The Lord is with Us

I greet you in Jesus’ precious name! It is Sunday morning, the 8th of March, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today.  We start in Psalm 34:19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him from them all.” Then we go to Romans 5:3-4. Paul says: “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” I looked up the Oxford Dictionary to find out the literal meaning of the word “persecution” It said, “subject to prolonged hostility and ill treatment.” How many people are being persecuted today in the world? Probably more than ever before. We are hearing about atrocities taking place in India, where Christian churches are being burnt down, and Christians are being martyred for their faith. We hear about the church in China, also severely persecuted, never mind the Middle East - what about Syria? The Lord is with us even though the persecution is increasing.But what I want to talk to you about today is not the persecution in the churches around the world. I am talking about at home, oh yes, in your very own home. Mom, dad, stop hassling your children because they want to go to church. Please don’t do that. I want to say to dad, don’t worry if you are getting persecuted at work because of your stand for Jesus Christ. The Lord says that He will deliver you from them all. I want to say to that young student, that young girl who is standing tall for the Lord, “Uncle Angus, it is like I am all on my own.” No, you're not all on your own. Remember the prophet said that and the Lord said, “There are another 7,000 prophets in the next valley.” But stand tall, do not compromise your faith for anybody or anything. Even that relationship that you are in, young man. Control yourself until the day of your wedding, otherwise you will get yourself into a terrible position and you will be persecuted for your actions. We really need to rejoice when we are hard-pressed, because that means we are doing something right. People don’t like what you are doing because they don’t like the stand you are making for Christ. So if you don’t drink alcohol, that is fine, but don’t compromise for the sake of being popular. Today, stand tall because He will deliver you from all of those persecutors. Jesus bless you and goodbye.