Passage of the Day:
You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24 “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! 26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell, Matthew 10:22-28.
Reflection:
As someone who attended an inner-city school for three years, I was forced to grow up quicker than the average Elementary School student. I was racially discriminated against daily with harmful words, teased and even locked inside a locker by a bully. One of the things my soul wasn’t prepared to face was hatred. In today’s featured passage, Jesus points to the words of Ephesians 6:12. The world hatred Jesus first so as you grow and mature in your faith, don’t take hatred personally.
Prayerful Action:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full, John 10:10.
Refreshing Your Soul:
The Devil has become invisible in most circles of the United States of America. Rather than blame the Devil for mass shootings and gun violence, politicians demonize the weapon used. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, this spiritual thief is seeking to steal your joy, kill your dreams and destroy your life. Instead of making rash decisions, fueled by hatred, refresh your soul by turning your attention toward pursuing an abundant life in Christ.
Song of the Day:
Today’s attached song is a reminder of how important vision plays in the lives of Christians. If you are prepared for future spiritual attacks, 1 Peter 5:8, you’ll know how to respond. This is why Jesus trained his disciples prior to his crucifixion to prepare their souls for what lies ahead. One of the reasons why I behave the way I do while talking to strangers today is that I never want anyone to experience the pain that I endured during these three years in Elementary School.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 