July 1st 2015 1st of the Month Series on Character by Steve the son of John

Got What It Takes?

No one likes to be ridiculed. But for the Christian, it is suppose to be a way of life. Too many Christians try to keep their beliefs to themselves—they are not going to create any waves or offend anyone. Henry Blackaby says, “You are no good to God.”

Jesus said, ‘If He is persecuted so will you’. It is easy being a Christian if all is going smoothly, people like you, and you find strength in numbers. This has never been the case for me. I like people but I do not need to be liked in return.

Have you ever wondered why Jesus wore a ‘crown of thorns’? The Roman soldiers were mocking Him—persecuting Him. In fact, the Bible says that we should not become weary or discouraged because Christ endured persecution for us. The Bible does not go into the details, but I can assure you if there was social media, cable TV, talk-radio, and newspapers, in Jesus’ day, He would be the center of their hateful conversation, character assignation, and religious bigotry each day.

Jesus took our persecution—yes, yours and mine—when he wore that crown of thorns. He knew we would and should be persecuted, but He did not want us to be alone nor unable to bear the burden of being hated. He took our persecution with the crown of thorns just like our sicknesses with the strips He received on His back, and the nailing of His feet and hands for our sins. God made sure that Christ covered it all for us.

The question however remains—You got what it takes? Will you endure? Will you be a Jesus Freak? Will you allow yourself to be persecuted or will you run for cover?

If you are not sure, you need to read any of the series of Jesus Freaks books—Stories (Vol: 1,2,3), Martyrs, Revolutionaries, For Girls, Live Like, Ultimate, Promises For, and the list goes on. You will be encouraged to take a stand for Christ, and see how God protected those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake.

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” II Cor. 4:8-9. “Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven” Matt 5:12.

WWJWMTD

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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