Skip to main content

Bad news is not a surprise, but there is good news

Do you still read a physical newspaper? Even if you don't, do you read any news? Or, are we caught up with the social community that we are involved in without a care for things around us that have long term ramifications. One of the things I have noticed is that the age of those interested in current affairs is growing older. Those below that age have little or no interest. If they are, it is around an issue that provides them a sense of belonging or identity because much of the world no longer gives recognition to the value of life and its meaning. But there is much unreported good news.

Luke 21:12
But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake.

As you read Luke Chapter 21, you will know that, as Christians, we will be persecuted to the point of death for our faith.  However, we will continue in the faith because of what Jesus had done on the cross and is continuing to do in our daily lives today. The current affairs of the world is consistent with what the bible has to say, in case you are not aware. And so, we are not surprised.

Luke 21:9-11
But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.” Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

The only meaning you can find is in a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.  As you are brought before the authorities and others who choose to persecute you, you will be given wisdom to speak and this will be used as testimonies penetrating the souls and minds of those who perpetuate violence against the followers of Jesus Christ.  Jesus loves you and cares for you. You can find meaning in a relationship with Him. And this gives a reason for the unwavering testimonies that followers of Jesus give.

Luke 21:13-15
But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.

Father, thank you for the testimony of your faithfulness to me and my family.  I will continue to make this known to all.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

My Journey of Faith

Sreedhar standing to the left of his grandfather in the center Almost 55 years ago a son was born to a Hindu family.  The parents were 2nd generation Malaysians raised in a rubber estate near a small town called Sungei Petani in Northern Malaya at that time.  This first child was given much love and care by their parents and had the privilege of growing up in 3 different states of Malaysia, most of which was in Petaling Jaya.  He was blessed with his first domestic airplane ride when he was 10 years old, and made his first trip by airplane to Bangkok at the age of 11.  In the mid 1970's the family moved to a large house in a relatively exclusive neighborhood in Petaling Jaya. This was a result of the favor his father, aged about 35 at that time, had in the workplace,. As a result, this son grew up in a mostly multicultural environment with Indian, Chinese and Malay children.  In the process, his perspectives became cosmopolitan and racially neutral.  On...

Stand and raise your hands

I apologize if I offend anyone, but I feel free to lift up my hands when I worship the Lord.  I would do it while standing up.  It is only natural when you are worshiping the Almighty God, creator of heaven of earth.  He is after all the God loves me and redeemed me by dying on the dying on the cross.  The Psalmist agrees with me on this one. Psalm 134:1-2 Behold, bless the Lord, All you servants of the Lord, Who by night stand in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the Lord. There are key elements to be observed here in this chapter being shared by the Psalmist. The familiar ones are us blessing God, doing it with hands raised, we doing this as servants of God. But a new element that I did not see before is doing all this at night, though it may have been said in other parts of the Word. The Psalmist ends with acknowledging God as the one who made heaven and earth. Reflection from 2016: Speaks to me about ...

I have decided to do right today

Have you been told off for something that you may or may not have done wrong?  How did you feel?  I usually feel rotten.  I get a mix of guilt and anger, but these situations have tremendously reduced with my growing relationship with God.  You want to say many things to justify your actions (or inaction), but it is usually of little value.  Accept everything said (or written) as good feedback, and do better the next time. Amos 1:2 And he said: “The LORD roars from Zion, And utters His voice from Jerusalem; The pastures of the shepherds mourn, And the top of Carmel withers.” Amos the prophet must have been in great fear as he spoke. So many negative things against so many people. The pronouncement of judgement can make you angry or repent.  I am reminded of King David's reaction to Nathan the prophet when he confronted him about his relationship with Bathsheba. He cried out to God and repented. Many of Israel's kings never repented and the Lord c...

A promise that demonstrates great interest and care in our well being

We commonly call someone who has helped us significantly with something or a good person, "You are an Angel".  I am reminded of the angels God sends to be around us for our protection and to carry out God's instructions for our well-being. Many of us may wish that our eyes would be opened to see the angels of God around us. Zechariah speaks of seeing angels over Jerusalem. Indeed Jerusalem has a special place in God's heart. Zechariah 2:3-5 And there was the angel who talked with me, going out; and another angel was coming out to meet him, who said to him, “Run, speak to this young man, saying: ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it. For I,’ says the LORD, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’” Not only does Zechariah speak of angels and God speaking over Jerusalem, he also speaks of a crucial matter that will happen in the future.  It is a promise of...

Be unconventional

I may have said this popular quote before, insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. If our plan is for better success then the approach needs to be changed. Or perhaps unconventional. The old ways cannot remain. David did the unthinkable. 1 Samuel 27:1, And David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish someday by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me, to seek me anymore in any part of Israel. So I shall escape out of his hand.” Desperate times called for desperate measures. He ran from Saul's persistent need to kill him by moving to enemy territory. While there he had good war campaigns and duped the Philistines into thinking that he was against the people of Israel. God is ready to give us new approaches for spiritual warfare for souls. Are we ready for unconventional methods and approaches? The challenge for us...

You will look good

In today's world many are not happy with how they look naturally. They do everything possible to get it "right". Some of these include almost permanent changes that affects their bodies for the rest of their lives. This includes tattoos. I am not going to saying anything about this but we need to be careful about the agenda of people that do these things. There is something better. Revelation 22:4, They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. How God's name is going to be on our foreheads, I am not sure. But it would be like wearing a uniform of an organization that you are very proud of, and want to be associated with publicly. There will also be the tree of life. There will be no more pain. No more sorrow. God's presence will be so tangible that we can see His face. Revelation 22:12-13, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and t...