*RESTORATION TODAY*
*FRIDAY 19TH JUNE 2017*
*BY PASTOR DR. G.O. OLUTOLA JP.*
*THEME: REJOICING IN PRESECUTION 2*

_"But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's suffering ;that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. " 1 Peter 4 : 13_*

Although we certainly do not feel blessed when we're insulted and persecuted, Jesus said that we are in fact blessed (Matthew  5 : 11)

*The Lord's Perspective On Persecution Differs Ron Ours He considers It A Positive Thing of We SUFFERING his Name. Persecution Is Good For Several Reasons:*
*IT PROVES OUR FAITH:* The only way we can know the capacity of our faith is by means of testing. When we persevere through a trial, we begin to understand that we can remain steadfast and obedient in the midst of a challenge. We also learn the magnitude of God's strength to support is through persecution.
*IT PURIFIES OUR LIFE:* Persecution snaps our attention away from meaningless things and onto the Lord. We are driven into His arms by suffering. As we grow closer to Him. He'll bring to our awareness wrong attitudes and some related to our trial and some not for which we must repent. Persecution is a powerful cleansing tool

*IT PREPARES US FOR GREATER SERVICE :*Suffering Breaks ourself reliance and pride attitudes that hinders our usefulness for the Lord.. Pride crumbles when we realize we're incapable of living the Christian life on our own, especially when we've been insulted.

A life of erase and pleasure isn't always a sign of blessing.. So let's not be surprised at the fairy trials we experience "as though some thing happened" (1 Peter 4: 12). We should thank the Lord for the way He uses such trials in our lives.

*ACTION POINTS:*

Persecution strengthens our faith, purifies our hearts and equips us for greater service.

*SCRIPTURES:*
1Peter 4 : 12 - 14


*PRAYER POINTS:*
1. Father, strengthen my faith in the name of Jesus

2. Lord, purify my heart in the name of Jesus

3. Father, equip me for greater service in Your kingdom in the name of Jesus


*DAILY BIBLE READING:*
Deuteronomy 31 : 14 - 32 :14
Hosea 1 - 2 :  1
Luke 17 : 1-19