Responding to News With Prayer

Christians shouldn't bury their heads in the sand about the suffering of Christians around the world. 

We should be praying for them.

I believe that following news at least of a certain sort is not something that should be entirely avoided.
I'm concerned for Christians in Ukraine, Afghanistan, China, Indonesia, and other countries as well. Please keep aware of what's going on for the sake of praying for people. 

I remember that Russia does not allow evangelism outside of church which includes fines for evangelicals witnessing.

There are Christians who need prayer beyond your immediate circle of friends.

Also, Christians need to be praying for those who are not Christians to hear the Gospel, repent, and to trust in Christ. 

God uses our prayers and encourages us when we see how He is working, although His plans are eternal.  Our prayers are a part of His plan.  Revelation even mentions golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

When we pray for things He has promised already, we can be certain that it is within His will.  Clearly, we don't know all of His plans that have not been revealed in Scripture.

I also need to continue to pray for sanctification both for myself and for other believers. 

I desire the prayer of other believers, and I want to pray for people as the requests and news stories and people stand out to me to pray for. 

Even if my prayers are simple, I know God cares and is sovereign and can help people in ways I can't even think of. 

He can save people I might think are hopeless for seeming so hardened for so long.  When I don't feel like praying for someone, then that is on me.  Loving one's enemies and praying for them may not always be easy, but it is still right.

While I tend to be fearful when I shouldn't, I don't think we as believers should entirely close our eyes and shut ourselves off from what is going on...though for a time it could be sensible for our sanity and health or to avoid sinful responses.

While we don't know all of the immediate future, the things set in Scripture are certain.  So, my focus should be foremost on God and the Kingdom and not on the storms and waves and looming wars, yet I need to care enough to pray.

An Adoption Story, Canada's New Law Affecting Christians, & Songs of Comfort

Adoption Story Follow-Up

I believe I shared about an adoption story in the past.  Now here is a little more information to complete the story of this soon to be pastor (Lord-willing).  I feel free to share even about the second adoption, as he has blogged about it!  I have been waiting so long to see this.

First, this couple successfully adopted one daughter, but what you may not have known...

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Canada's New Law Could Punish Biblical Christians

Some of you already have learned about Bill C-4 in Canada that would make it possible for Christians to get accused and prosecuted even for sharing the Gospel or using Scripture about sexual immorality of a certain nature.  Some pastors in Canada and the U.S. (and perhaps other places) are planning to take a stand and preach on Biblical morality on January 16, 2022.

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Songs of Comfort

I'm starting off this new year by sharing some songs that aren't new I grant you.  Yet, knowing that this year is again likely not to be an easy one, they may give encouragement to you.  The second one is simply music with lyrics, but you can sing along to it!