No fear

 7 Sep 25

Today's devotional: taken from YouVersion, Life Application Study Bible Devotion


No fear

Peter and John were warned repeatedly not to preach, but they continued in spite of the threats. We, too, should live as Christ has asked us to, sharing our faith no matter what the cost. We may not be beaten or thrown in jail, but we may be ridiculed, ostracized, or slandered. To what extent are you willing to suffer for the sake of sharing the gospel with others?


“His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭40‬-‭42‬ ‭NIV‬‬

——————

Reflections

We live in a place where we are very sheltered. Sheltered from racial conflicts (not that we have an absence of it but ours aren’t considered bad compared to other countries), sheltered from religious conflicts. In Singapore, we are very much sheltered from religious clashes as our government keeps eye on all religions to make sure there is no disharmony or people trying to sow discord between us. The government stand is rather simple, keep the peace. However that is not the same elsewhere in the world.


In certain places where our ministers are, people faced hostility and get thrown stones. Whatever we read in the bible is all real and is still happening. Some got called in by the police for questioning even. It creates some form of fear but we are all reminded the One in us is greater than the one who is in the world.


The Holy Spirit guides our every speech and the Lord’s blood covering has protected us. However to this extent, I must say that we should not underestimate the power of people but we should also not underestimate the power of our God. He is already victorious!


Praying for the members who are facing hostility in the different parts of the world that the Lord grant them peace and comfort knowing that He be with them no matter what happens. Praying for anyone who may have been captured or trialed for Christ cause to be vindicated. Praying for all of them to hold strong to their faith, even in the face of persecution. Lord have mercy.. 

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