| Author | Message | ||
| Thomas1 Registered user Username: Thomas1 Post Number: 148 Registered: 4-2002 |
This Sunday is the International Day of Prayer for the Prosecuted Church. Christians in many parts of the world are being arrested, tortured, raped, kidnapped, and murdered for their faith in Jesus Christ. So often we hear of a time coming when Christians will go through times of trouble. As SDA's we were taught to fear this "time of Jacob's trouble". The fact is that the times of trouble began nearly 2000 years ago, and have never ceased to this very day. In the Twentieth century, more Christians were martyred than in the previous 19 centuries combined. Every week word reaches us that brothers and sisters are jailed or killed in Asia, the old Communist block countries, and in the nations ruled by Islam. Even in "enlightened" countries, brothers and sisters are facing increasing hostility. The facts are, that no group of persons has suffered more, for longer, than our brothers and sisters in Christ. Wherever you gather, or where ever you may be, please take a moment to join with the hundreds of thousands of Christians who have pledged to make a special time to remember those who are suffering or dying. The wish of the persecuted is that you will pray that they may receive courage and Gods grace to stand by their faith as a witness to those who kill them, that Jesus is Lord! The Fragrance of Christ Oh dear saints in America, please, oh please pray For your brothers and sisters that suffer in chains. With great joy all their burdens on me they do lay. Through the trials they trust, they know I hold their reins. They are stepped on and broken, yes crushed to the core. They find joy in the sufferings of Jesus their Lord. Cause the sufferings aren't worthy to what is in store, For the glory in heaven this pain they afford. Give yourself to great prayer, please, oh please don't forget, In Sudan and in China they're beat for My sake. The dear Cubans are tortured but on Me they're set. Some believers face death, and are burnt at the stake. You have heard of their stories, your heart it does tear, If it happened to you, for Me would you stand bold? Through the trials would you still believe that I care? For I want you to see that through this, hearts I mold. As the flower that makes, oh the best of perfumes, It must first become crushed, no more beauty it shows. It is then, when it's pressed that a scent it assumes, Yes, the fragrance of beauty, to all it bestows. You see, I use the trials to crush away sin, Then for me they can shine and my love they can live. So through suffering you see, there is great joy within, When they live out my love, and my fragrance they give. Based on Romans 8:18 Author Brittany Lappish B.A.S.I.C. Fellowship | ||
| 33ad Registered user Username: 33ad Post Number: 110 Registered: 10-2004 |
Thanks Thomas, I'll put that in my diary. Loren | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 927 Registered: 12-2003 |
Thank you, Thomas. Colleen | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 728 Registered: 3-2004 |
It is put in my book and I will pray for our Christian brothers and sister on Friday. Diana |
