Keep Your Eyes on Christ

There are many who are experiencing rebellion of children or spouses who will not walk with Christ and resent those who do.

The devil is ramping up his efforts to divide families and isolate believers. Let's remember to pray often for believers who are in this situation.

The non-believers in families can do great damage with their gossip and judgments out of context and willful misunderstandings to discredit the one who loves the Lord.

Even more disturbing are those households who claim to be Christian but employ the tactics of the devil because of their own anger, resentment and refusal to hear anything from the Word of God.

Those who endure this persecution can live in it just as Noah had to live in Sodom before God took him out. They can live in it just as Noah had to endure the abuse while He was building the ark in obedience to God.

It is not easy but God can make us stronger, bolder and more resolute in seeking Him no matter what our trial.

1 Peter 5:10
"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."

James 1:12
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

Romans 12:12
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."

1 Corinthians 10:13
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

John 16:33
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Exodus 14:14
"The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

Focus on Christ not the circumstances, focus on the wonderful boot camp training that leads to spiritual strength, rather than the actions of those who refuse to obey God.

Romans 5:3-5 "…3 Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.…"

Gratefulness is the Evidence

Where there is envy, strife and division there is ungratefulness. The more grateful to God we are, the more we love Him and seek Him.

Psalms 118:24 - This [is] the day [which] the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Colossians 3:17 - And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Psalms 127:1 - (A Song of degrees for Solomon.) Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain.