Wednesday June 18th, 2025
By Pst Israel Olorunfemi
ANCHOR SCRIPTURE:
“And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1)
PERSONAL PRAYER:
“Father, thank you for the power in Your Word that transforms. May the Morning Tea Devotional today transform my life and destiny, in Jesus name – Amen.”
Now I understand what James meant when he wrote: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2–3).
James wasn’t speaking theoretically, he was declaring a spiritual principle that is practical. He was saying: Don’t despise your trials, discern them. What you’re going through may not feel good, but it’s working something greater in you; patience, endurance, and Power.
This principle comes alive as we look into Acts 8 from where we picked our anchor scripture. The Church had just witnessed the stoning of Stephen, and there was a great persecution against the believers in Jerusalem. To the natural eye, it seemed like a major defeat. Fear, pain, and confusion must have filled the hearts of the believers. But heaven had a different agenda.
What appeared to be a season of setback was actually a season of strategic repositioning. The persecution caused the believers to be scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, exactly where Jesus had earlier declared they would be His witnesses (Acts 1:8).
In other words, persecution became the vehicle for prophetic fulfillment. The adversity they faced did not crush their destiny, rather, it activated it. Through that pressure, men like Deacon Philip emerged, carrying great grace and manifesting great Power. Miracles broke out in Samaria, and joy filled the city (Acts 8:5-8).
Just as James said, their trial worked patience. And that patience opened the door to a fresh release of Power. Beloved, please know that hardship is not always an attack to destroy, it may be a process God is using to unlock the next level of His agenda.
So, don’t be quick to run from trials. Don’t give up when pressure comes. If you remain consistent with God, what crushed others will crown you.
Keep going. Something greater is awaiting you at the end of the tunnel.
PROPHETIC PRAYER:
I pray for you today, grace to stand firm in the face of persecution is resting mightily upon you, in Jesus name.
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REMINDER:
Morning Tea Devotional Android App is available on Playstore. Download yours to access about 580 MTD messages for your edification.
DAILY DECLARATION:
“This year, 2025, I step into my New Era of Dominion by the Wisdom of God and I commit to serving God faithfully by the help of the Holy Spirit. As a result, my Rewards shall manifest quickly. Amen and amen.”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
“If you remain consistent with God, what crushed others will crown you.”
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
June 18 (Acts 4:1-22; Neh 10-11)
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