It has been an interesting last few months, seeing a new group of people step into leadership in our country, and the changes they have brought. There is much talk about what has been happening, and earlier this week was a time of intentional prayer for our nation. I've been greatly encouraged through all of it to place my trust in what will not change, and is totally secure.
In 2 Kings 18 and 19, we see King Hezekiah, a man who put his trust in the LORD God. He got involved in his culture to tear down the things that were not honoring; he trusted the LORD like no one else, he clung to the LORD, obeying Him, and the LORD prospered him.
A bully by the name of King Sennacherib of Assyria threatened to overrule him, unless King Hezekiah would give him a tribute of 11 tons of silver and gold. Hezekiah did, and it didn't satisfy Sennacherib; he still threatened, and taunted Hezekiah and the people that their God really wasn't God. Hezekiah prayed, asking God to defend His Name, His character, and the LORD honored the prayer of Hezekiah...185,000 Assyrians were killed in their sleep, and later the king of Assyria was killed by his own sons.
God does hear the prayers of those who love and obey Him, and want Him honored.
We can learn from Hezekiah how to deal with bullies and those who want to dishonor God by clinging to God in our trust of Him.
I was reminded of an example of what it means to trust. Blondin was a tightrope walker, who crossed Niagara Falls in 1860, several times. One time, he crossed with a wheelbarrow. He then asked, "Who believes that I can cross with a person in the wheelbarrow?" To ride in the wheelbarrow is truly putting your trust in that man.
Trusting God is more than knowing; it is putting our total life in the wheelbarrow of His Word. God and His unchanging Word is our true security...no matter what!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Sunday, July 6, 2008
THE conference part 2
The testimonies I heard several weeks ago do not rest easily in a summary of notes...they cling to the edges of my heart, walking with me through the day, challenging me along. One of the questions asked was, "How are we to pray for those who are suffering for their faith?"
After hearing about difficult physical suffering, of separation from families, of being mocked repeatedly, it might seem best to pray for the persecution to stop. But these brothers and sisters made it very clear: Persecution is normal when the message of the cross is shared.
They asked us to pray for them to grow in boldness to continue to proclaim truth.
They asked us to pray for those in prison for their faith, asking God's favor for them.
They reminded us that the growth of the church caused persecution.
They asked us to pray for more grace to endure and persevere and overcome.
Should you desire to not only pray, but to encourage one specifically, invest a few minutes to write a letter to a brother or sister in prison. Almost all letters sent are received, and they will know that you are praying for them! It is easy to do, and it truly does make a difference. In fact, we heard of several prisoners who had their time in prison cut short because the officials realized that the world is aware and watching the lives of these dear brothers and sisters.
To find out more, go to www.prisoneralert.com
and click on "write an encouraging letter." The few minutes you invest will bring a blessing to those who hunger to know that they are not forgotten.
After hearing about difficult physical suffering, of separation from families, of being mocked repeatedly, it might seem best to pray for the persecution to stop. But these brothers and sisters made it very clear: Persecution is normal when the message of the cross is shared.
They asked us to pray for them to grow in boldness to continue to proclaim truth.
They asked us to pray for those in prison for their faith, asking God's favor for them.
They reminded us that the growth of the church caused persecution.
They asked us to pray for more grace to endure and persevere and overcome.
Should you desire to not only pray, but to encourage one specifically, invest a few minutes to write a letter to a brother or sister in prison. Almost all letters sent are received, and they will know that you are praying for them! It is easy to do, and it truly does make a difference. In fact, we heard of several prisoners who had their time in prison cut short because the officials realized that the world is aware and watching the lives of these dear brothers and sisters.
To find out more, go to www.prisoneralert.com
and click on "write an encouraging letter." The few minutes you invest will bring a blessing to those who hunger to know that they are not forgotten.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
THE Conference part 1
I had the privilege of attending a conference recently that was life-changing for me. I saw with my eyes and heard with my ears what God is doing beyond the fog of casual Christianity, and it is incredibly exciting!
One brother from a restricted country explained that in his country, the "reward" for a convert to Christianity is death...and now there are many more interested in learning about Christ! He told us to praise the Lord for the freedoms we have to come and go and preach as we do.
Another brother shared that he has been beaten and his glasses broken for giving a Bible to someone. When he returned to his country, he was nervous to go through the inspection, because he was carrying these Life Books. The inspector saw a Bible, but he didn't acknowledge seeing it. Then the brother gave it to him, and after a time, the inspector and his family are now saved!!
One more testimony...a sister had her identity completely concealed as she shared that from a young age, she was desperate to know God. She had the privilege of being trained in the beliefs of Isla..m and became an evangelist, even though she felt more and more distant from God. She heard on a tv program that "God is love", yet called in to the number on the screen to argue with them that God was not. This began to happen repeatedly, week after week. She would debate the person about who God really is. After almost a year, she decided to commit suicide.
One last time she turned to the program and heard, "Why do you want to kill yourself? God wants to give life." She called in again, and shared that she was ready to end her life. The person explained that this was the fruit of her devotion to her religion...death. Why not give Jesus a chance, for at least a week? If He does not change you, then she could continue with her plan. She thought, "OK...I'll do it to prove that Jesus is not any different, and call them back to tell them in a week." She gave her life to Jesus Christ, and the old things have passed away, and her life has become new!!!
It is so easy to forget that God is working in every part of this world, to bring many into relationship with Him...even the parts of the world where it seems there is no room for Christianity. In fact, many of those areas are experiencing a great growth in the body of Christ, in spite of the pressures of governments to quench them. Please join me in praying for our brothers and sisters to continue to have the boldness to proclaim the Gospel...and may we do no less.
One brother from a restricted country explained that in his country, the "reward" for a convert to Christianity is death...and now there are many more interested in learning about Christ! He told us to praise the Lord for the freedoms we have to come and go and preach as we do.
Another brother shared that he has been beaten and his glasses broken for giving a Bible to someone. When he returned to his country, he was nervous to go through the inspection, because he was carrying these Life Books. The inspector saw a Bible, but he didn't acknowledge seeing it. Then the brother gave it to him, and after a time, the inspector and his family are now saved!!
One more testimony...a sister had her identity completely concealed as she shared that from a young age, she was desperate to know God. She had the privilege of being trained in the beliefs of Isla..m and became an evangelist, even though she felt more and more distant from God. She heard on a tv program that "God is love", yet called in to the number on the screen to argue with them that God was not. This began to happen repeatedly, week after week. She would debate the person about who God really is. After almost a year, she decided to commit suicide.
One last time she turned to the program and heard, "Why do you want to kill yourself? God wants to give life." She called in again, and shared that she was ready to end her life. The person explained that this was the fruit of her devotion to her religion...death. Why not give Jesus a chance, for at least a week? If He does not change you, then she could continue with her plan. She thought, "OK...I'll do it to prove that Jesus is not any different, and call them back to tell them in a week." She gave her life to Jesus Christ, and the old things have passed away, and her life has become new!!!
It is so easy to forget that God is working in every part of this world, to bring many into relationship with Him...even the parts of the world where it seems there is no room for Christianity. In fact, many of those areas are experiencing a great growth in the body of Christ, in spite of the pressures of governments to quench them. Please join me in praying for our brothers and sisters to continue to have the boldness to proclaim the Gospel...and may we do no less.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Welcome
"I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4
God truly answers and delivers! Whether it is becoming free from long term fears, or recent ones, He enables us to walk in freedom and victory...I just must choose to continually seek Him...what a joy it is!
God truly answers and delivers! Whether it is becoming free from long term fears, or recent ones, He enables us to walk in freedom and victory...I just must choose to continually seek Him...what a joy it is!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
