At that time a great persecution arose against the church ... As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
~ Acts 8:1,3-4 (NKJV)
The rulers take counsel together,
Against the LORD and against His Anointed...
He who sits in the heavens shall laugh.
~ Psalms 2:2-4 (NKJV)
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith.
~ 1 Peter 5:8-9 (MSG)
My sense of humor is warped enough to find humor in Saul's hostility toward Christianity, which advanced the Gospel into new regions as a precursor to him becoming its greatest evangelist.
The Lord laughs at efforts to thwart His purposes. Jonah simmering in the dark for three days as fish vomit before likewise succumbing to a successful preaching ministry is hilariously God, whose sovereign plan is hindered by neither human nor demon.
Despite certain defeat, the devil still foolishly attempts to frustrate God's plans. Across the globe, Christians suffer intense persecution. The Lord uses it to weed out wannabes and set His people on fire. And what waters God's Word more effectively than the blood of the martyrs?
Twisted humor is a hallmark of warriors—a means by which to keep a cool head for deadly battle.
Sovereign Lord, thank You for calling us to be citizens of the winning kingdom, subjects of the Most High King. Please give our brothers and sisters in chains (BASIC) strength and endurance in the face of persecution. Please make us fervent in faith despite lack of persecution.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Bless all those that are so willing to be persucuted in Your name dear Lord.
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