Kurt,
    That was a necessary alarm.
If that is what he says, then how much less am I prepared for persecution?  Like hardly at all.
If I'm not boldly proclaiming the word of God now, what will I do when persecution comes?

Jeremiah 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?

Will I run and hide? Will I try to blame the LORD?
Will I start seeing things like Solomon did, after his heart turned?

Ecclesiastes 2:17 Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

I guess, since eating cookies and ice cream is not the best way to prepare for running a marathon,
    there must be a better way to prepare for persecution, than to do absolutely nothing.
Maybe what Jesus said would be good advice:

Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

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