John 15:18-20, 26-27 (NRSV)
Testify in the face of persecution
"If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world - therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'Servants are not greater than their master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. ...
"When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.
MEDITATION—Today is Saturday Psalmody! Today, the meditation is offered as a psalm from my heart. If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)
VICTORIOUS, JUST AS I AM
The world
Will
Hate you.
Hate me?
Hate you.
Just as they hated me…
But why?
I’m a good person
I laugh a lot
I help people
I’m usually kind
They will hate you.
Hate me?
Hate you.
Just as they hated me…
But, I come from a good family
I have a lot of friends
I make good money
And I’m fun to be around.
They will hate you.
Hate me?
Hate you.
Just as they hated me…
But I try to do everything right
I love God
Love neighbor
Strive to be full of joy
And peace…
They will hate you.
Hate me?
Hate you.
Just as they hated me…
But why?
Why will they hate me?
Because
My Spirit
Lives
Inside of you
Bearing witness to
The Truth.
They will hate you.
Hate me?
Hate you.
Just as they hated me…
My Spirit
Whispers
Things they do not want to hear
Challenges
Convicts
Reminds
Reprimands
They will hate you.
Hate me?
Hate you.
Just as they hated me…
Spirit stands up
To greed
Lust
Gluttony
Laziness
Anger
Envy
And Pride
They will hate you.
Hate me?
Hate you.
Just as they hated me…
My Spirit demands justice
Loves mercy
Inspires humility
Requires loyalty
And is LOVE…
They will hate you.
Hate me?
Hate you.
Just as they hated me…
Spirit
cares for the least
of these--
The outcast
The one
who cannot
afford
to pay
Their own way
Spirit stands up
For the mute
The powerless
And the hungry.
They will hate you.
Hate me?
Hate you.
Just as they hated me…
BUT,
Do not worry.
Do not fear.
Do not shirk from their faces.
Do not turn and hide.
Be bold
Proclaim GOOD NEWS
DO GOOD NEWS
BE
GOOD
NEWS
You will be victorious.
Victorious?
Victorious.
Just as I am…
The very same Spirit
That raised Me from the dead
Is alive
And working
In you!
You will be victorious.
Victorious?
Victorious.
Just as I am…
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Congratulations to the people who have recently put all of their hope in Jesus! We celebrate your re-birth-day and promise to hold you in our prayers!
If you would like to put all of your hope in Jesus today, please visit my blog entitled, “Putting All Your Hope In Jesus” located at
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/04/putting-all-your-hope-in-jesus.html
If you have additional questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus"
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html
Pastor Yolanda is now publishing another blog entitled, “A Spoken WORD” in celebration of Holy Hip Hop, Gospel/Christian Rap and Spoken Word. Please check it out @ http://aspokenword.blogspot.com/
You are invited to follow Pastor Yolanda on Twitter www.twitter.com/PastorYolanda
Good News has now added a Prayer Ministry. http://www.kindlejoy.com/groups/goodnews
You are invited to leave comments or questions regarding today’s devotional. These comments are public.
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From Pastor Yolanda's blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com
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