Kingdom Rules (Part 1)—Disciple Makers Series #4Sample

Preparing our Hearts for Suffering 

God gives special honour to people who live godly lives—and then face trouble because they follow Jesus and live the way He wants them to live.  People will give you trouble because:

—they do not like Jesus and what He means.

—they do not like having their failures/sin exposed.

—they do not want to do what is right—and you show it can be done.

—they believe their faith is better than following Jesus.

So go about today prepared to bless people regardless of what they say to do, do to you or what they say about you.  That is what it means to have a kingdom heart.

Be careful.  

Suffering because we do unwise things, or because we treat people wrong, or break laws—God does not bless this kind of suffering.

Time to Pray

Father, I know that You release great blessing on Your children when we suffer—and it happens because we love You and obey You.  People that would never say bad things about others, will say bad things about me just because I obey You and follow Your rules for life.  It just amazes me.  Still, today I ask for a heart to bless anyone.  That is what Jesus did.  He forgave those who killed Him, He loved those who rejected Him.  You give life to everyone breathing today—because they have a chance to seek forgiveness and find peace with You.  So may they see Jesus in me today.  May they see Jesus in me even if they attack me.  I just want them to see Jesus.  I ask this in Jesus’ name Amen.