Hello ,
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10
In the United States of America (where I currently reside), we don't really understand what it means to be persecuted for our faith...we only think we do. Certainly there are exceptions, but the type of ill-treatment that we receive (for the cause of Christ), pales in comparison to some of the stories that I've heard from other countries.
Today, as you read this message, someone (somewhere in the world), is being truly persecuted for their faith. They're being imprisoned, physically assaulted, and have been taken from their families. They're not going through this because they want to, or because they think it's going to merit them extra divine favors. They're going through it because they have chosen to seek the righteousness of God, and have fallen in love with
One Who won't ever let them go.
Let's keep those people in prayer, today. I don't know their names, but God does. Great is their reward, and only eternity will tell us just how amazingly potent their witness has been on those who have been watching.
Have a great day and God bless!
Pastor Mike / The Open Word