DO GOOD - SUFFER- ENDURE IN CHRIST

PRAY WITH ME FOR AFRICA: In the democratic republic of Congo (DRC) the long despised and neglected Pygmy people have turned to Christ in large numbers. Pray for deeper understanding and commitment for nominal believers and  for the building of disciples and Bible based churches.

As a follower of Jesus Christ you have been called to suffer and endure as Christ did. Christ suffered and endured suffering without sinning, seeking to deceive, or threatening in retaliation those who caused the suffering. Neither should we retaliate against those who hate and badger us for the name of Christ. Instead, when we suffer we are to continue to entrust ourselves to God who judges righteously, even as Jesus did. Are concern is to be right with God, not to be praised by men (Galatians 1.10).

If we are doing good to others they are attacking us because they see the image of Christ in us or because the goodness we are showing them is exposing their deep hurts and needs and what they find deficit in their lives. We are not to take these attacks personally but as a plea for pity and as a cause for us to pray and show mercy because they need Christ. As Christ our master suffered so suffering is promised to the true believer (Philippians 1.29; 2 Timothy 3.12), but our response is to be Christlike in the character of Christ. Remember both suffering and a Christlike response is part of your calling as a follower of Christ who follows in his steps.
Here are some precious verses to meditate on this week: "if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." 1 Peter 2.20b-23
Have a blessed week and pray for us who are attending the T4G 18 conference in Louisville KY. 

Good articles for this week:
He Preached a Big God with a Broken Heart: Charles Spurgeon (1834–1892)
Suffering will come when we place our authority on Christ and the Bible.
 
Fire breaks out at World Food Program warehouses in Yemen
Pray for Yemen's great need of good and Jesus Christ.