Title

At the Ebb Tide

Scripture
Many are my persecutors and my enemies, yet I do not turn from Your testimonies.
(Psalm 119:157)
Devotional
We live in a day when being a Christian is at the ebb of popularity. Believers are seen by many as intolerant, narrow-minded, bigoted, and archaic. If you adhere to God’s moral standards, you will be taunted. If you attempt to stay sexually pure, you will be challenged. If you believe that there is a Creator and we have been created in His image, you will be considered uneducated. Believe the Bible and you are narrow. Biblically submit to your husband or spiritual authority and you will be perceived to be in bondage. Jesus warned, “In the world you will have tribulation,” but He also promised, “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”(1) Therefore, can we say, like the psalmist, “Many may be my persecutors and my enemies, yet I will not turn from Your testimonies.” Let us not stand arrogantly, but let us stand in the strength of the Lord. And let us not boast in our stand, but let us boast in the Lord.(2)

(1) John 16:33, (2) Jeremiah 9:24
Thought For The Night
In 2002, Ron Brown assistant football coach at the University of Nebraska was denied the head-coaching job at Stanford University because of his religious beliefs. Of particular concern was his candid belief that homosexual behavior is a sin. Brown says he was shocked at both the decision and the school’s candor. ‘If I’d been discriminated against for being black, they would’ve never told me that,’ he said. ‘They had no problem telling me it was because of my Christian beliefs.’ Brown also said the Stanford rejection wouldn’t silence those beliefs: ‘I don't believe you compromise truth for whatever job.’” N. Allan Moseley, Thinking Against the Grain (Kregel, 2003)
 
Evening Text
Psalm 119:157: Many are my persecutors and my enemies, yet I do not turn from Your testimonies.
Looking for Answers
 
Evening Study Guide
Defining: “Popular”: Regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public.
 
Referencing: “If they persecuted Me (Jesus), they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also,” John 15:20.
 
Applying: Seek favor, not popularity. Be not ignorant, rude, or purposefully repulsive; be wise, polite, and kind.