Today's Verse(s)

I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.
John 16:1-4 ESV

Ok, I admit these verses, on the surface, don't sound that encouraging. But the thing is God always prepares us for difficult times. I have three thoughts:
1. The words of Christ will sustain you and keep you from falling.
2. While walking in the midst of difficulty His words are a fulfillment of His promise to never leave or forsake you.
3. The third one is really the main thought I had...Jesus had to be looking forward and saw the Apostle Paul when He made the statement " some will think they are offering God service." The apostle Paul changed. Even though for a season he persecuted the church he was transformed by the mercy and grace of God into someone who built the church. Point is, when you or the church goes through a difficult time, God is still at work and there is something great and wonderful that is coming out of it.

Stand your ground and hold the line!

Be blessed!