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Scripture for the day: Psalm 100:1-4 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.
3 Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and [b]not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
Thought for the day: I’ve been reading a book I recently got from Voice of the Martyrs. It’s called “When Faith is Forbidden.” The author recounts his experiences in visiting persecuted Christians around the world, telling their stories as a means of encouraging others. As I’ve read through a few of these amazing stories, I’ve noticed that there are two attitudes that seem to exist in every case. Regardless of outward circumstances, each person the author met radiated joy in their relationship with Jesus Christ. One man, Hussein, who had been arrested and thrown in prison simply for becoming a Christian, was sentenced to Death Row. His case hadn’t gone to trial but that made no difference to his persecutors. Finally, when he was brought before the judge, he was miraculously released on bail, pending appeal of his case. He immediately went back to where he’d been arrested and began to share Jesus with others, knowing full well that he would certainly run afoul of the Isalmic authorities once again. When asked whether he was worried about that possibility, Hussein said, “One of two things will happen. They will either kill me, or there will be another miraculous release. Which of those two things is bad?”1
The other characteristic that permeates these persecuted Christians is thankfulness. For these heroes of the faith, there is nothing more important than the reality of their relationship with Jesus Christ. They exude thankfulness in spite of being subjected to the worst that their families, friends and the authorities can do to them. None are caught complaining about what has been taken from them; every last one testifies to the goodness of the Lord to them, even when they have nothing of this world that has not been taken or destroyed by the enemies of the Lord.
I wonder if someone like me could ever find his way into a book like When Faith is Forbidden. I wonder if anyone in the Western world could ever qualify for hero status based on his or her stance in response to those who would threaten their lives or livelihood. Let’s be honest, you and I have a greater tendency to moan and groan over some minor setback than to give thanks for all He’s done in our lives. The American Church has been so pampered over the years that we’ve lost sight of what real discipleship could mean in our lives, as it often does in the lives of our brothers and sisters around the world.
Let me tell you a story, not to brag but to give God glory. Three weeks ago, I had rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder (for the second time). The doctor prescribed some pretty strong pain relievers in case I needed them. To the everlasting glory of God, my recovery thus far has been virtually pain-free! Not only did I not need the pain killers, I’ve not even had to take regular pain relief medication. As I was sitting at my computer this morning, I was reminded of the story of the three Hebrew children who refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue and was reminded of God’s protection for Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (otherwise known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednigo). God didn’t take them out of the fiery furnace; He kept them in the midst of it. God didn’t remove the need for shoulder surgery; He has kept me through it and, thus far, blessed me with far less discomfort than I could have expected. Bless His name!
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day in America. Every one of us will wake up with challenges that must be faced, mountains that must be climbed, and circumstances gathered against us that are beyond our control. We will also wake up knowing that the Lord is on our side and nothing the enemy can bring against us will be enough to overcome our faith. Hold to that truth and “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Now go take on your world. - Bill
1. When Faith is Forbidden, Todd Nettleton, Moody Pub., 2021, pg. 44.
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