People's response to the persecuted church is different.
Some don't believe it's true.
Some imagine it can't be that bad.
Some think that what we experience in America is the same as what others experience.
Regardless the question for you and I is how we will respond?
The harsh reality is that in the LIVE|DEAD challenge you and I are most likely on the "Live" side of the line. While our African friends are usually on the "Dead" side of the line.
LIVE | DEAD
God, help me to never forget the sacrifice others make for the gospel.
Today - no questions. But in the comments - write your responses to today's journal post from Kevin S.
9 comments:
I can't imagine what it is to live under the threat of persecution, torture, and death. I am blessed to live in a place where that is not a concern I have to have.
My heart breaks for these believers whoh suffer this way. May God protect and bless them! May He also grant me the grace and will they possess. Amazing testimonies of God's strength and power!
"Power in persecution comes from INTIMACY with Jesus!" This phrase from today's devotion will not leave my head. May I know Him SO WELL that no obstacle or enemy or pain or persecution could ever dampen my love and resolve to LIVE/DEAD for Him!
I am praying for the Eritrean and Nubian believers today!
When I hear Americans say, "I am being persecuted," I laugh. We have no concept of what that really means. Getting a little riducule at school? Passed over for promotion at work? Embarrassed to speak out when someone belittles your faith? How that can compare with being chained, beaten, imprisoned, tortured or killed?
Although I am thankful that I live in a "safe" and free country, Hebrews 13:3 says we should, "Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies."
I purpose to remember - and to pray for - my brothers and sisters all over the world who pay such a higher price than I for their faith. I remember also that my salvation was made possible by the high price God paid for me through His Son. How can my response be any less than to give Him my all?
I am reading Ephesians this month. Paul says in chapter 6:
Pray also for me that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
It's so interesting to me that Paul doesn't say, "Pray that I would be free".
Praying today for the persecuted church.
What an interesting contrast from yesterday's challenge and thought.
Kathy, I really like the verse you pulled from Hebrews. As silly and elementary as it sounds, it is hard for me to know how to FEEL when I pray for those persecuted. I was just thinking about that and working that over in my mind earlier today. I think that this verse is a great answer to that question. What a calling and responsibility.
I have been reading through the shorts letters in the New Testament so far this month (James, Ephesians, 1&2 Peter, etc) It is amazing how often we are called to pray for those who are persecuted.
The joy filled cry of Salome haunts my soul today. #livedeadnlr
I've tried all day to get that image out of my heart. It brings so much pain, even guilt at my own lack of joy and love. What would I do in that situation? I don't know. What have I taught and modeled my own daughters to do - would they respond that way? I don't know.
May I never forget how blessed I am
May I never forget how others live|dead
The intimacy with Christ gives the power to persevere thru persecution. May I be able to have such an intimacy with Jesus that just like Kevin may I be able to look past my obstacles & see Him.
Thank you Lord for giving me the opportunity to know you in such a new way. Bless & be with all that face persecution today & give us all NEW INTIMACY with you.
If I am honest, I don't know how I would react to that kind of persecution. If I am completely honest, I think I would be much more likely to not be able to have that kind of faith and trust in Jesus. If power in persecution comes from intimacy with Jesus, then I need a much closer intimacy with Jesus. I am greatful for the LiveDead challenge as it has helped me realize the I do know Jesus as much as I thought and should.
meant to say "do not" in that last sentence
I am praying today for those that face the kind of persecution told to us...I am also praying for those that persecute, that God may be revealed to them in amazing ways and through focused and committed people.
Would I be found to be as focused and committed as the missionaries we are being introduced to...although if I were honest, I don't know if I could endure such torment and pain. But if the very presence of Christ is with those that do, then what an awesome trade!
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