What’s Joy got to do with it

Good morning, It is my sincere hope that this finds you with a bit of joy in your heart as we wake up on a Monday morning. I think that waking up on a Monday morning can be the least joyful thing we do. The weekend is over and the real work week starts. I hope you can find at least one thing that you can say to yourself “Hey, I like that. I’m looking forward to that today.” If you’re like me, I find it easier to say on a Friday than on a Monday but here we are. So we might as well make the best of it.

This part of the book of Matthew in the Bible was part of my devotions the other day.

“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. “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 happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

For me, living in the Midwest of the good ol’ USA I have to admit that being persecuted for doing right is not a problem. I identify as Christian and so do a lot of people around me. I will have to admit that I live in a community that largely thinks politically along the lines I do. I live in a community that puts a high value on God, family, and country. So when I think about being persecuted it’s usually just a notch above being picked on. I don’t have a perspective on what it means to be persecuted like it talks about in the Bible.

As I turned on the news this morning they were talking about a plane that landed in Russia and was being surrounded by an angry mob. My first thought was “ok, that’s in Russia, big deal” Well it is a big deal. It’s a big deal because the plane had taken off from Tel Aviv Israel. There was a group of people wanting to see the passports of all the people on the plane to see who was a Jew. Does that ring any bells with anyone to a part of history that is just long enough ago that it is on the edge of the memories of those old enough to remember?

For those of you who may not know and are way too young to remember, like me, a little group of people led by a little man wanted to see who was a Jew. Yes, those people in the 1930s-40s’. In 2023 there is a group of people that want to try and rid the world again of the Jews. So yes, I’m shocked but not surprised, that the evil in the world is once again trying to raise its evil head.

This post is meant to awaken us to action. I’m not calling for violence in the streets but better yet to wake us up to the reality that we are living in. I’m convinced that we have always been living in a time of evil but there are times in history when we get lulled into a false sense of security and we think that peaceful times are possible long term.

I hate to burst your bubble but we need to wake up and pay attention. I do believe that the end of our time here on this earth is one day closer than it was yesterday but I have no idea what day that all will come to a close. I do know the one that is ultimately in control loves you and me. It’s not a matter of does God loves you (because he does) but a matter of whether are you willing to listen to the one who loves you. No matter where you live on this planet, you can choose to follow Jesus and spread the good news that Jesus wants all to choose him and keep our focus on an eternity of life in Heaven. In doing so, the devil and his side hate God so much that the only way he can hope to hurt God is by taking his creation (that’s you and me) down with him.

So, what’s joy got to do with it? The only way you and I can have joy in a time like this, in a place like this is to put our hope in Jesus. Persecution will come and for some is already here. If you are on a plane and people are ready to take your life because of the God you serve. Your time is here. When you are in a classroom and your teacher tells you there is no god and the world is billions of years old, your time is here. When you live in a place that says it is okay to kill babies because they are an inconvenience or will be born too poor to live a “good” life. Your time is here!

It is time to stand up and be counted. It is time to show this world what love truly is. It is the love of Jesus lived out through your life. It is time for you to pray. Pray like your life depends on it. Pray that you will see God and that you will be able to hear the voice of God in your decisions, your relationships, your spouse, your kids, and your community. As you hit your knees in prayer, stand up.

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!!! And love like Jesus today

Pray for those around you who are truly being persecuted today. From the war in Israel to those trapped on a plane in Russia. Pray for those in school trying to find their way in life. Pray for the moms and dads trying to raise kids in a culture that wants their destruction.
Today remember, take joy in being persecuted for the right thing. An eternal joy awaits us. God loves you and I do too!

Have a great Monday!