1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’

DAILY READING •1 John 3; 2 Chronicles 36; Psalm 90

For many decades, Christians in China have suffered many attacks and persecutions. Yet, the Chinese Church keeps bouncing back and waxing stronger despite these many challenges.
One of the reasons for this has been the resilient spirit of the believers in China. For many years, the Chinese government has attempted to restrict the Christians in the country, yet their voices cannot be silenced.
The Chinese Communist Party’s attempt to bring religion under its control has been met with courageous opposition, and the testimony of Pastor Wang Yi is a prime example.

Pastor, Wang Yi, founder of Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China, was arrested in December 2018, along with over 100 other members of his congregation. They were charged with “inciting subversion of state power”—a charge often given to Christians who do not fit the Communist Party’s ideological mold.

Shortly after his arrest Wang’s church released a statement he wrote on civil disobedience—a treatise he penned on how believers should respond when the state conflicts with deeply held religious beliefs.
It was a defiant statement in the face of the Government’s persecutions. It showed that they were not bowed or defeated despite the various intimidations by the Chinese government.
These believers continue to stand strong in the face of oppositions.
In the midst of contrary situations, they continue to bless the Lord and worship Him. They remain grateful for God’s sufficient grace and mercy that continues to see them through.

Sometimes some of our sweetest incenses of praise are those offered from the fire.

In the Old Testament, when the priest made offerings on hot coals, accompanied with incense, the Bible says that these offerings made by fire were a pleasing aroma and a sweet savor unto the Lord. [Leviticus 2:16]

At those times, when everything seems to be contrary and there seems no reason to be thankful, those are the very moments we should offer unto God worthy praise.

God is certainly in control and He will never put on you more than you can bear. Sometimes, tribulation is an indication of the grace He has given you to overcome the situation.
Indeed the fire is not there to burn you, but rather there to reveal the power of God in your life.

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were put in jail for preaching the Gospel, but it became an opportunity to reveal the power of God in their lives. As they praised despite their pain, God came down in an earthquake and miraculously delivered them.

Every time you praise despite the pain, you’re making preparation for the rain. As you keep praising God, your season will start changing.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’

Rejoicing and being thankful in everything is God’s will for us. Therefore, today, no matter the situation, let us keep blessing the Lord at all times. As we do, we will soon see downpours of His blessings of favor, mercy, and grace.

PRAYER: Lord, Please grant me the grace to always give You worthy praise at all times. No matter what happens around me, I thank You for always being in total control and perfecting all that concerns me in Jesus Name.

Quote
Your attitude always determines your altitude in life. –WORDBITE 222.