December 3

Daniel 11:2-35

Some of the wise will fall victim to persecution. In this way, they will be refined and cleansed and made pure until the time of the end, for the appointed time is still to come. One of the hardest things for us to reconcile is persecution of God’s servants. It happened to Jesus. It happened to almost all the prophets. It happens to more Christians around the world today than ever in history. It happens in full view of the world, but the world does not care. God does not intervene, and we know we’re missing something. We’re missing God’s perspective. Without His insight, persecution of good people is something we have to trust God to vindicate. Meanwhile, we pray for the release of captives and the preservation of saints (Psalms 79:11).

1 John 3

And by this we know that He abides in us: By the Spirit He has given us (3:24). The most objective “witness” of salvation is the Bible, and the witness to the truth of the Bible is even stronger. The Holy Spirit reveals that we are His. He renews our minds, puts His word in our hearts, protects our bodies, children, and property for His glory. He is not to be trifled with or ignored. He is the source of life.

Proverbs 29:1

When someone corrects you, how do you answer? Do you blame others, turn the tables to talk about the critic’s behavior, or defend yourself? Do you consider the criticism and ask God to validate it? You probably know which tactic brings success. If someone criticizes you unfairly, the accusation will not land, and God will vindicate you. If it’s valid, you just met a new friend, one who loves you enough to help. The way to handle criticism is humbly.