The Proverbs Challenge - Day 24

I was first going to write today about verse 10
If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited.

How often do we quit because the task ahead of us is difficult? 
It could be something on our jobs, but usually the things we quit working on when they become difficult are relationships: marriages, friendships, etc.

I think a lot could be said along these lines. (Don't make me do everything for you. hahaha. Let God talk to you about this.)

But as I reread this verse and then the verses following it, they reminded me of how the world reacted during the Holocaust.

10 If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited. 11 Rescue those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling toward slaughter. 12 If you say, "But we didn't know about this," won't He who weighs hearts consider it? Won't He who protects your life know? Won't He repay a person according to his work?

If you have followed my blog for ery long you know that one of the things I care about is the Persecuted Church. There a MANY places around the world where being a Christian can cost you your life. Here are a couple of web sites that will not onlyl help you see what is going on around the world, but they also give ways that you can make a difference and actually do something in a difficult time.

Voice of the Martyrs You can get a free copy of the book "Tortured for Christ"

Persecuted Church This site has links to a whole lot of organizations that work with those who are persecuted.

Here are some other great verses from Proverbs 24

Justice for Nigeria

It has been awhile since I have posted something about the Persectued Church. Here is a message from Open Doors. I hope you will click on the link and send a message to the Ambassador from Nigeria.

I have.

Plateau State in Nigeria has long been home to many Christians. But they have come under increasing attacks in 2010. Many believe these attacks are part of a planned siege designed by Islamic extremists to bring Plateau State into line with the twelve northern states that have embraced Sharia (Islamic law).


In early March, ethnic Fulani Muslims attacked 3 villages near Jos which resulted in the deaths of about 500 Christians and the burning of about 75 homes. Eyewitnesses say the attackers used knives and cutlasses, while shouting "Allah Akbar" during their attacks on men, women and children.

In the face of these atrocities, we need to stand with our brothers and sisters in Nigeria to hold their government to account for failing to protect Christians.

Please send a message to the Nigerian Ambassador today (see form below), asking the Nigerian government to launch a thorough investigation of this incident, hold the perpetrators to account for their involvement in these crimes and ensure that the victims receive compensation for the crimes committed against them.

Stop Attacks on Christians in Nigeria

Memory Monday - February 22

I have to admit that memorizing the Beatitudes is turning out to be more difficult than I had imagined. It's not that any one in particular or by itself is difficult to memorize or to understand... the problem seems to be that with my weak mind I end up scrampbling them all together.

For those of you who are just now joining in on our Memory Monday challenge, you have some catching up to do if you want to memorize all of the Beatitudes. We have learned/memorized 6 so far. If you just want to join in starting this week, scroll down a little until you see verses 9-10.

Here is what we have memorized so far (of the Beatitudes. search the blog using "memory monday" and you'll find other verses we have memorized.)
3. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4."Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5."Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

6."Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7."Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8."Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
 
Here are our two verses for this week.
 

9."Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10."Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

The Persecuted Church is something near and dear to my heart. Please click on the link for more information on how our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer for their faith and how you can help them.

The Voice of the Martyrs

Hebrews 13:3

Heb 13:3
Remember the prisoners, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily.

As we celebrate Christmas and pray that "every tribe and tongue" will rejoice and that we want to "see the nations worship", please remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who risk all to worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

China: 270 House Church Pastors Detained for Alleged Illegal Religious Gathering
China Aid Association reports that 270 House Church Pastors have been detained for what Chinese officials are calling an "illegal religious gathering." According to ASSIST News Service, China Aid says that on December 7 at 1:30pm, House Church pastors in Hedeng District, Linyi City, were gathered for a Bible Study when their meeting was disrupted by police officials. According to Pastor Li, an eyewitness, 40-50 policemen from 12 different towns were involved in the massive detention. The pastors were then handcuffed two-by-two and taken to the local police station for questioning. As of this week 150 pastors remain in custody. Others have been released on a 300 Yuan ($40 USD) interrogation fee.

For more information about the persecuted church and to seehow you can help check out these links.

http://www.persecution.com/
http://www.persecutedchurch.org/

Happy Independance Day!

Some day I'm going to go to Boston and see the Boston Pops and see their fireworks display. (I've been saying that since 1988). We have been to Nashville's concert and show. It's great. The last time we went there to hear the orchestra play along the Cumberland riverbanks there was hardly anywhere to sit and the lady next to us was listening to Country music playing loudly on her radio. It kind of clashed with the symphony!

As I am thanking God for the priviledge of living in such a wonderful country, I can't help but also think about our brothers and sisters in Christ who do not have the freedoms we have. Did you know more Christians have died because of their faith in the last century than died in the previous 18 centuries put together? You may have noticed a couple of links here regarding the persecuted church. Check them out. They will give you things to pray about and give you more information.

Have a wonderful day. Be safe with the fireworks. I'll be looking for you Sunday morning as we worship freely together!