Matthew 10:16-22 - Sheep on the look out for wolves!

The Lord said to his disciples, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved."

looking out for wolves!
photo by Flickr user Nicolas L, used under the creative commons license.
check out more photos at:http://www.flickr.com/photos/beultruk/

It's rough out there! Family members turning on each other. Government authorities arresting people for the sake of Christ. We are like sheep in the middle of a pack of wolves. Therefore, we should be wise in our dealings with them yet maintain our innocence. And, if our wisdom fails to keep us from being brought before the authorities with charges against us, we should not worry about our defense. Rather, trusting in the Holy Spirit, He will speak through us and our words will convict them, either in this life or the next.  The key is not to worry but, to instead, endure to the end.

O Lord, Help me to be wise as a serpent when dealing with those who defame You. I am a defenseless sheep among predators who hate You.  Help me always to take Your side on all issues, showing Your love yet keep Your commandments.  And, by Your Grace, keep me till the end. Amen.