DAILY?READINGS: 1 Chronicles 1; Ezekiel 2 to 3:15; 2 Timothy 3
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word. Acts 4:29
And nothing terrified by your adversaries… Philippians 1:28
Persecution and suffering for Christ has always been present since the church began. At times, it has been on a large scale, at other times on a personal level. As the return of the Lord draws near, persecution is sure to increase as the enemy attempts to thwart the spread of the gospel, knowing his time is short (Rev. 12:2). The early church did not pray to have persecution removed, but rather met it head on by speaking the Word with holy boldness. Undaunted, we should do the same as we see the day approaching. —Mark Kolchin
Rise up, O men of God! The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task; rise up and make her great!
—Merrill