Sunday, November 14, 2010

Pray and Give

PRAY
Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Please join me and other brothers and sisters in Christ in praying for the persecuted Christians and their persecutors.

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

1 Corinthians 12:26 "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." (In reference to the Body of Christ, the Church)

"Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." Hebrews 13:3

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

We are free to believe in America (so far), but many Christians around the world are not.  Sadly, we often take our freedom for granted. Are we using our freedom to tell others about Jesus? We live a life of luxury here compared to many people in other countries. Are we sharing with those in need? Live your faith and your love out loud! Pray for courage and boldness, willingness and opportunity, grace and gentleness ...then go tell of God's love to all the world. In addition, please remember (not just today) to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for our Savior, who are beaten for "loving Jesus", who risk all to serve the King of kings, who give up everything to follow the Prince of Peace, who sacrifice so that others can hear the Good News.

GIVE
I'd like to remind you that the Operation Christmas Child (OCC) collection week this year is Nov. 15-22.  If you're not familiar with OCC, please read here or visit here.

I encourage you to get your family involved with this wonderful project.  You will be spreading God's love in a tangible way to needy children around the world.  They will also get to hear the Good News.  "Your gift of love may be the door God uses to open a child's heart to Jesus Christ." (~Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan's Purse)

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord JESUS Himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35

~ Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts.

4 comments:

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I just read Marsha's post that also talked about this being the day of prayer for those persecuted. Thank you for his reminder. And those shoeboxes...even the local fire station here gets involved. It's really nice.

Donnie said...

Wonderful post. We take a lot for granted in our country. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Have a blessed Sunday!

Janis Van Keuren said...

A good reminder to pray for those in the Church who are being persecuted. Also to remember Samaritan's Purse and Operation Christmas Child. I love this project.

Blessings,
Janis

Charlotte said...

What a powerful video. Thank you for this reminder of those who do not have the freedom that we have to worship and share their faith. They will be so rewarded in heaven for their faithfulness. We need to continue to pray for them that they will remain faithful.
Blessings,
Charlotte

A Must-See Video for Every Christian