1 Peter 4:15-16

Guest post by Eddie Bouknight.

1 Peter 4:15-16 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Living a Christian life that’s honoring to God in a secular world is not always popular nor is it easy. We’re picked on, made fun of, treated as outcasts, and sometimes threatened. If you experience this don’t hang your head in shame! Instead, raise your head up and PRAISE GOD that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life! Praise Jesus! Proclaim His holy name! Acknowledge Jesus as your Lord and Savior and boldly tell others how wonderful He is! Never deny Him in order to be accepted by those who don’t know Him, who don’t have a loving and intimate relationship with Him. Always have this Scripture on your mind; Matthew 10:32-33 “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.”

Father God, we love You and we praise Your holy name! Your love is perfect and unconditional. Who are we that You are so mindful of us? Our life is but a vapor, here but for a little while and then it vanishes. But we praise You Jesus that through Your sinless life, selfless sacrifice, and bodily resurrection all those who call on You and place their faith in You and Your finished work on a cross are assured of everlasting life in heaven. Please give us hearts to be bold and eyes to see those You place on our path who desperately need to hear the good news of salvation by grace through faith. We love You and praise You! It’s in Your holy and redeeming name we pray. Amen.