On Account of My Name

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On Account of My Name

It is strange  how Jesus was hated  for being so good.     He lovingly healed so many,  forgave their sins,  and preached the gospel.     The problem was  that preaching the gospel had to include  preaching about sin  and repentance.     Nobody wanted  to be told  about their sins.     It got to the point  where the religious leaders hated Jesus so much  that they had Him crucified.

In Mark 13:13,  Jesus told His disciples  that they, too,  would be hated  for preaching the truth  about sin.     He said,

And You will be hated  by all  on account of My name,  but it is the one  who has endured  to the end  who will be saved.

When a Christian lives  as a Christian should,  the world gets to feeling  that it is being judged  by the righteousness  of that Christian.     Just seeing someone live  in God’s way  makes them feel guilty — and they don’t like  feeling guilty.     Hence, they hate  Christianity lived out.

Jesus did not stop living  a godly life,  just because the world  hated Him.     And,  He does not want us  to stop living  a godly life either.     Rather,  we are to endure  whatever hatred comes our way,  as we continue living  God-pleasing lives.     Living for God is  of much greater value  than living  for the world,  which will be destroyed  in the end.     Jesus firmly says,  “It is the one  who has endured  to the end  who will be saved.”

If we deny Jesus  as our Savior  by living  as the world lives,  we are putting ourselves  on the road  to destruction.     Believing in Jesus means  we trust  in the forgiveness  that He gladly gives  and we are thankful enough  to want to live  in a way  that will please Him.     Believing means  we trust  in God’s promise  of eternal life  to the extent  that we change our earthly life,  and look  to Jesus  for forgiveness every day.

The world may disapprove  of us,  but that does not matter  because God heartily approves  of all those  who turn to Him.     Trusting  in the promises of God,  we say,  “Hallelujah!     Lord,  it is so good  to know  that You faithfully love me and have promised  to never leave me.”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods

 

Pray for our country.

 

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

 

The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.
Psalm 18:30

 

Sing for joy in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming  to the upright.
Psalm 33:1

How blessed are those  who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4

 

Just as a father has compassion  on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13

 

Oh give thanks to the LORD,  for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1

 

Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3

 

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12

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