How bad was your day?

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“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." – Matthew 5:11-12

 “ Church Destroyed as Attacks Against Christians Continue to Increase Across India.” (Sept. 17, 2013)

“NIGERIA: Five Christians killed in roadside ambush near Jos” (Sept 9, 2013)

We are taught in scripture to take the Good News to the world, this is the Great Commission of the Christian church.  Do not take the Great Commission; that the Lord has given you; lightly.  Realize that your brothers and sisters around the globe are putting their very lives on the line to spread the message of Jesus Christ.

As we roll over this morning to take on the challenges of the day, how complacent are we in light of the persecution of the church?  I for one am spoiled rotten in my life as a Christian.  Each morning I have the freedom to enjoy my morning with a cup of orange juice, a bowl of cereal, watch the news/sports or latest sermon series on TV, write my devotional and then head off in my car to an incredible job with a Fortune 50 company for the day.  I work in a nice, climate controlled office building with a cafeteria, coffee shop and all of the technology I could ever need.  Throughout the day I will have 2 to 5 casual conversations about Christ with other fellow Christians or those seeking prayer in their day, and then I come home to a beautiful family at night.  I enjoy freedoms and luxuries in my life that many in the world with never experience or fathom.  Yet I have the audacity to complain about the daily churn and difficulties of living for Christ in 2013.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the freedoms granted to me each day, but I often compare myself to those who are daily putting their lives on the line for the cause of Christ.  Those that are waking up each morning with nothing to do but spend the day evangelizing and spreading the Good News to people in their local area and around the globe if possible.  When I hear and think of those who are persecuted for claiming to be a Christian, or talking about Jesus Christ, or wearing a cross or carrying a bible; I can’t help but think that I am spoiled in my Christian walk.  It’s one thing to build a strong faith and relationship with the Savior of the World.  My morning quiet time is doing just that.  Through that quiet time I am growing as a Christian, but, it’s something completely different to “live” for Christ in this world.  When we living for Christ we not only impact our lives, but we have the ability to introduce Christ into the lives of many. 

Today, pray for those around the world that are living in persecution of their local government and non-Christian religious institutions.  Pray that their mission is carried out this day and that they are able to change the hearts of the unknowing to see Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  Then, pray for your own heart, soul and mind to be more aware of God’s calling on your life.  God does not call all of us to be evangelists, missionaries, preachers and teachers; but He does call us all to be disciples of Jesus Christ and take the message to the world.  You need to do your part each day without fear of what mankind and the establishment will do.  God is your sword and salvation, trust in Him and do His work while you still have time on this earth.

Almighty God,
We are all called to be disciples of Your word.  You have provided for each of us the opportunity to share Your gospel with those we come in contact with each day.  Help us break down the feelings of insecurity, confusion and fear that stand in the way of us reaching out to the world.  God, make clear in our hearts Your calling on our life.  If it is to be a missionary, an evangelist, a teacher, a preacher or simply a vessel of Your love for others – help us to see how You want to use us as a part of the Great Commission. Amen

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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Popcorn Prayers

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”      - Proverbs 29:25

You could look into her eyes and see that she was afraid.  Her lower lip quivered and her hands became moist with sweat.  The lights above cut through the darkness, but did little to help her situation other than to make the shadows look even more black.  She heard the voices of others in the darkness, a soft murmur above the noise of chairs shuffling on the hard wooden floors.  Then she heard her name called and she felt sick to her stomach, feverish and light headed.  Her first few steps into the bright lights, were taken with trepidation and a childlike shyness.  Closing her eyes she tried to calm her nerves and could not help but lift a prayer to the Lord for strength and confidence.  By the time she reached the middle of the stage, she opened her eyes and the music began to play.  Words began to flow from her lips in a manner that could only be compared to the great singers of the past.  By the end of the first stanza, she was belting out the lyrics with unbelievable grace and confidence.  Relaxing and feeling the moment she began dancing around the stage while filling the room with her beautiful song.  At the tender age of seven years old, Jackie Evancho showed incredible potential, and would one day fill every seat in Carnegie Hall.

Each of us face fears in life and must choose to push through these fears with resolve and strength from above.  For the Lord’s promises are true and pure, and in Him we find the confidence to overcome that which is in this world.  When we allow the fears of this life to occupy our thoughts and resulting actions, we are drawn away from the strength of the Lord.  There is peace in knowing that He is in control and there is nothing in this world that can separate you from His love and grace.  My wife has a term called “Popcorn prayers” which are very brief, very specific prayers for a given situation.  I find myself closing my eyes periodically throughout each day and lifting popcorn prayers to God above for clarity, confidence and strength in a particular situation.  It reinforces the knowledge that He is ultimately in control and the outcome will be used for His gain.    

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
We look to You for wisdom, confidence and strength in our daily walk.  Shine down Your grace upon us, and fill us with Your courage that we might demonstrate Your love to others.  Help us overcome our fears in this world and draw upon Your promise to always be with us.  I trust and rely upon You for my daily walk and ability to stand strong in situations today.  In Your name I pray – Amen
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