#GOFAMINTDailyDevotion Tue. 8/12/2015

LESSON 2   13/12/2015

PAUL – THE PERSECUTOR

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 240, 242

Devotional Reading: Acts 8:1-4

Topic for Adults: Don’t Be An Enemy Of God.

Topic for Youths: Expect Persecution.

Topic for Intermediates: It Is Not An Easy Road

Scripture Lesson: Acts 7:54-60, 8:1-3; 9:1-2; 7:51; Phil. 3:5-6; Gal. 1:13; 1 Cor. 15:9; Acts 8:1-8; 11:19-21

Memory Verse:   Now Saul was consenting to his death, at that time a great persecution arose against the Church which was at Jerusalem (Acts 8:1a) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Tue. 8/12/2015

Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted

Matt. 5: 10-12

Jesus did not say “theirs (will be) the kingdom of God,” but rather says “theirs is the kingdom of God” – right now! This is the promise that is not just for the future but for now. As one suffers for his or her stand for Christ, they get the Kingdom of God now. They get the presence of God, now, for as Peter says, “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (1 Pet. 4:14). When we are persecuted, we are not to retaliate like an unbeliever, we are not to sulk like a child nor are we to lick our wounds in self-pity, we are not called to just grin and bear it like a Stoic, nor are we to just pretend to enjoy it like a Masochist. We are called to “rejoice and be exceedingly glad.” – Literally skip and hop with excitement.

Point of Emphasis:   Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward.

Prayer Point:        Lord Jesus, count me worthy of great rewards in your Kingdom