Morning by Morning, March 8 - Persecution Only Results in Greater Power!
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Be welcome here and at home, here in my heart and every moment of my day -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ...
“That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. So there was great joy in that city” (Acts 8:1-8).
The church of Jesus -- the body and the bride of the Lord Jesus Christ -- has thrived under persecution from the very beginning. Despite the persecution, You always rise up and flow out of Your people with Your power.
Stephen was a martyr of the faith, full of the Holy Spirit, whose life was ended and voice was silenced on this earth. But the Spirit who lived in his heart lived on!
Though Your disciples were scattered, they refused to be silenced. They “proclaimed the Messiah” and the Good News of the kingdom of God “from place to place” and everywhere they went. And You confirmed Your word to all who were drawn near and “listened eagerly” to their words of hope and were “hearing and seeing the signs” of the power of Your name. Salvation, healing, and deliverance, followed by “great joy” were the “signs” that followed Your followers.
Even one of their greatest persecutors, Saul of Tarsus, who was “ravaging the church” would soon be changed forever by a powerful and personal encounter with You (Acts 9:1-19). He would become Your chosen instrument of great revival and awakening to set the world ablaze with a passion for Jesus despite the times of great persecution (Acts 9:15). Persecution would only result in greater power!
So give us courage to not be discouraged. Give us power in the midst of the persecution. The Message of the Cross will not be cancelled. The Spirit of the Living God will not be silenced. In fact, this great movement for this great harvest is just beginning! (Matthew 13:39)
Lord, we are so honored to be Your chosen instruments alive on the earth as the body and the bride of Christ in our days for such a time as this! Send Your Spirit, confirm Your Word with Your signs of great awakening in the midst of this growing persecution. By the power of Your grace, we will not be silenced nor cancelled. No surrender and no retreat! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
My friend, may you be filled with the Holy Spirit, never silenced and never cancelled, boldly proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom of God despite any persecution we endure through these days, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you!
Mailing Address for Messiah Ministries:
Tommy & Rocio Hays
Messiah Ministries
17503 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 104407
San Antonio, Texas 78257
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