I'm so moved by the courage of our people. I stand with you and I pray with you. (See below, join me in a prayerful response) Let's continue to walk through the wilderness together, knowing we are all in this together. God is unveiling our Compass and he is strengthening our Convictions. To Christ be the glory. Amen.
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom." - Jesus
“Hey PB. I have a prayer requests regarding my work relationships. There is a handful of us guys that were pretty good friends. We tried to meet up at least twice a month to eat and go out. I’ve only been able to go out with them a few times in the last year due to family responsibilities or other engagements. We recently went on a company wide trip and a bunch of us were there. Several of us proclaim to be “Christian” and we are all married, however throughout the trip, all they did was go drinking and to strip clubs. I did not join them but instead stayed in my room and watched TV by myself. They are taking my rejections as I don’t like them or that I am judging them. I’m assuming they feel awkward around me now. This really sucks because at work, we usually help each other out.. and of course, your closer friends will be willing to help you more and get behind on their own work, versus someone you’re not that close to. The other day I needed some help but the usual guys that I thought would come to help me, didn’t. This is when I knew my relationship with them has been really strained and maybe even ruined. I don’t know how to fix this. I’m obviously not going to go clubbing, Vegas, strip clubs etc with them but I feel like I need to have friends to rely on at work for help and assistance. Also I really want to pray for the other Christian brothers. It’s sad for me to see them falling into sin and representing Christ but I don’t know how to talk to them about it. I don’t want to be sucked into that world but I need and want to maintain friendships with them. It’s come to a point where they have even stopped asking me to go out with them and I’m pretty isolated now.
Thanks for listening and for praying with me.”
“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble." - Jesus