There are several universal truths that are unavoidable; if there is gum on the sidewalk you will inevitably step in it, if you try not to yawn you will, and if you seek to live a godly life you will encounter persecution. Satan cannot stand it when we, as children of God, bring glory to God with our lives. If we are passionate about God and we are living more in the presence of God then ever before, the forces of darkness will try and stop us.

"Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. "         -II Timothy 3:12,14 (Holman)

I have observed, and believe, that there are several in our group who are going through spiritual opposition. Sometimes we are led astray by our own desires and flesh, but right now I believe the difficulties are coming from spiritual persecution. The forces of Satan are striking out against us. Our group is praying more then it ever has. We are seeking to live more fully in the presence of God. God is in our midst, He is glorified and Satan doesn't like it.

We cannot be discourage and blame ourselves. We should keep our focus on Christ and count it is an awesome testimony of Him at work in our midst. This persecution means we are on the right track and the spirits of darkness are taking notice. For a few of you I know this is a season where you feel overwhelmed and hard-pressed by your circumstances, your temptations, and your persecution. I encourage you to see this in a triumphant way. We are making a glorifying noise with our lives for the kingdom of God!

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up and keep going."   -II Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT)

Don't give up. Don't be discouraged. Get up and keep going. Finish the race, Run with perseverance. God has not abandoned us, for He will get us through this.

-Josh

"Stay Strong" - Newsboys listen

You're in the moment now
A bitter root
A wandering eye and then
The ties that bind start wearing thin, thin

You're in the moment now
When all you've been blessed with
Is not enough
Here's where the ground gets loose
Here's where the devils call your bluff

Stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day
You've gotta stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way

We've seen the tragic flaws
The tortured souls
The saints with feet of clay
Here's where sin becomes cliche'

We've come through wilderness and watched
The cloud by day
The burning sky into dawn
Have you forgotten who you are?
Did you forget whose trip you're on?

Stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day
We've gotta stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way

Get up, there's further to go
Get up, there's more to be done
Get up, this witness is sure
Get up, this race can be won
This race can be won

We've gotta stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
Our Father's dawn will light our day, our day
Come on and stay strong
His grip is sure
And His patience still endures
There'll be no letting go today, no way

Come on, and stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way