Freelance writer Lupie Riley

Thought:  When we accepted Jesus into our life, we were not guaranteed a bed of roses.  There will be trials and persecution.  We are to carry our own cross.  Luke 14:27 “And no one can be my disciple who does not carry his own cross and follow me”  I Peter 4:14 “ Be happy if you are cursed and insulted for being a Christian, for when that happens the Spirit of God will come upon you with great Glory.”

What would be your response if you are persecuted for your faith?  Let’s see what happened to all the disciples:

Peter:  Crucified upside-down  Andrew:  Martyred  James son of Zebedee:  Killed by sword  John, his brother:  Lived to old age, wrote Revelation.  Philip:  Brutal death         

Bartholomew:  Flayed, beheaded  Thomas:  Martyred  Mathew:  Stabbed to death James son of Alphaeus:  Stoned and clubbed to death  Thaddaeus:  Killed by arrows  Simon the Zealot:  Martyred  Judas:  committed suicide

We have not suffered persecution in our country but the way it’s headed it’s a possibility. Is our commitment and faith strong enough even though it might cost us our lives?  Peter denied Jesus three times in fear of his life.  Later his faith was tested when Jesus asked him three times “how much do you love me?”

All prophecy leading up to the rapture has been fulfilled.  We are very close to that day when the trumpet will blow and we will hear the voice of Jesus say, “come up hither.”  Do you have your lamp filled with oil (the Holy Spirit)? Are you looking forward to that reunion in the sky with our Bride Groom?  We don’t want to be like Lot’s wife who turned into a pillar of salt because she turned back with remorse to that place she was leaving (the world).  Time is short and you don’t want to be left behind.  If you have not done this, admit you’re a sinner and ask Jesus to come into your life.  His gift to you is forgiveness and eternal life in the new home he has prepared for you.  Death is no more and you never have to fear it again. Heb. 2:14,15 “Since we, God’s children, are human beings—made of flesh and blood—he became flesh and blood too by being born in human form; for only as a human being could he die and in dying break the power of the devil who had the power of death.  Only in that way could he deliver those who through fear of death have been living all their lives as slaves to constant dread. V.18 ”For since he himself has been through suffering and temptation, he knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted and he is wonderfully able to help us.”

Prayer:  Father God, you are the peace giver and comforter.  You have not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.  Thank you for this assurance that you never leave us nor forsake us.  Amen

Verse:  Heb. 13:5b “For God has said ‘’I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.”  That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, THE LORD IS MY HELPER, and I am not afraid of anything that a mere man can do to me.

Married 58 years, four children, nine grandchildren and three greats.  I've been a freelance writer for over 40 years.  Working on a book at the present.  My priorities are God first, family, country. Look me up on Google search by my name Lupie Riley, click on first link. Faithwriters.com