It's been a while since my last post and I apologize for that. Life went crazy there for a little while and I'm having to adjust to some new things. Hopefully the adjustment period is over and I can get back to doing this on a more regular basis. That being said. . .
I've been thinking a lot lately about the church at large, about what happens to our brothers and sisters around the world. Adam and I have friends that run a missionary ministry to Iran. I am always sobered and thankful after a conversation with them. I hear stories of people ostracized, imprisoned and killed for their faith in Jesus. In a recent video I heard the story of two women imprisoned for their faith. On more than one occasion they have faced a judge and refused to denounce Christ, then they go back to their cells. Recently one of the three charges against them was dropped, but they could still die for their “crimes.” To make things worse, their health is failing, and they are refused medical care. So they may die in prison awaiting their trial or they may end up dying for their faith. Either way they hold their heads high and put everything on the line for Jesus.
Six years ago another woman was faced with this decision: Renounce Jesus or we will take your daughter (then three years old) away from you. That lady said she looked up saw the face of Jesus and knew she could not deny Him. She now ministers to children and hopes to some day find her daughter in that.
I walk away from these stories and wonder do I have what it takes to stare death in the face and refuse to denounce Him? Even Peter failed this test the first time (or three). I usually end up thinking that I do, but afraid that I don't. Maybe I don't and that is why God allowed me to be born here, where I don't have to face this test.
I wonder what makes me think I could face death, when I have trouble facing rejection with my friends and neighbors. I don't witness as I should. I don't speak to unbelievers about my faith as much as I could. I don't risk discomfort, so why do I think I would risk death? Christians in parts of the world put their lives on the line to share Jesus, but I won't put what social standing I may have out there for Him. I pray for Muslims around the world to come to know Jesus as savior, but I don't speak to my Muslim friend about her faith and mine.
It is very easy to put missions in a box that goes around the world. It is very easy in our society to say "someone else will do it." But the fact of the matter is the Great Commission is for all of us, weather we go to the other side of the globe or the other side of the street. So, go on missions trips, pray for those persecuted and martyred, and be willing to do a little for the Kingdom yourself, in your little part of the world.
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. (Mark 16:15)
Visit http://www.iran30.org/ and join in prayer for the church in Iran.
I've been thinking a lot lately about the church at large, about what happens to our brothers and sisters around the world. Adam and I have friends that run a missionary ministry to Iran. I am always sobered and thankful after a conversation with them. I hear stories of people ostracized, imprisoned and killed for their faith in Jesus. In a recent video I heard the story of two women imprisoned for their faith. On more than one occasion they have faced a judge and refused to denounce Christ, then they go back to their cells. Recently one of the three charges against them was dropped, but they could still die for their “crimes.” To make things worse, their health is failing, and they are refused medical care. So they may die in prison awaiting their trial or they may end up dying for their faith. Either way they hold their heads high and put everything on the line for Jesus.
Six years ago another woman was faced with this decision: Renounce Jesus or we will take your daughter (then three years old) away from you. That lady said she looked up saw the face of Jesus and knew she could not deny Him. She now ministers to children and hopes to some day find her daughter in that.
I walk away from these stories and wonder do I have what it takes to stare death in the face and refuse to denounce Him? Even Peter failed this test the first time (or three). I usually end up thinking that I do, but afraid that I don't. Maybe I don't and that is why God allowed me to be born here, where I don't have to face this test.
I wonder what makes me think I could face death, when I have trouble facing rejection with my friends and neighbors. I don't witness as I should. I don't speak to unbelievers about my faith as much as I could. I don't risk discomfort, so why do I think I would risk death? Christians in parts of the world put their lives on the line to share Jesus, but I won't put what social standing I may have out there for Him. I pray for Muslims around the world to come to know Jesus as savior, but I don't speak to my Muslim friend about her faith and mine.
It is very easy to put missions in a box that goes around the world. It is very easy in our society to say "someone else will do it." But the fact of the matter is the Great Commission is for all of us, weather we go to the other side of the globe or the other side of the street. So, go on missions trips, pray for those persecuted and martyred, and be willing to do a little for the Kingdom yourself, in your little part of the world.
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. (Mark 16:15)
Visit http://www.iran30.org/ and join in prayer for the church in Iran.
