We often get discouraged when we are persecuted and think of it as a curse rather than a blessing. When we're persecuted for Jesus, that is a blessing in disguise. You see, when we're persecuted for His name, we are receiving great rewards built up for us in Heaven. For that reason, we're supposed to rejoice over our persecutions and be glad! Some people will persecute you just for mentioning the name of Jesus. I see several things on the internet and some I am even involved with, where if you post anything that seems religious, you get persecuted for it. People will post and say stuff like, "Someone please remove this thread! This isn't a place for religion!" However, these are communities that allow you to interact with other people and find people with the same interests as you. So, these people are saying that religious people have no freedom to interact with each other. They're saying that they can talk about what they want to, but if you talk about religion with others, they want you gone from the community! This is the kind of discrimination we as Christians, must endure. We often talk about racism and such, but people don't seem to care about religious discrimination and that is because this is something that we are predestined to endure. The prophets were persecuted for speaking God's truth and when Jesus, came He was persecuted for it too. So, why wouldn't we be? Jesus, was put to death for speaking the truth of God. With that being said, let us look at what is happening in some other countries and even here. In China, the people can not even keep a Bible in their home without getting raided by police. Chinese believers are being persecuted in the highest form of persecution. They need our prayers, but they don't need salvation because they already have it! These scriptures say, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven..." Many people are being beaten and even murdered for Christ sake! It is a beautiful, but sad thing. It is sad that people have to do this to other people, but it is beautiful the reward these persecuted people will receive. The point of today's devotion is to tell you, "Don't despise persecution. Don't fear persecution, look forward to it!" If you look forward to something, when you get it you're a happy person!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this message and for all things. Please forgive us of all our sins and we forgive all those who've wronged us. Please bring us closer to you and help us to rejoice and be glad even in persecution. We pray for those who are being persecuted daily for your sake. We pray that they'll be able to endure and keep walking in your truth and not get discouraged. We also pray for their happiness. In Jesus, name. A-men!