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Joyce Meyer Devotional for the Day :IT PAYS TO SERVE GOD
Matthew 5:10 (NKJV) Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
We have all lived long enough to know that whatever we do, we will be criticized. Even if you do not do anything, you will be criticized and persecuted. I do not know about you, but I would rather be criticized for doing the right thing, than for doing the wrong thing. I would rather be called a fool for following God, than be called a wise man for following the devil. Remember that people will persecute you, but God will always justify you.
Peter gives us a great portion of scripture to prepare us for this. In 1 Peter 4:12-19 he says, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now ‘If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?’ 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”
Being a true follower of Jesus comes with a cost, though really it does not cost to serve God, it pays. When we make a decision to do it all for Jesus, the blessings are beyond this world! Our main verse today says that ours will be the kingdom of heaven. I think of Paul and Silas. They were thrown into a prison for casting out a demon, and look what God did for them in Acts 16:16-34. He opened the prison doors and got the jailer and his household saved!
So today, remember that it pays to serve God, and it pays amazingly! God blesses those who stand up for His ways. To the world we might look weak and powerless, but to God we are the image of His dear Son, Jesus!
Confession: Today, I declare that I am a follower of Jesus Christ, and even through persecution, I come out the winner!
Today’s Bible Reading
Leviticus 9:7 – 10:20
Mark 4:26 – 5:20
Psalms 37:30-40
Proverbs 10:6-7
Bible in a Year: 365-Day Reading Plan : English | King James Version (KJV)
Today’s Bible reading from Old Testament : Exodus 27, Exodus 28
Today’s Bible reading from New Testament : Mark 5:21-43, Mark 6:1-6
Today’s Bible reading from Psalms and Proverbs: Psalm 24:1-10
Bible in a Year: 365-Day Reading Plan : English | New Living Translation (NLT)
Today’s Bible reading from Old Testament : Exodus 27, Exodus 28
Today’s Bible reading from New Testament : Mark 5:21-43, Mark 6:1-6
Today’s Bible reading from Psalms and Proverbs: Psalm 24:1-10
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