Today’s Encouragement is Acts 5:17-18 NLT The high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. [18] They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.
Filled with jealousy-
The encouraging message here is… because of the tremendous power of God at work in and through the disciples of Jesus, the religious leaders of the day… were jealous! They’d been jealous and afraid of Jesus Himself during His time on earth, and now these men were continuing His work, His ministry and the jealousy and hatred against the followers of Christ continued, and still does…
Friends we often assume, unwisely, that as we serve God wholeheartedly, that we will be appreciated, admired, and even loved by the people of this world. “Surely they will see the good I am doing and the pure intentions I have!” Sometimes people do, but not always! Because this world is lost! It is decaying. It isn’t kind to the loving, gentle and humble! Rather it is often vicious and, as in this example, jealous of the followers of Christ.
God’s protection is our shield, not man’s protection. For people will often oppose us.
Jesus made this clear to us, Matthew 5:11 NLT “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.”
Be Encouraged my friend, because – In this jealousy of the world… God blesses us!
Father, please grant us the strength to continue to love You by loving Your children, sharing our hope in You with others and living in full surrender to You! Regardless of the reactions of those around us, help us to stand firm in our Faith in You!
Battle Belongs
Phil Wickham
Today’s Encouragement 