January 17

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 49, 50, Exodus 1; Psalm 17, 47, 77, 107, 137; Proverbs 17

“But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.” Exodus 1:12

We live in a day capitalized by people wanting something for nothing. We seek to do minimal work or effort for maximum pay or results. It is the old “something for nothing” way of thinking.
Apathy is running rampant today. People only care about me, “my four and no more” for the most part. This did not use to be this way. I remember over twenty years ago that a neighbor’s cows were running loose and coming though our yard. I rallied my uncle and we were able to get the cattle back to their pasture. The owner returned home shortly after. If that happened today, the cattle would have been ignored. Very people would have cared less to have gotten involved.
We have enjoyed many freedoms in America and Christian liberty, but it is quickly being eroded in front of our eyes. We need revival desperately! Quite possibly, this needed revival will come on the heels of persecution. I don’t like to think about that anymore than anyone else; but, the fact remains that something has to give. God has not and will not change and this is what I base my thoughts on for today’s writing.
Like the children of Israel, the church seems to flourish and grow in times of persecution. When you look at the early church, you see that persecution scattered those Christians, and the gospel message was carried all over the world. Just like the oyster who gets sand inside and coats it over with pearl to eliminate the irritant, we must continue to live godly in our dark day.