All this (John 15) I have told you so that you will not fall away. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. John 16:1-2

Today you are invited to consider how Jesus words of reassurance comfort you when you think of such a time as the one He is speaking about. Where do you need strength in today’s world to stand firm in your faith? How does the fear of rejection or persecution hold you back? What sort of persecution do you face at the moment? Do people mock your faith? Do they reject your friendship because of it? Do you know people who are ostracised or persecuted because of their faith. Pray for yourself and for those for whom persecution is a fact of life today – even to the point of death. Pray often for Jesus’ persecuted Church.

May God strengthen and encourage you and all who are persecuted for their faith in Him. May He be glorified, even in the face of persecution.