INTRODUCTION

Loyalty sometimes comes at the steepest of prices! For some, the cost may seem minimal, but for others it has cost them deeply, dearly, and sometimes completely. Throughout history, the people of God have endured mocking, persecution, and even martyrdom. God offers us the record of many who chose to suffer rather than recant their proclaimed faith in the Creator. Many things have changed since ancient times, but those choosing to walk with the Lord today will likewise see an escalation in all forms of persecution. This tribulation from the world will become increasingly worse as man continues to be influenced by ungodliness. Believers should willingly endure whatever cost loyalty may require by keeping in mind the ultimate price paid when Christ gave Himself for mankind. Though the list in Hebrews chapter 11 has been closed, the Lord continues to track the actions of those loyal to Him.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): The apostle Paul suffered many things because of his faith in the Lord (2 Corinthians 11:23-28 [23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. [24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. [25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; [26] In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; [27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. [28] Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
  See All...). His faithfulness even cost him his life (2 Timothy 4:6-7 [6] For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. [7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
  See All...). Let’s ask the Lord to help us willingly live for Him (2 Timothy 3:12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): What price can you honestly say you have paid because of your loyalty to the Lord? What price would you be willing to pay in order to maintain your loyalty to Him
• Who is your favorite Bible character? Was he or she loyal to the Lord? What did he or she endure resulting from his or her loyalty? What could you learn from that person’s loyalty?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to give you a willingness to pay the price of loyalty.
• Ask God to give you strength in times of persecution.

HYMN

AM I A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS?

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