LIVING IN FEAR... FROM PEER PRESSURE

The other day I was listening to a writer share thoughts from teens who said they felt bullied and in many ways social media was ruining their lives.

When they were asked why they just didn’t delete their accounts on social media, they said the couldn’t because of peer pressure or feared being bullied more.

The internet is an amazing and wonderful way for people to communicate, but sadly it seems that people are becoming stressed and depressed by the pressure to keep up with texts, tweets, and photo sharing.

Young men and women who want desperately to be liked, may foolishly post photos of themselves undressed; only to find they are mocked and ridiculed more than ever.

An important part of the growing up process, is to learn to handle rejection and peer pressure, without caving in to it.

We must remember that the people we wanted so desperately to impress this year, may be leading us down a path that leads to destruction.

People we wanted to like us in high school or college; will in 10 years usually fade into the sunset, and no longer be a part of our life later on.

As we read God’s word we find that Jesus was loved and hated by many.

He did miracles and acts of kindness to others... yet even his own brothers and sisters were offended and ashamed by his behavior at times.

Jesus doesn't want us to spend our days being belittled, depressed, or angry with others.

He said...

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew 5:11-12

Jesus warned his disciples, if someone rejected them, to leave that house or city and shake the dust off their feet.

Parents will be against children and families will be divided because of our allegiance to the LORD.

And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:36-37

We are instructed to love one another, as Christ loves us... but sometimes He (Christ) ruffled a few feathers to get his point across.

He didn't waste his time being hurt or offended.

He had work to do and wanted to finish his Father's business with excellence.

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matthew 10:22

Even Jesus' trusted friend and disciple Peter didn't understand his mission.

When Jesus told him he would soon suffer many things and be killed...

Peter rebuked Jesus for such a remark.

But Jesus, rebuked Peter, saying...

Get behind me Satan, for you savor not the things of God, but those of men.

Serving Jesus requires denying ourselves daily and taking up our cross to follow wherever he leads.

Sometimes the road is fun and exciting, but other times it is filled with heartache, fear, and unanswered questions.

Perhaps today, you are suffering from abuse or living in fear of a family member or trusted friend who has turned against you.

When it happens, we shouldn't be surprised, as though some strange thing were occurring.

Jesus said, all who are his followers will suffer persecution.

When we pray for those who use or persecute us, and offer the LORD our worship and praise, even when life doesn't seem fair... it releases supernatural power from our Father in heaven, to come to our aid and rescue us in our darkest hour.

Jesus understands our pain, because he was despised and rejected by his friends and family.

He loved us so much, he endured the penalty for all our sins when he suffered and died on the cross at Calvary.

He says the sufferings of this world are to strengthen and teach us to be mature Christians.

If we suffer with him, we will reign one day with him in heaven.

Whatever you're facing precious child, Jesus will never leave you or forsake you.

He's standing right beside you this very moment, wanting to take you in his loving arms and hold you safely in his warm embrace.

Run beloved, to the shelter of his wings and let him help you fight your battles.

Ask him for the courage and strength to walk away from people who are preventing you from enjoying each and every wonderful day of your life.

If God is for you, no one can be against you.

You can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you.

Merciful Father...

We lift up prayers to you for all who are victims of abuse or being persecuted for their faith.

You have commanded us to love and pray for our enemies. We trust that in doing so, you will turn their hearts and help the abusers to be set free from such evil behavior. Help us to hate the sin, not the sinner and remember that hurting people always hurt others. Sharing the message of the Gospel and the power of Jesus, are our weapons of warfare to overcome evil with good, through the power of the Holy Spirit. All power and authority are in Your hands to bring help and deliverance.

In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man (or woman) availeth much.  James 5:16

Have an amazingly blessed day!

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