We so appreciate your faithful prayers, promotion, and provision as a Greenhouse Builder. In this season of gratitude, reflection, and celebration, let’s pray through more themes from Matthew 5.
Matthew 5:10-16 (NLT)
“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. [Rejoice and be glad!] …For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Come to Jesus through His word, and prayerfully reflect on His promises: the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs – a great reward awaits you in heaven – it will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless – everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Pray that His Spirit will teach and guide you to greater understanding of Kingdom building action.
When have you been persecuted for doing right? In what new ways did you experience the Kingdom of God as a result? Who else do you know that has suffered opposition for doing right? Pray for them. How might you help them see the Kingdom of God in their experience?
When have others spoken evil things against you, mocked, persecuted, or lied about you specifically because you follow Jesus? How did Jesus respond to similar treatment? Has your response mirrored His description in this passage? Why or why not? Who can you encourage--speak courage into--today that has suffered for following Jesus?
Ask Jesus what it means to be salt and light in your home, Greenhouse, and our larger communities. Prayerfully read John 15 with section of the Sermon on the Mount in mind.
Please pray for the Greenhouse community to lovingly act on these words of Christ. With our neighbors and in Greenhouse, may we become those who persevere, encourage, shine, and abide through the power of the Spirit. Pray that the love, humility, and joy of Jesus and a spirit of gratitude will be evident and bear fruit in our lives individually, as families, and as a learning community.