"WalMart's aren't the only saving places!" so read the church bulletin board as I passed by...and so many times, we, in our safe, saving places pass by the troubling news we hear of the persecuted Church...with a sympathetic sigh and a quick prayer that God will help. Do we really have any idea what they are going through? We sit in our padded pews safe and sound (except for the jolt of an occasional gun or two, i.e., the tragedy at Wedgwood Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX last year; we sing our hymns about our hiding place, our refuge, our shelter in the time of storm...we memorize and claim the Safety Psalm (Psalm 91)--and it's true, all true.
But what about the persecuted Church? Is it true for them too? Certainly not--or--shall we take another look, while we bring them to the Throne of Grace in prayer this week and especially on Sunday, November 12, a Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Let's go humbly and softly to the Well today--as we bring along our suffering brothers and sisters, in desperate need of our prayers and God's grace.
A Helping Word...or
Two!
SAFE in the Arms of the Triune God!
Known by the Father!
They struggle all over the world--and He sees. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without His knowledge--and these suffering saints are more precious than sparrows. They fall in frightening persecution, terror, torment, torture, and finally death--and yet, their blood rises up as the Seed of the Church. See the countries where persecution is the strongest--you will see believers multiplying as the sand of the sea. God knows who they are, where they are, and what's happening. And nothing--in life or death--will separate them from the knowledge of the Father. Their souls are SAFE in the saving place of our God!
Loved by the Son!
They sound His praise, in secret places, all over the world--and He hears. The Son, who loved them and gave His life for them, enters into their suffering world. Miracles happen and lives are spared--or madness occurs and lives are spent; and still He loves. We cannot comprehend the depth, breadth, height or width of the Love of Christ for His Church--but it is real. That love reaches out to their own--I've watched a brother from Iran earnestly intercede for a brother in Indonesia. My heart broke as I prayed along. The bonds of love are strong--they come from the heart of our Lord--and nothing--in life or death--will ever separate these beloved saints (and they ARE saints) from the love of Christ. Their souls are SAFE in the saving place of our God!
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
They seek His enduing power all over the world--and He responds. The Holy Spirit, in comfort, energy, and amazing power and grace, calls these suffering believers to a life of close fellowship with Himself; they must be clothed with the Armor of God, armed with the Sword of the Spirit, daily, as they confront the evil enemy of their God. And the Holy Spirit is there--in quickening, mighty power. Sometimes He miraculously intervenes; sometimes He gives strength to endure; but always He is there. The breath of the Holy Spirit moves across our world, bringing warmth and comfort, strength and grace--and power--to those who suffer. And nothing--in life or death--will separate them from their Lord. Their souls are SAFE in the saving place of our God!
And your soul is safe there too--whatever you are personally going through this day. It may certainly not compare to the suffering of the persecuted Church, but the Father knows. The Son enfolds you in His arms of love. The Holy Spirit empowers you. You are SAFE in the saving place of your God. Believe it--accept His grace and mercy this day. Then let's all take some time this week to acknowledge and pray for our extended family--wherever they may be, whatever they are going through. May God hold them safe in His arms as we seek His face on their behalf!
His Healing
Words
Brother to Brother
May His presence fill your heart with song!
Find the lyrics and tune here for the song now playing on this page.
Scripture: Romans 8:35-39
"Lord, we unite our hearts in prayer this week for the suffering Church. We who live in freedom have no concept of the intensity of persecution they face daily for Your Name. Lord, we reach out in love to them; we call upon Your Name to give them strength, courage, grace--and a mighty deliverance from the evil purposes of the enemy, In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Your Weekly Assignment: Read Words from the Well poem and let the Lord minister to you.
He will, I promise! He is a faithful God and will be faithful to you today!
FEATURED LINKS
ASSIST Ministries--the persecuted church
Connections: Persecution and the ChurchOpen Doors International The Bible Site--Donate Bibles--FREE!
The Caleb Project--The Persecuted Church
International Christian Concern
Voice of the Martyrs
The Armor Room at Peggie's Place!
SEASONAL FEATURES:
Thanksgiving at Peggie's Place
"Peggie Breaks" for November!
A Top Ten Christmas at Peggie's Place!--Just around the corner!
A PRO-LIFE FEATURE:
Child of Sorrow...Child of Peace!--A pro-life devotional by Peggie
A place to enjoy other devotionals!
Devotional Collection
I'm blessed with a wonderful "virtual web family," many close friends
who not only help to keep me sane and smiling, but write wonderful devotionals.
Enjoy their spiritual insights--and their sites as well!
A Virtual Web Family (by Charlene Fairchild)
Cup of Cold Water--by my friend Charlene Fairchild
Visit with my friend Barb! Food from the Master's Table
A Daily Dose of God's Word from Barbara's Entourage
Stop in at Georgia's Place (she's a good cook too!) - Pastors Wives' Prayer and Praise Page
Dare to be a Treasure Hunter--by my good friend Vickie
Peggie's List of Devotional Resources
Want to know more about that woman at the well?
Read her story in Bible Gateway.com - John+4:1-42">John 4:1-42.
Further inspirational reading (by Charlene Elizabeth Fairchild):
Woman of Samaria
Woman at the Well Bible Study, Part 1
Woman at the Well Bible Study, Part 2
"...whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst,
but the water that I shall give him shall be in him
a well of water springing up into everlasting life (John 4: 14 KJV)."
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