Saturday, March 4, 2017

Lent Season Mar 04

Going Beyond - Revelation
Carri Lynne Pratt

The Church at Smyrna - Under Persecution
Daily Reading: Revelation 2:8-11

 "Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer.
Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you. . .
be faithful until death
and I will give you the crown of life." Rev 2:10


The second church to receive a letter is found in Smyrna.


They are apparently experiencing great persecution because Jesus empathizes with them by telling them He understands what they are going through.  We as Christians need to understand that this life is not the end, it is merely a 'layover' before our eternal life and we will experience trouble here.  Jesus warns us:



"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!
I have overcome the world." John 16:33


The Christian life is becoming more dangerous in our modern world. You can personally see the 'Top 50 Countries' that are on the watch list presented by Open Doors at: www.OpenDoorsusa.org


Below are the top 10 countries on the list:




Daily Reflection:  Am I ready for persecution? What will I do when my family or I am personally persecuted for our belief in Jesus Christ?  Will I follow His teachings no matter what?

Ladies, we need to pray and prepare. Pray for personal strength, strength and Godly wisdom for our family, strength for our Christian brothers and sisters enduring persecution (and losing their lives and livelihoods) in other countries and take every opportunity to encourage one another in our daily walk as Christians. 

We need to prepare our children to stand firm in a dark world where they will come under persecution for being a Christian. Who can you personally encourage or pray for today?

A Reward Promised for those who overcome:
"The victor will never be harmed by the second death.
Anyone who has an ear should listen
to what the Spirit says to the churches." Rev 2:11

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