Luke 12: 11, 12 “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
Dear God,
I am very thankful for Your loving care, and even though I have been a little unwell for a while, I know Your hand has been over me and I am grateful. I appreciate the comfort and uplifting for my heart and mind that have come through prayer and the reading of Your word. Also the care and love from my wonderful friends who are filled with Your love. I can with assurance say, what a blessing to know You and to seek You at every occasion of my life
Today I especially contemplate the many people around the world, presently, and in the future (as has been foretold in prophecy) that when called upon, to give an account of their faith, have and are losing their lives from persecution and torture: even today, as I sit in my quiet house. Please forgive me for not praying more intently and often for these people, and I ask the Holy Spirit to bring to my mind to the needs of others, so that I can not only pray for them, but when able, help financially.
Paul and other workers of the time are an example of disciples fearlessly doing Your work of spreading the gospel, as well as caring personally or arranging for the care of the poor that they met. There was much opposition in Jerusalem and in most Gentile territory from devout Jewish leaders and priests, designed to terminate the preaching of the good news about the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ the Saviour; which meant that most early Christians found themselves in poverty and persecution. It seems that adversity strengthens our faith, and so it was with these early Christians; an example being Paul who was unjustly imprisoned for two years, but never lost his faith. He always spoke to all who would listen, and at every opportunity he gave his testimony and uplifted his Saviour Jesus Christ. His ministry was anointed by the Holy Spirit with power, and filled Paul with love, wisdom, trust, with no fear for himself.
Even though presently in the place I live, we are not being persecuted, there are many times when I could have given my testimony, but did not. Probably I did not give my testimony because of fear of adverse opinion, or ridicule; which now seems a shameful thing not speak on behalf of the One I call my best friend. Please forgive me and fill me with Your Spirit so fear is gone and I am embolden to speak when I should, by Your wisdom, so they are not my thoughts and words that are spoken and may help another. Thank you for hearing our prayers uttered in the right spirit, no matter how garbled or uninformed.
Amen