Manna

(ESV) I Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or fas a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

Unlike popular teaching, the Christian walk is not a gold paved street on this side of physical death. We are still surrounded in a world of pain and suffering, trials are part of the gig. I do not understand how the health and wealth preachers can read any of the Bible and come to the conclusions the blessings and wealth are related. I grew up poor, but was blessed in many ways. Many others far poorer than I was and were still blessed....off the soapbox...now the text talks about trials. We wouldn't expect them at all if we sent in our "seed money" to some slick talking preacher on TV, but Peter expected them and ultimately was crucified upside down at the hands of Romans. We live in a worry free Christian environment, little direct persecution occurs, but our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world are far less fortnate. Many are KILLED every day. Follow @persecutionblog or @persecutionnews on Twitter to learn about some.

I think about Steven, the first martyr, he truely honored Christ until he breathed his last. We have not guarantee of the future remaining the same her in America and there are still many places in this world that hate the name of Jesus, but someone must go and tell them. Pray for our foreign missionaries today.

For Him,
Steve

Steve Amos

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