One of the things Jesus told his followers was that choosing Him would present challenges. He warned that people would hate them because they followed Him (Matthew 10:22). That word proved true because the early Christians were regularly persecuted and massacred. Not only was Jesus crucified but the likes of James, Stephen, Photine, and many others lost their lives because of their faith.
To this day, the choice to follow Christ can result in suffering and persecution. Granted, many have justifiable grievances with certain Christians and churches. This can devolve into a negative view of all Christians, resulting in scoffers insulting believers. Even family members and friends may reject the new believer because they don't understand the sudden changes the Holy Spirit brings. And most sadly, Christians continue to be murdered across the world because the chose to believe in Jesus.
Yet, such persecution is one of several pathways to God's rewards. Jesus said in Matthew 5:12 - Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. His message then, as is His message today, is that the persecution experienced for choosing Him will not go unnoticed by God.
Some may be disappointed knowing the reward will only be received in heaven. However, believers must remember that this world is not their home. Eternity awaits. Philippians 3:20 - But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Also, Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:19-20 - “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
God's plan isn't to leave His children to suffer throughout their earthly existence, however. 1 Peter 5:10 - And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. He has promised the fullness of life to those who believe and obey Him. He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. And for those who are treated unfairly, He grants them righteousness and justice (Psalm 103:6). The key is to learn His word and the promises they contain, then meet the requirements needed. When this happens, as aided by the Spirit of the Lord, God's children can open their mouths and see His power at work.
We therefore cannot afford to be carnal and preoccupied solely with the things of this world. We must be heaven-focused, determined to spend eternity with God. We also need to remember that Jesus died on the cross to create our pathway to heaven, which is an undeserved reward in itself. He was persecuted and is still persecuted for our sake. May the good Lord help us and grant us grace to endure the persecution and receive God's rewards for His own, IJMN Amen.
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CLOSING PRAYER
Thank You Heavenly Father for another day of fellowship to Your glory. Thank You for the privilege of learning at Your feet. Thank You for the opportunity to be sharpened by others led by Your Spirit.
I pray for all who gathered today that the rest of their day will reflect Your grace and power. That they shall experience signs and wonders to Your glory and by Your grace.
Over them, I declare the blessing of Ephesians 6:23-24 - Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. /Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
IJMN, Amen.
LAST 10 MINUTES
2 Timothy 3:12 - In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
These words were written by Paul, a Christian who truly knew what those words meant. They reflect the reality of the Christian faith. As a person strives for deeper communion with Jesus, His Father, and the Holy Spirit, persecution arises. The persecution is actually in the spiritual realm and plays out mostly in the physical. But, we are not unaware of the devil's evil schemes against us per 2 Corinthians 2:11. Therefore, we can rely on God's strategy and wisdom to persevere despite the persecution. After all, Jesus said that those who endure till the end will be rewarded. Matthew 24:12-13 - Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
It is for us all to stand firm to the end and that is what we need to pray for today. The strength and endurance only God can give, so we persevere in faith despite all persecution to receive whatever reward waits in heaven.
Great God, You are mighty in all Your ways. To You do we come, knowing that we need Your help and grace in our time of need.
Lord, the word teaches that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). As such, Lord, we pray for the strength only Jesus can give. A strength that He receives from You and disperses through the Holy Spirit.
Help us, good God, to be strong and courageous, just as You instructed Joshua in Joshua 1:9. There, Lord, You promised to be with him wherever he went. You have told us to call on You in the day of trouble so we are strengthened (Psalm 50:15). Your word assures that when we call on You, You will greatly embolden us (Psalm 138:3). So we stand on Your word, and we thank You in advance. We know that as we go forth, we receive supernatural strength and endurance to stand firm and resist the fiery darts sent to discourage and deflate us. Thank You for Your Armor and the cloak of zeal which will keep us going till we receive our reward, IJMN, Amen.
Father, You are the Builder of Everything. The Giver of Life. Lord, we give You all the glory and praise. We worship Your Holy Name.
Lord, we come to You on behalf of those in difficult work situations. Your word tells us Psalm 127:2 - It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones (NLT). As such, Lord, we rely on You to ensure that we work in a way that does not waste our energy so we enjoy the rest You have guaranteed to us.
That said, Lord, we know satan is always trying to make our lives difficult. But, Hallelujah! You are the God who covers us in His anointing and grace. You shield us from the devourer and You restore what the cankerworm has stolen.
Lord, wherever the enemy is trying to put undue pressure on Your people in their workplace, we cancel that scheme IJN, Amen. However the enemy has forged a weapon against them, we decree the weapon moot and ineffective. It destroys the enemy instead.
We now call on You to give Your children the understanding needed in Your word on how to navigate their careers in a manner that gives You glory. Show them Father, how to be a Daniel, a Meshach, a Shadrach, an Abednego, and an Esther in the midst of pagans. Show them how to align with Your divine plan so You are glorified in that workplace and their names are met with favor that hallows Your Holy Name. IJMN, Amen.
Almighty God, I call on You for unity in the body of Christ. John 17:20-24 - “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
The devil breeds confusion, contention, and dissatisfaction among Your people. However, Lord, You have eternal dominion (Daniel 4:34) and that will never change.
Pour out Your Spirit, Lord. Let Your flock move as one to Your voice. For the word tells us, John 10:27 - My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Great God. You are the Upright One. The Sovereign Lord who has all control over everything and everyone, yet You give people choice. You are confident in Your power and Thy will shall be done on earth as in heaven, IJMN Amen.
Psalm 40:13 - Be pleased to save me, LORD; come quickly, LORD, to help me.
Father, the devil wants people to think that they have no help. Or that their helper is a person. However, You are Ebenezer, the Helper. All one needs to do is call and maintain an attitude of trust for the Lion to show up.
And so, I lift up Your word for all those waiting on You for help. Arise oh Lord, be their Ebenezer. May they in turn remember Your word in Hebrews 11:6 that You are the Rewarder of those who sincerely seek You.
Send them help, oh Ebenezer! IJMN, I pray, Amen.
Good God, You are the Almighty. Nobody compares to You. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer for people that they come to a knowledge of You as You promised in Jeremiah 24:7. Thank You for giving people a desire for You. Thank You for whetting their appetites for more of You. Thank You for letting hearts clamor for You. Thank You for kindly pouring out Your Spirit on all mankind in accordance with Your word in Joel 2:28. Be glorified, Lord our Redeemer.
Now and forever more, IJMN, Amen.
PRAYER TIME
Holy Spirit take me all the way
Take me up into the holy place
I surrender to You all today
I forever give You all my praise
Psalm 66:18-20 - If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
Again, Lord, there are not and will never be enough words to thank You. You who hear and answer prayers. Your own word promises that You will answer our prayers even before we get to make our petitions. You who hear while we are still speaking, all because You know the very heart of man. You do not need for us to ask for You know what we need and have already put everything into motion to bring what You have for us.
God, I thank You for Your powerful presence and display of love. Hallowed be Your Name forever!
We come to
Glorify You
We come to
Magnify You
I got to
Praise You Jesus
Cause Your worthy
To be praised
Sing
I'll praise (x8)
Psalm 66:3-4 - Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.”
Glorious God! There is no one like You. All of creation glorifies You. All of existence honors You with praises. I join everything You have created to worship Your Holy Name!
Lord, I'm grateful for the recent birthdays of H and F. Thank You for blessing them with a new year. Thank You for being the God who covers them and whose favor surrounds them. Thank You for bro F's upcoming birthday. Bless these ones, Lord. Elevate them and shield them from all harm. May Your marvelous hand rest upon them by Your grace and for Your glory, IJN, Amen.
Father, thank You for the mercy of life. Thank You for Your grace and kindness upon Your people. Thank You for Jesus who destroyed all the works of satan. Thank You for Your overwhelming victory over the devil in all things. Thank You, God!
Praise be to God, my Creator! The One who holds my hand through all storms. The One who sends His angels to lift me so my feet hit no stones. The One who surrounds me with His wings. My Protector. My Defender. My Avenger. He who hears and answers my prayers. God, I give You all the glory and praise IJN, Amen.
PRAISE TIME
From EC - Amen and good morning ladies!
From M22 - Happy New Month Fam! God bless us all. I pray as we march into the month of April that God will be our anchor and he will give us the strength to walk diligently and consistently with him. I pray that we will receive a supernatural and fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit over our lives and the lives of our loved ones IJMN Amen.
Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ for blessing us with God's word. Our reward is in heaven and that gives me hope. That there is a world where there is no evil. This world is a transition point for us to truly enjoy the rewards of our Abba. I pray that we never lose focus on running our heavenly race every single day. I pray that we will continue to seek him every day no matter the circumstances. May God help us to remain steadfast in him IJMN Amen. May we never lose focus of our Kingdom assignment IJMN Amen
ALTAR CALL
Jesus said that nobody will get to God His Father except through Him in John 14:6. He also said that no one will see the Kingdom of God (i.e. Heaven) if they have not been born again (John 3:3). To qualify to see God in heaven, a person need only repent and believe the good news that Jesus is God's Son who died for the sins of mankind.
If you want to understand what I'm talking about, please watch the short video below. It's from a guy who speaks with a British accent, but please don't hold that against him. What he says is important and can change the entire trajectory of your life for the better.
If you watched the video to the end and said that prayer, then welcome to being a child of God! I pray you receive the Holy Spirit and are led in the ways of the Lord so you experience the fullness of life that is the inheritance of those who give their lives to Christ. Be sure to let me know you said the prayer and I'll send you more materials so you can grow as a new creature! Congrats and God bless you!