How much do you love Jesus? How much suffering would you endure for His sake? Would you be willing to die for Him? Would you be a prisoner for the Lord?
God's Word tells us to expect persecution (2 Tm 3:12). It's not uncommon for Christians to be arrested. A good portion of the New Testament was written in prison. Many believers throughout the world are suffering imprisonment at this moment for the sake of the gospel. The world may look down on prisoners, but Jesus says: I was "in prison and you came to visit Me" (Mt 25:36). It's an honor to be in an earthly prison for the sake of Jesus' gospel.
However, never enter the prison of sin, with cells of unforgiveness, resentment, and apathy. "When you are going with your opponent to appear before a magistrate, try to settle with him on the way lest he turn you over to the judge, and the judge deliver you up to the jailer, and the jailer throw you into prison" (Lk 12:58). Settle with God; be washed in the blood of Jesus; repent. Never let your spirit become a slave and prisoner of sin (Jn 8:34).
Enemies may imprison your body, but they can never imprison your spirit unless you let them. Be free in Jesus Christ.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, if You free us, we are truly free. Free us (Jn 8:36). |
| PROMISE: | "Make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force." –Eph 4:3 |
| PRAISE: | Even though she was hemmed in by being homebound, Isabel used it as an opportunity to intercede for many. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College