'"....THE SAME SUFFERINGS...."

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist, him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brethren in the world.  But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever.  Amen."  (1 Peter 5:8-11)

I read about and pray for, "brethren in the world", who are suffering terribly every day.  Some say that it doesn't help people to know that there are others around the world who are going through what they are going through.  Then, I guess, Peter did not know what he was talking about.  Suffering is a part of the life of those who follow Jesus Christ.

Listen, you and I are a part of a suffering brotherhood, whatever that suffering may be.  The Word of God Himself tells us, "Remember the prisoners as if chained with them---those who are mistreated-- since you yourselves are in the body also."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You that I am apart of Your Church throughout the earth, suffering or not.  Amen.

 

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"ALL THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH ARE OUT OF JOINT"

"For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with His truth."  Psalm 96:13)

And the, "truth," by which the Living Triune God judges all and everything is Jesus Christ.  Paul told the people on Mars Hill that day, "For He has fixed a day on which He shall judge the earth by the standards of the Man Whom He has appointed.  That this is so, He has guaranteed to all men by raising that Man from the dead."

Looking at the global chaos today, I found myself this morning while praying just lifting my hands and saying, "I hold this Planet before you."  Join me afresh today in not quitting, not giving up, but pressing for, "Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven."  

You and I as followers of Jesus Christ are the only ones, "by prayer and supplications," who can stand, "in the gap," for nations, our families, friends, associates.  This is no time for discouragement.

Father, in Jesus' Name, You said, "All the foundations of the earth are out of joint."  I pray to participate in You for Your purposes for all mankind.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"CAN GOD PREPARE A TABLE IN THE WILDERNESS?"

"Yes, they spoke against God: They said, 'Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?'  Behold, He struck the rock, so that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed.  Can He give bread also?  Can He provide meat for His people?'  Therefore, the Lord heard this and was furious...."   (Psalm 78:20-21a)

I was once in quite a ministry change.  I remember buying a local paper, went into the family room, and began looking at the want ads.  After a very short time, it was barely short of an audible voice which I heard, "What are you doing?"  There was a rebuke in this, as well as a "hurt."

While this was almost 40 years ago, today's text reminded me that I was just like the Hebrews.  The situation looked uncertain, even bleak.  So what was I doing?  Even though I would have denied it at the time, I was saying, "Can He give bread also?  Can He provide meat for His people?"

Maybe you have never been in such a situation, but if you are ever tempted to think and act as I did, and, as those in our text, remember that our Lord Jesus Christ is not happy with such a response to uncertainty.  These are not idle words of our Lord Jesus:  "Look at the birds of the air....Your heavenly Father feeds them."

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for Your continual reminder that You, and You alone, are my Provider.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

A MOST WONDERFUL PRAYER

"Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer.  From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy.  I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings."  (Psalm 61:1-4)  

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2