"O LORD, be gracious to us; we have waited for You. Be their strength every morning, Our salvation also in the time of distress." (Isaiah 33:2, NASB)
Our text is from this quarter's Major Prophets reading. It could not have been more timely. I receive a monthly prayer guide from Open Doors and the following request was posted for today, January 17. It comes from the country of Ethiopia. "Another church in western Ethiopia has been looted by Muslims. The area is notorious for hostile behavior towards believers. Recently, two [believers] were beaten to death attending secret believers meetings. Church leaders say the situation is getting worse and ask supporters to earnestly pray for the church elders to lead with divine wisdom and be strong for their members."
Our text is from this quarter's Major Prophets reading. It could not have been more timely. I receive a monthly prayer guide from Open Doors and the following request was posted for today, January 17. It comes from the country of Ethiopia. "Another church in western Ethiopia has been looted by Muslims. The area is notorious for hostile behavior towards believers. Recently, two [believers] were beaten to death attending secret believers meetings. Church leaders say the situation is getting worse and ask supporters to earnestly pray for the church elders to lead with divine wisdom and be strong for their members."
People like to "feel good about themselves." They like devotionals which aid that pursuit. And I can say that I never "feel better" about myself than when I am walking in obedience to Jesus Christ and His Words, "pray for one another." This, "one another," does not mean just those in our local congregations, house meetings, or circle of friends. "One another," means the Church, the global Church. "One another," is any Brother or Sister in Jesus Christ whom I know or know of who needs prayer, from the "smallest" prayer need to a survival prayer need. It is a most glorious life style!
You should have received a notice I forwarded to you to join in praying for Followers of Jesus Christ in the 50 top hostile regimes in the world for the coming year. It features a hostile regime each week. Please join me in praying our text for our Brethren in Jesus Christ in Ethiopia, "Father, in Jesus Name, I pray that You will, "be gracious to [them]; [they] have waited for You. Be their strength every morning, [their] salvation also in the time of distress." Amen.
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US Cancels Joint Israeli Drill: www.apf327.blogspot.com
Unreached People Group: www.apfunreachedpeoples.blogspot.com ;
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.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
