking for farm owners.
They lived in the poorest neighborhood of town; in the "ghetto"
Resources were always very limited. They would have to eat some staple food every single day... no meat (perhaps they could have some chicken once a month). He only had one pair of shoes (the ones and old ones to wear to school, so most of the times he would be barefoot. He has so many scars on his feet). He didn't  have a winter uniform or clothes.
They lived at some point in a mud house and then a little later the family managed to build two rooms (two small rooms for the big family, sometimes even hosting extended family members). No electricity, No running water. The only water they could get was in buckets to cook and bathe, and they would use a pit latrine.
Nevertheless, David the little boy, was always excelling at school. Always first place in his class and in his school. Always stuck in his books (as one of his neighbors told me), studying by the light of candles (if they could afford them).
 At a young age he was determined to be someone different. He was determined to take his family out of the same cycle of poverty.
He came to Christ, when he was 15 years-old. Before that, he would just follow the family traditional religion or customs.
After finishing high school, with flying colors, he was offered a scholarship...actually several by the government in his country. One of them, the one he went for, was in England. He continued to excel in his studies, and not only that...but with the money of the scholarship he was receiving he would only keep a little amount to survive and send the rest back home to start building a proper house for his parents.
He built a 3 bed-room house, with bathroom and kitchen (before that, they would cook outside with fire), he connected electricity and water utilities. He did all this while studying for his degree.
After finishing his degree (with honors) , he was also received an offer to study a masters degree, which he did... and not only that, he also won a competition representing his British University in Russia, which awarded him with a P.h.D scholarship which unfortunately he couldn't take because of the language it was offered in (Russian).
Soon after he came back to his home country to work in a very good position for the most important mining company in the nation. We got married, had children, etc etc.
Even at this point, to this day, God has blessed our finances enough to continue providing for his parents and to help his youngest siblings through school.
It's funny, because David's story relates to today's passage as many of his peers and neighbors would often tell him that nothing good could come out of that neighborhood; out of the ghetto. They would try to discourage him, they would ask him to stop "dreaming" as he would be just up for disappointment.
Why am I sharing all this with you? I'm so proud of my husband. I'm so grateful to God for what He has done in his life and through him. I'm grateful for the grace and favor He has always given him.
I'm thankful I get to make a life with such an inspiring man as David.
But I'm also sharing this story to encourage you to have an open heart toward everyone you meet.
Think of it. If Nathaniel had been unwilling to open his heart to Jesus, he would have missed the greatest blessing of his life- a great relationship with the Lord.
God has blessings in store for you, through relationships too... keep your heart open. Do not give up on people, do not give up on yourself.

Have a great weekend, 
love from Botswana
Angie



encouragement

SoulSearching Sunday~God's presence

12:00 AM

Sunday, August 26, 2018



Week Thirty-four

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Micah 1 - Zechariah 4

 1. What is the most difficult persecution you have experienced as a believer? How did it affect your faith? Pray for protection, and praise God for His ultimate victory.

 True, many nations have gathered together against you, calling for your blood, eager to gloat over your destruction. But they do not know the LORD’s thoughts or understand His plan. (Micah 4:11-12)

 2. Who do you absolutely love to be around? How does it feel to know that God feels that way about you? Today, enjoy God’s presence, keeping in mind that you make Him want to sing.

 For the LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song. (Zephaniah 3:17)

 3. What is on your desk or on your to-do list that is overwhelming you right now? Remember God’s words of encouragement, and renew your commitment to “take courage and work” as an act of worship.

 Take courage, all you people still left in the land, says the LORD. Take courage and work, for I am with you, says the LORD Almighty. (Haggai 2:4)



*********************************************************************************

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Together we'll read through the entire New Testament and grow to love our Lord & Savior even more! Trust in Him, and begin an adventure that will transform your life and maybe others as well!
Begins August 31st! on Women in the Word.

encouragement

Some One Greater {Hebrews 3}

12:30 AM

About a month ago I attended a wedding.  I don’t know about you, but weddings are simply amazing to me.  You see the beautiful bride walk down the aisle with her father leading her to her soon-to-be husband – the love of her life.  But what I loved about this wedding was how the priest took the time to explain to, what appeared to me, was a lot of non-believers, how and why he had the couple kneeling towards the tabernacle.  The traditional readings were read (Genesis 2:24 and Mark 10:8). We see how the bride let’s go of her earthly father and is now joined together in marriage to this man.  He explained that this represents our marriage to the Lord Jesus (Rev. 19:7-10).  The priest mentioned how this girl’s father was someone she looked up to for her entire childhood, yet, here she’s looking up to and honoring her husband.  And as these 2 – this couple – focused their attention to what was in front of them – Christ – the center and focal point of marriage, that’s where we, the entire congregation were looking at as well, we all were drawn to the focal point of marriage.

Here in Hebrews 3, the writer is explaining that although Moses is important, a patriarch, as we move forward and listen to God’s Word, our growth and focus changes.  We come to know and trust Christ as our Savior.  We let go of the old and cling to the new.  Our focus should remain with the One that NEVER changes.  We need to acknowledge Him for who He is. (v. 3)

We receive warnings in this reading to remember those who grumbled and complained.  (vs. 16-18)  They were left to wander 40 years.  Are you feeling alone and wandering?  Are you feeling isolated?  Are you hearing “No” to a lot of your prayers and desires?  Perhaps you’ve lost your focus.  Are you holding onto something old?  A tradition or belief?  A habit or routine?  Guilt and shame from your past?  God is a God of love and mercy and He never leaves us alone.  Look forward.  Don’t look back, just as this couple had to let go of all those people who filled that church.  Their focus was on the One, Jesus Christ, who would show them the way to a blessed marriage.  He is the One who leads us all and we need to listen to Him and not let our hearts become hard because of the past or because of an unmet desire.  We need to put on righteousness and have the desire to become someone better so that those with unbelieving hearts will turn to Christ as well, just as I am sure, someone in that church that day did because that priest took an opportunity to speak the truth – the truth that sets you free – and pointed us all to Christ and why we were brought together that day because of Him.  He took the time to encourage everyone there that day (“today”) to not be hardened by deceitfulness and to “hold onto our original conviction to the very end” (vs. 12-15).

Image result for Hebrews 3:13


1 Thessalonians

Appointed for Salvation {1 Thessalonians 5}

12:30 AM

Image result for 1 thessalonians 5:9I like to plan.  I like to know who, what, where, when, 
why and how.   When there’s a detour, I can become anxious.  But we don’t know many things.  Much of life catches us off guard.  I bet if I asked you five years ago would there be 3 hurricanes and a massive earthquake all back to back, you’d say, ‘no way’.  Or if you’ve ever been broken into you’d tell me you never thought that would happen to you.  But that’s how Jesus tells us He will return (Matthew 24:32-44).  Only our Heavenly Father knows when He will send Jesus to return to earth.  And while we are here, there’s work to be done.  We are to keep on doing God’s work until we die or until we see the unmistakable return of our Savior.


I don’t know about you, but I haven’t gotten bored with reading my bible.  I don’t skim much anymore either.  No, I dig deeper because I want to know more.   There are probably very few books I’ve read more than once.  That’s what I think Paul is reminding us here in this final chapter of the book of 1 Thessalonians.  We need to encourage others to keep reading and studying their bibles.  We need to encourage them to keep on doing what is God's will. We need to 'live in peace with each other' (v. 13b). We need to thank our teachers for their hard work.  If you say nothing, then how will they know?  They deserve our love and support for all the work that they do teaching and encouraging us!

Paul reminds us yet again to pray continually.  It’s not our natural inclination to be joyful, to pray continually and to give thanks.  But we are to obey the Lord in these commands and they should not fluctuate based on our circumstances.  When we make a conscious decision to do what God says, we begin to see people in a whole new perspective.  And when we do God’s will, we will find it easier to be joyful and thankful. 

When I begin my day by reading scripture, praying, studying and journaling, I find myself in prayer throughout the day.  Sometimes it’s like an ongoing conversation because someone is in surgery, or I know one of my kids has to take a difficult test.  Other times it’s spontaneous due to a sudden change in the course of my day.  Or because something wonderful has occurred.  I believe this is having a prayerful attitude all day long.  

I recently decided to spend more time praying about something I used to complain about.  And I’m here to say, I’m much happier!  My perspective looks so much different.  I’ve even suggested to other people to pray for something they just never considered praying about.

Related imageI think we often forget that we are to thank God IN everything, not FOR everything.  After all, evil does not come from God, but we can be thankful FOR God’s presence and for the good He will accomplish through this distress.

Just as we refer to God as three-in-one, our entire being, body, soul and spirit are our entire being.  Paul was trying to tell us that God must be involved in every aspect of our life.  It’s wrong for us to think that we can separate the spiritual life from everything else.  We can’t just live for God one day a week.  Christ is in control all day, every day, not just the religious day.





1 Thessalonians

Building Strong Faith {1 Thessalonians 3}

2:08 AM



Paul arrived in the Greek city of Thessalonica after he and his coworker Silas had received a terrible beating and been imprisoned in the city of Philippi. 

During their short time in Thessalonica, Paul, Silas, and Timothy led several of the Thessalonians to faith in Jesus and this new nucleus of believers formed a church. But soon trouble started, and Paul, Silas, and Timothy were forced to run for their lives and Paul and Silas were forbidden from entering Thessalonica again. So the three of them traveled to the cities of Berea and Athens. It was while they were in Athens that Paul’s concern for the Thessalonian Christians reached its peak, so he sent Timothy back to the city to find out how things were.

For some reason the city ban against Paul and Silas didn’t apply to Timothy. Timothy was a young and inexperienced ministry intern, probably in his early 20's, yet here Paul empowers him to be an extension of God to the Thessalonians. Timothy’s mission is to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians in their faith. 

Timothy had a Greek father and probably looked Greek. He would, therefore, have attracted no special attention in a Greek city, whereas Paul was immediately recognizable as a Jew  It is also likely that because of his youth the authorities didn’t notice him.



Love for New Believers

Paul’s problem is that he is separated from the Thessalonian Christians by distance and circumstances

For Paul, to  leave these new believers was like an experience of bereavement. This is a good lesson for us today. Paul so loved the Thessalonian believers that he would have risked his own life to return to them.  He wanted to give of himself and his resources for them, as a father provides for his or her children. Paul had a passion for new believers. Do we have this type of earnest desire for new believers? Do we long to see other believers and help them grow in their faith? Have we recently invested in new believers?

 Paul is most interested in the faith of these believers, not their comfort, welfare, or prosperity. The word “strengthen” is a building term that means to cause a structure to become more secure. 

Paul basically wanted Timothy to coach them to help in order to take the next step. Paul wanted Timothy to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians so they wouldn’t waver when problems and suffering came upon them.


Trials and Persecution

No sooner had the Thessalonians trusted in Jesus when the bottom seemed to fall out of their lives. This is true in the life of every Christian. The truth is, if you aren’t presently in a trial you are either headed out of a trial or right now preparing to head into a trial. 

Some of us will face this type of affliction from our family members, coworkers, neighbors, and classmates. We may also face other trials such as terminal illness, loss of job, robbery, imprisonment, death of a loved one, or divorce. This is a part of life. Regardless of how we may try, we can’t avoid afflictions.  They are part and parcel of every believer’s experience. Afflictions are not accidents—they are appointments.

Many believers turn their back on God as a result of trials and one of the main reasons this happens is that many new believers have not been told the truth about Christianity. Instead, they have been told that being a Christian is all about health, wealth, and prosperity. However, the truth is that the Christian life is as sweet as honey and at times, life will turn difficult and disappointing. This is why Paul told these brand new Christians time and time  that they would face trials.

There the importance of building each other on strong faith...to be ready for what it is to come.

Be encouraged today <3




Becky Bramlett Austin

When Trials Come, Take Heart {John 16}

12:00 AM




By Becky Bramlett Austin

We live in America, land of the free.  There is a church on almost every corner and we don't have to be afraid to declare our belief in Christ, read our Bibles or pray openly for one another.  We can freely meet together in church buildings, in each other's homes and even wear T- shirts, etc. that have printed scriptures on them or Christian symbols. We don't really know true persecution in this country for being a Christian, but that could change. In fact, Jesus put a lot of emphasis on warning the disciples that they could expect persecution because they believed in him.  As a believer in Christ, we must be prepared to face persecution too. The Bible portrays this persecution but it also portrays that we have God's help should we have to endure such trying circumstances.

Jesus reveals the source of persecution.  In Bible times, there would be rejection from the spiritual leaders who were zealous in their actions because they believed their hate was justified. Their hate, however,  would be a hate toward Jesus fueled by Satan and his deceptions.  They would in essence reject the love of God and fail to recognize their need of Jesus to save them from their sins.  Without the love of God in their hearts, their hatred toward the followers of Christ would be just as vindictive. 

“They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me.”  (V2-3) It's sad that they think they serve God ( characterized by love) but in reality they are serving the Prince of Darkness ( characterized by hate).  No wonder Jesus pitied them.
So, the source of the persecution is in the spiritual realm, fueled by the "Prince of Darkness", the source of lies and hate. But, Jesus reveals that his followers will have spiritual help to endure this persecution. Jesus returns to the Father but the Holy Spirit is sent to Earth to indwell and empower us. “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (V7) 

The Holy Spirit has an important role. “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:” (v8) This Spirit, in opposition to the spirit of darkness will be a spirit of light and truth, teaching and equipping us for spiritual battle. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you." (V13-14)

It amazes me to study about the changes in the disciples when the Holy Spirit came. In Acts 1:8 Jesus said, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  What an amazing transformation from timid, fearful men in hiding to bold proclaimers of the gospel in spite of persecution.  Many of these disciples as well as other Christians in the Bible died as martyrs. 

It's not pleasant to deal with living in a world of evil and persecution but it's a reality that Jesus said we have to face and something he wants us to keep a spiritual view of. Interestingly, Jesus even placed a positive  perspective on persecution when he included it in the Beatitudes: BLESSED are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12) And in our reading today, he encouraged his disciples to focus on his return and a time when there would  be no more suffering or hatred but an abundant, never ending grace  He encouraged us all to remember that he has already overcome evil and to find comfort and hope in him.  

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”” (V33)

Honestly, persecution is not something I want to know.  But, I hope that if that circumstance comes my way, that I will embrace it with the same spiritual power and fortitude that the disciples had. I hope that I will keep an eternal perspective and not compromise my faith in a loving, all powerful God.  Oh, how this topic stirs within me a deep burning desire to be more consistent in my prayers for this country and the freedoms we so richly enjoy.