Psalm 100:2 - Gladness

Worship the Lord with gladness;
     come before him with joyful songs.

In this holiday season, let us be ever joyful, glad while we are worshiping and as we are going about our daily lives.

Lord, thank you for being an awesome God so worthy of our joy and gladness. Help us to share that joy and gladness with others. Amen.

Matthew 5:11-12 - Bible Study Challenge Day 3

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Question 1 - How are we persecuted as Christians today?

We are persecuted when our government creates laws which do not allow us to follow our beliefs, when people make fun of our lifestyle and when we loose out on jobs and opportunities because of our faith.

Question 2 - What are the blessings that come from persecution?

Our openly displayed faith may not make us popular, but that may help keep us away from some temptations. Also, some doors may be shut because of our beliefs, but God will open other doors. The world may not acknowledge our sacrifice, but Heaven and God applaud us when we are persecuted.

Question 3 - How can we rejoice and be glad in the face of persecution?
We can know we are doing the right thing and that it is God they are rejecting, not us. We can be proud that people are noticing that we are Christians!

Lord, thank you for helping us to see the blessings in persecutions. Please help us to let our light shine and not be concerned about the negative consequences, Amen.

Psalm 90:15 - Life, a curse or a blessing

Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
     for as many years as we have seen trouble.

This is kind of a strange statement, but I get it. Life is so full of trouble, pain and sorrow. It is an affliction. Yet we ask God to help us see this affliction as a blessing and to be glad.

Lord, thank you for life, with all it's trouble. Please help us to see every year as a blessing. Amen.