Night Prayer 

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Inspiration 

We lose sight of the fact that it is still dangerous to follow Jesus today. Many countries around the world actively persecute Christians. Authority figures with power do not like the idea of an omnipotent God with more authority than them, and communities feel Christianity is a direct threat or disrespect to their ancient culture. Christians are harmed for their beliefs and their drive to spread the Word. We will keep one another close to the heart in prayer as our brothers and sisters in Christ face persecution. The Lord sees their struggle and acknowledges their blessed inheritance in the kingdom of God.

Prayer 

Dear Father, please keep our Christian family across the world safe. As they face persecution, we ask that You grant them peace and strengthen their faith as they face obstacles in their walk. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Devotion
Do not go! I will not leave you
David Jacobs

Dealing with death is difficult. It may sound trivial, but I used to have a pet rabbit that I truly loved. It was the first rabbit I had ever been around. I knew nothing about rabbits but quickly learned that they are gentle and loving creatures that make good pets. My rabbit was healthy, happy, and middle-aged when he ate something and died within minutes. I was heartbroken, unable to grasp how quickly my cute rabbit was now just an empty carcass. It was hard to let go.

Elisha was a tenacious prophet of God and loyal friend of Elijah. Elisha knows that Elijah will soon join God in Heaven, but he refuses to leave his side. He stays with Elijah as if they are attached at the hip, hoping that what he knows will happen does not happen. Elijah comforts him by asking what he can do for Elisha, to which Elisha replies, asking for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. There seems to be an assumed "passing of the torch," from Elijah to Elisha,...