In the Fellowship of His Sufferings

Fri AM...11/24/17

Our persecuted brothers and sisters have a different understanding of living in persecution. They understand what it is to lay all down for Jesus. The following story is true. This is transcribed from a video from Voice of the Martyrs.

https://youtu.be/wwm5bekBtqw

Video Transcript...

What Does it Mean to be a Christian in Syria?

We were praying for revival believing God would do a big work in Syria. Then the war came. Now the terrorists started attacking Christian homes, churches, and even our children. Their goal is to empty Syria of its Christians. We hate the spirit of Islam that is destroying our country. But we love our Muslim Neighbors. They come to us and say in the name of our god, terrorists rape and kill. Where is God? We tell them about Jesus. And many are coming to know Him. Still others say we are like living in hell.

Liena's Prayer

One day while I was praying. I asked God. What He would have me do to be His witness. But He only asked me, will you give me your life? As I prayed, I understood he wanted all of me. And I said yes. If the time came. I was willing to die for Jesus.

The next day while I was praying I asked God God again what he would have me do. This time he asked me. Are you willing to give Me your husband's life? It is not easy to be ready to die. My husband and I prayed about this together. We said yes to God.

The third day was the most difficult. On this day God asked me if I was willing to give up my children's lives. The terrorists know who we are. That we share Jesus with Muslims. It is not safe for our family. My husband and I prayed and fasted. And together we agreed God gave us our precious children. He has the freedom to take them back.

When we agreed to put our children on the altar. I knew I had to tell them the truth. I told them that it was possible men with swords may come through our door. Men who don't know Jesus. They may say bad things to us and try to force us to convert to Islam. But no matter what they say. We should not answer them. We should only tell them that Jesus loves them. That we forgive them. I told them that we might see some blood and have some pain. But it would only be for a little while. That we should just close our eyes. And that when we open them we will be with Jesus.

Am I a good mother to have to tell my children such things? I also told them that as God wants us to be safe that we will be safe. That he is in control. Even during the bloodshed. During the killing. He is carrying hour future.

This is what it means to be a Christian in Syria.

Or is this what it means to be a Christian?

ӢӢӢӢӢӢӢӢӢӢӢӢӢӢӢӢӢӢӢӢӢ

A few weeks ago I attended a Seventh Day Adventist church.  During the course of the service a mother with her young daughter beside her sang a moving hymn.  She sang it acapella so as the music to not draw away from the hymn's message.  As this dear sister sang I thought of the persecuted brothers and sisters. At the end of the service I went up to commend her sharing the hymn and what it meant to me.  This led to us sharing our hearts about the persecuted church.  This young mother told me that she spoke with her young daughters about our persecuted brethren.  She was also instructing her daughters that they may very well lay down their lives for Jesus. Listening to this mother's heart moved me tears. Before I left her I gripped her hand and we both wept.  But this does give me hope that God is raising up a remnant who will go through the fires of suffering in America.

”¢”¢”¢ that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”¢”¢”¢ Phiippians 3:10-11

Let us remember dear saints like Leina in restricted nations.  Let us remember those who make the difficult choices to lay down everything for Jesus. And let the persecuted brothers and sisters be our examples that we too may lay down everything down for Jesus.  Let this young mother I described above be our example.  Let us remember to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters.

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine 

Fri. Noon...11/24/17

I have watched many powerful and heart gripping videos on the persecuted church.  But from time to time always return to the VOM video on Liena's Prayer. Every time I watch this video it rips my heart and I learn something new. This video is the true story, though reenacted, of what a mother had to lay down in Syria.

In her words Liena describes,

ӢӢӢ One day while I was praying. I asked God. What He would have me do to be His witness. But He only asked me, will you give me your life? As I prayed, I understood he wanted all of me. And I said yes. If the time came. I was willing to die for Jesus.ӢӢӢ

In essence what this dear sister was asking was what must I do to be a "martyr" for Jesus. In the Greek the word "martyr" means "witness".  I am sure in that part of the world in a restricted Nation Leina understood what she was praying.

Some background to the above story that came out of a VOM magazine.  Leina and her husband were pastors of a church in Syria.  As she mentions in the video they were praying for revival in their church and in Syria. The civil war came. They were caught in one of the most dangerous areas where the Jihadists were operating.  They were sharing Jesus with their Muslim neighbors who were coming to Christ. As a result of this they were in increased danger.

Contacts in Europe offered them sanctuary and aid.  The family could have fled Syria and lived safely in Western Europe. At least one would not have blamed Liena's husband if he had sent his wife and children away and he had continued his ministry among the Muslims. But after much heartache prayer and fasting. The family made the dangerous and difficult decision to stay and continue their ministry.

Thus one can see why Liena is asking the Lord what she should do to be a witness or a martyr for Jesus. Jesus asked her will you give me your life. After what I'm sure was a heart wrenching prayer she made the decision, if necessary, to lay her life down for Jesus. But she did it willingly to be a witness for Him.  She did it willingly to be a martyr for Him.

In Acts 1:8 Jesus tells his disciples,

”¢”¢”¢Â but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."”¢”¢”¢

Again Jesus is telling his disciples that they would be His "martyrs" even to the ends of the earth.  History records all of the disciples, save one, died horrible martyrs deaths.  And this has been the testimony of the followers of Christ for over 2000 years.

But how could the early and the present saints face martyrdom?  How could mothers like Liena choose to stay in a nation like Syria and endure persecution and possibly death for the Lord Jesus Christ?

Again looking at Acts 1:8. Jesus says but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. Often times we look at that verse as power in witnessing about Jesus in our evangelism. Well that is certainly true. The implication of the above text is that the disciples would receive power even when faced with martyrdom.  This has certainly been true from the first martyr, Stephen, up to present times.

Just as Liena we need to be asking ourselves what must we do to be martyrs for Jesus.  I am not advocating a cult of martyrdom. But we need to be asking ourselves what would God require of us to lay down our lives for Jesus. Granted we are not in Syria. But have the events of Sutherland Texas said something to us as believers in America?

As my team gathered to pray for the International Day of Prayer call on November 5th. We were crying out for the persecuted church and the global Harvest of souls.  Word came down to us about the slain saints in Texas.  Amidst tears we started praying and crying out for those dear people in First Batist Church in Southland Texas.  That day, 26 precious souls found their way into the arms of Jesus.  Many of them children. One was the 14 year old daughter of the pastor of that church. On that day half of the church's membership of 50 saints were slain.  That day the persecuted church came to America.  The blood of the martyrs was shed on our shores.

Though, heart-wrenching, the video of Liena's Prayer should prompt us to ask God. What would He do to have us be His witness. What would He have us to to be His martyr.

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine 

Fri PM...11/24/17

ӢӢӢ One day while I was praying. I asked God. What He would have me do to be His witness. But He only asked me, will you give me your life? As I prayed, I understood he wanted all of me. And I said yes. If the time came. I was willing to die for Jesus.ӢӢӢ

Our sister Liena had to ask the difficult question.  What would God have her do to be His witness?  This is a dear sister who's asking this question in the midst of a nation hostile to the followers of Christ.  So our sister is not asking a superficial question when she puts this question to Him.  Realizing the answer that comes back from Jesus may very well require that she lay her life down for Him.  It may very well require her death for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Our brothers and sisters and restricted nation have a far greater understanding and apprehension of Romans 12:1 than we in America do.  Paul writes,

”¢”¢”¢Â Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. ”¢”¢”¢

The persecuted saints would look at the above verse and realize that God is calling down to be his living holy sacrifices even into martyrdom.  In essence, to give themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ as He gave Himself for us.

The leader of a persevuted ministry in a restricted nation shared this.  He asked a sister what he should do if she were being raped by a jihadist.  The response of the sister floored this ministry leader. She told him if I were being raped. I would tell the Lord Jesus Christ that I offer my body as a sacrifice to Him.

Thus our persecuted brothers and sisters in the shadow of the cross understand the sacrifice to cross requires. Even the sacrifice of their own lives.  My question to myself and us would be are we prepared to ask God what He would require of us to be His witness.

William Borden, a young man who was heir to the Bordon dairy estate laid  aside everything to become a missionary to the Muslims.  Tragically he died of meningitis at a young age before He reached the mission field.  But he prayed a prayer. Below He prayed,

ӢӢӢ Lord Jesus, do with me what you please, as you please, when you please.ӢӢӢ

I ask myself. Can I pray what our sister Liena prayed.  Lord what would you have me do to be your witness.  Can I even pray what William Borden prayed.  Jesus do with me what you please, as you please, when you please.

The thing that comes into my heart and mind is if Jesus gave Himself for me. Can I do any less but to get myself back to Him.  May God grant me the grace to even lay down my life for Him when the time comes.

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine 

Fri Eve...11/24/17

ӢӢӢ The next day while I was praying I asked God God again what he would have me do. This time he asked me. Are you willing to give Me your husband's life? It is not easy to be ready to die. My husband and I prayed about this together. We said yes to God.ӢӢӢ

We have heard the story of Joseph Tsom.  The communist commander pointed a gun at him.  He said he was going to kill this brother in Christ. To which Joseph, I replied. "Go right ahead. My message will spread all the more."  The commander was not prepared to make Joseph a martyr. At least not that day.

If somebody points a gun at us and says deny Christ or die. Many of us would probably go on and say go right ahead and pull the trigger. Knowing that we will be absent from the body and at home with the Lord.

This certainly happened with Cassie Bernal.  She was the young martyr slain from Littleton High.  When the demonic crazed gunman pointed a gun at her and said do you believe in God. Knowing that her response would send her into eternity she said yes.  That day this young sister was absent from the body at home with the Lord.

In Rosebud Oregon a gunman got into a college classroom and asked the various students if they believed in God. When some replied yes,  he said you will meet Him in a few minutes. Some of the students were again absent from the body and at home with the Lord that day.

But would we have the same resolve to say go ahead and pull the trigger if the gun or pointed at our spouse. Or in the case of Liena if a jihadist threatened to slice the throat of her husband.  Would we stand strong in a resolve to not deny Christ if it meant to see our spouse slain in front of us.

In restricted nations our brothers and sisters must work through the issue of laying one another on the altar at the foot of the cross.  These discussions, though difficult, are necessary so that they will not betray Christ. And not betray their secret churches to the persecutors. And in many cases this has resulted in the martyrdom of a beloved spouse.

I have read heart-wrenching reports of wives seeing their husbands sliced by jihadists or blown up by Marxist guerrillas. All because they would not deny the Lord Jesus Christ. Many times because they continued witnessing of Christ to those who so desperately needed to hear the gospel.

In a nation like Iraq or Syria it is not unusual for a pastor to kiss his wife and say my beloved I pray I see you by the end of the day. But if not I will see you in heaven. These pastors and other persecuted brothers and sisters have had the difficult discussions to lay one another on the altar.

No doubt Liena and her husband had to agonize laying one another down on the altar. But after doing this they realized that each one would be in eternity.

The question is are we having these discussions in America? Are Christian couples talking about and praying through and even fasting about laying one another down on the altar? Are American eangelical couples talking about giving up one another to the Lord Jesus Christ?

Granted we are not facing what Liena had to face in Syria.  We are not seeing systematic persecution where a gun is pointed at our spouse with a threat to deny Christ or see your spouse die. But there are other ways that we can lose our spouses.

Elisabeth Elliot lost two husbands. Her first husband was martyred in South America. Her second husband died of cancer here in America. No doubt she had to work through the martyrdom of her first husband to lay him on the altar. Never expecting that the lesson she learned about giving her spouse up to God would be applied to a second husband.

A dear pastor in Indiana lost his young wife in a home invasion. As he left to work out. Someone entered the home. The young mother thinking that the invader would harm her child threw herself at him and started fighting the intruder. The Intruder shot her. the dear wife was in heaven that day with Jesus. Thankfully her child was safe.

One of my prayer leaders lost not one wife but two wives due to cancer. Brother Andy was widowed twice. Both of his wives went home to be with the Lord. Both were stricken with cancer.

Christian couples need to be having these discussions about laying one another on the altar. They need to be having these discussions about giving one another up to Christ. God forbid that any tragedy should come upon a loving husband and wife. But James tells us that we do not know what our lives will be like tomorrow.

Brothers and sisters in restricted nations that are hostile to Christ know the necessity of having these conversations as difficult as they are.  We in America need to do the same. Again we need to remember what occurred at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Texas. As I keep saying the persecuted church has now come to America. We need to look to our brothers and sisters in foreign lands who are at the foot of the cross. And we need to learn from their example.  For what occurred in Sutherland Texas could very well occur in our church this coming Sunday. God forbid that this happen.   But those precious saints in Southerland never thought that martyrdom would come up on them this past November 5th. Husbands and wives never thought that they would see their spouses blown into eternity.

Let us ask of the Lord grace to give up our loved ones to the Lord Jesus Christ. For Jesus has taught and commanded in the Gospels that He is to be loved even above our families.  If we love our families more than Jesus Himself, we cannot be His disciples.  

May Jesus give us grace and the Holy Spirit to do what we need to do in the days ahead.  For surely the persecuted church is now here in America.

Only because of Jesus

Blaine 

ӢӢӢ Duplicate PoatӢӢӢ

Sat a.m. 11/25/17

This is an extract from an article that appeared in the forum a few weeks ago.

”¢”¢”¢Â  I once shared at a home meeting in New Zealand about the need for every Christian to take up their cross and follow Him. To illustrate my message, I shared the testimony of Sister Yuen of Shanghai. It is a favorite story of the house church believers in China, and touches a deep chord in their hearts whenever they hear it.

Sister Yuen, a widow with two small children, was arrested and thrown into prison because of her faith. In a bid to make her renounce Christ, the guards brought Sister Yuen’s children and had them stand outside the prison gate. With their arms outstretched, they begged their mother to come home.

The guards taunted Sister Yuen by asking, "Doesn’t your God want you to take care of your own children? You can return home today if you just sign a statement declaring you will no longer be a Christian.”

Like any mother, Sister Yuen’s heart was torn at the sight of her crying children, and she asked the guards to bring her a sheet of paper and a pen. They hurriedly fetched the items, thinking they had finally found a way to break her faith in God. Sister Yuen calmly wrote on the paper and handed it to the prison warden. A moment later his face turned red with rage. She had written in large letters: "Jesus can never be replaced! Even my own children cannot replace Jesus!”

Sister Yuen was sentenced to 23 more years in prison. By the time she was released her children were adults, having been raised by the atheistic state. She spent months trying to locate them, and was finally able to reconcile with her daughter. Her son, however, had become a policeman and his heart was filled with hate for his mother and her God. He wanted nothing to do with her ever again.

As I shared this powerful testimony with the small group of New Zealand believers, a married couple, who were well-regarded in the Christian community of that town, threw their heads back and began to sigh and moan.

After the meeting, coffee was served. The couple marched straight up to me, obviously wanting to get something off their chests. "Your story is stupid!” they protested. "If we were in that woman’s position, we would have signed the paper. Of course God wanted her to take care of her own children!”

"So are you saying you would willingly deny the Lord Jesus to avoid going to prison?” I enquired.

"Yeah, we would,” they stated matter-of-factly. "God would understand and forgive us.”

I was astonished that a pair of professing Christians could openly admit they would willingly deny their faith under pressure, and they didn’t see anything wrong with it. I asked if they were concerned about the words of Jesus, who said, "Whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:33).

"God wants us to take care of our children,” they reiterated.”¢”¢”¢

In Liena's own words,

”¢”¢”¢Â The third day was the most difficult. On this day God asked me if I was willing to give up my children's lives. The terrorists know who we are. That we share Jesus with Muslims. It is not safe for our family. My husband and I prayed and fasted. And together we agreed God gave us our precious children. He has the freedom to take them back.”¢”¢”¢

Above we see two mothers who had to make an agonizing decision. The decision to lay their children on the altar. I can't imagine what this must have been like to the mothers. A mother is created by God to nurture and protect her child. I shared in a previous post about a young mother who threw herself in front of a home invader to protect her child only to be slain. In the reports I read about Sutherland Texas one or two young women put themselves in front of the children to protect them from the assailants bullets only to have their lives lost.

So for a mother who follows Christ to lay her children on the altar must be difficult. Again not being a mother I can't imagine the agony and soul-searching of having to do this.

But in the lives of our brothers and sisters in persecuted nations the cross is all but central in their understanding of following Jesus.  But Paul does warn us the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.

Consider the response of the first account above of a couple in New Zealand. They told a speaker who was telling the story that God would want them to take care of their children. They said that God would understand and forgive them if they denied Christ for the sake of their children. They said to sacrifice one's children on the altar was foolishness. One would have wondered what they would have thought of Abraham laying Isaac down on the altar to be prepared to offer as a sacrifice.

This couple was a professing Western Christian couple. But yet the attitude they exhibit is typical of a western mindset. A mindset that says God does not want us to suffer.

A few years ago I posted the video where Paul Washer spoke of persecution coming to the American church. Even in the forum there were some who objected.  One brother went as far as to say that this was outright foolishness. Though these brothers are no longer in the forum. I wonder how many who read this thread would say that what I post is foolishness. But again the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. But the cross is life to our persecuted brothers and sisters.

Our persecuted family must go through the agonizing and hard decisions of placing their children at the foot of the cross.   How many fathers and mothers in this forum are having those discussions with God that they will have to put their children at the foot of the cross.

Again some may think why should I have this discussion with God? We are in America. I don't have to worry about my children being slain by jihadists. Or taken over by Chinese communist. I gently say again remember Sutherland Texas. Many of those slain on that fateful day of November 5th were children. How many parents are now grieving over the loss of their children. Even the pastor grieves over the loss of his 14 year old daughter.

Granted that these dear children are now in heaven. But did the parents release them to the Lord. No doubt they have now. But better to have the conversation with God.  And lay everything at the foot of the cross. Even our children. Thus when the time comes that they are taken away and go back to Jesus. The pain will be more bearable with the grace and love of Christ.

Please realize that a child may be taken by God in other ways. A child may be taken away by God in illness, perhaps in an accident, or in other ways. But I would encourage all of us to have the conversations with God.  Let us say to Him you gave us these children and they are yours to take.

But some would say I cannot give up my children. It is impossible. Not so with our persecuted brothers and sisters who trust in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and do what they have to do. That grace is also available to us.

Again only because of Jesus. Only because of Jesus can we lay everything down at the cross. This is what the mother from China discovered. This is what our sister Liena discovered. This is what the saints in Texas discovered. This is what we will discover. Only because of Jesus.

Blaine 

Sat p.m. 11/25/17

Romans 8:32

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?

I can't help but think that Liena was thinking of God's sacrifice to her through His Son.  The Father gave His only Son so that she could have eternal life. He did not spare His Son but willingly gave Him to save her.

As Jesus willingly gave Himself to save our dear sister.  Then Liena and her dear husband would willingly get their children back to Jesus should He require it.

I can't say that it happened the way I described it above. But knowing this young couple is in a nation that is hostile to Christ. I can't help but wonder if they were thinking on the sacrifice of God the Father to give God the Son.  Perhaps they were thinking of this as they were wrestling about laying their  children on the altar.

But then our persecuted  brothers and sisters wrestle with laying everything including their own lives on the altar.  They do this because they realize that Jesus is worth the sacrifice. Even the sacrifice of their own lives and that of their families.

Yes to the average person this is foolishness. But to those who understand Christ and His cross. This is life.

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine

Our brother Jeremy wrutes...

ӢӢӢ Liena merely came to the Spirit confronting her with word about loving Him more than her family and even her life.ӢӢӢ

Indeed my brother. You have hit the nail on the head. The struggle that Liena had to go through laying down her life, and that of her husband, and then that of her children was a heart struggle. It was a struggle in her heart of loving Jesus even more then her life and that of her loved ones.

Yet as she wrestled through these intense heart issues she realized that Jesus was worth loving more than even the things of this world. Remember the Chinese mother who said that Jesus can never be replaced. Not even by my children.

Our brother Paul articulates this in Philippians 3. Paul had apprehended a reality of Christ that he was willing to suffer the loss of all things in order to know Him better. To the Apostle Paul Jesus was worth suffering for.

And that is the question I believe that guards us from a heretical, legalistic cultic teaching that would say we isolate ourselves from our families under the guise of following Christ. Many of us are familiar with such cults.

But for those who have had an apprehension of the mercy and the grace of Jesus Christ. For those who have had a baptism of His incredible love. There will be those who say Christ is worth following. Even the laying down of all things including my life.

For those who make their way from North Korea in to South China to find physical food. Then come across the spiritual food that Jesus offers. They become believers and with just a few weeks of instruction burn with a desire to take the good news of Jesus Christ back into the darkness of North Korea. They do this realizing their life expectancy may very well be from 3 to 6 months. But they are willing to risk everything to take the gospel back to North Korea realizing that Jesus is worth it.

We have read the experiences of saints who have come to saving faith and life in the Lord Jesus Christ. And because they realize that Jesus has died for them through his atoning sacrifice. These saints burn with a love to lay everything down for Jesus to take the gospel to the Lost. Even to suffer the loss of all things including their lives to see others come to Jesus.

This was the choice that Liena agonized through. And what made it all the more difficult was that this family had an out. They could have fled the Western Europe. They had sponsors who were willing to support them. But yet Lena and her husband and family chose to stay in Syria to minister Jesus Christ. "Why"? One would ask. "Why risk the lives of your family and stay in this war-torn country?"

Ask those such as Jim Elliot, Corrie Ten Boom, the Apostle Paul, Stephen the Martyr, Dalton Thomas, and countless thousands and thousands of other Saints who have gone and laid down their lives for the gospel and even suffered martyrdom. "WHY"???

Short answer. Because Jesus is worth it. Oh that this reality was so grip my heart to lay everything down for Him as my persecuted brothers and sisters are doing. The question I need to ask myself is is Jesus worth it to me?

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine

Sun a.m. 11/27/17

ӢӢӢ
O God, accept all my sufferings, my tiredness, my humiliations, my tears, my nostalgia, my being hungry, my sufferings of cold, all the bitterness accumulated in my soul. Dear Lord have pity also on those who persecute and torture us day and night. Grant them, too, the divine grace of knowing the sweetness and happiness of your love.

From a dear sister who was imprisoned in Siberia for her faith in Jesus.
ӢӢӢ

Only God knows the story of the precious saint above who prayed this prayer. But one can certainly feel in her words the sufferings that she probably endured in the gulag. And yet her faith still rested in the Lord Jesus Christ. And she still prayed for her persecutors.

I look at the above prayer and realize the shallowness of my own faith.

Lord Jesus I pray a dangerous prayer. I pray that I may know You not only in Your resurrection power. But I pray that I may know You and apprehend You in the fellowship of Your sufferings. For I ask this in Your Blessed Name. Amen.

Only because of Jesus

Blaine

Sun PM 11/26/17

https://youtu.be/wwm5bekBtqw

Again I am drawn back to the video of Liena's Prayer.  By far this is the most powerful video I have ever watched on the persecuted church.  I can't help but think that prayer went into the making of this video. For to me it carries an annoiting that speaks to my heart.  Also this video is a reenactment of a sister who struggled to lay everything on the altar.  Who struggled to give back all to Jesus.

Each time I watch the video it seems like Jesus brings something to my heart.  Such was the case this morning.

Near the end of the video Jihadists come into Lienas home.  Her husband is immediately slain.  They demand that she confess Allah. When she refuses to say anything the jihadist immediately slices her throat.  All the while yelling Allah Akbar!

When a Muslim says Allah Akbar in the midst of committing jihad they are saying Allah is Greater.  This is not Allah as in the same God we worship. This is Allah who goes by another name as Satan. In essence Satan is saying he is greater than Jesus because he martyred a saint.  Thus when Muslims martyr the believers of Christ it appears that the devil is getting the upper hand.

But John tells a different story. And Revelation 12:11 we read,

ӢӢӢ
"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.
ӢӢӢ

Thus it is a the nartyrs that gain the victory over Satan. Even those who have been martyred by Muslims.  Those who choose to not renounce Christ but to stay true to Him gain the victory over the evil one. Even if it means their life.

One of the most difficult prayer calls I ever had to convene was on the evening when 21 Coptic believers were martyred on the shores of Libya.  The Spirit was heavy and our hearts were grieving.  But I found myself in my tears telling the saints that day Satan did not gain the victory. But the Lord Jesus Christ did.  For each of those precious saints died with the name of Jesus Christ on their lips.

History testifies that the death of the martyrs is victory over the evil one. God is glorified even in the midst of the martyrdom of the saints.  It is as if God is putting His witnesses, His  martyrs on display before the whole universe to say have you considered My followers.  Have you considered my Servants.

We read in Job  that when the sons of men came and presented themselves before God. Satan in his arrogance appeared before God. God asked Satan have you considered my servant job.  Here we know what happened after that as Satan tempted Job to curse God. But yet Job kept his integrity.

Today there are those daily who hold to their integrity in the Lord Jesus Christ. There are those who will not renounce Him even when their own life is forfeit. It is as if God is saying to Satan through his persecuted church. Have you considered my suffering servants.

I'm sure there are more insights that I can be share here.  But right now I'm overwhelmed by the things that God has showed me. I trust I will share more in the days and weeks to come. Particularly in the area martyrdom.

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine

Mon. a.m. 11/27/17

ӢӢӢ
Are you so tenacious in holding to God's Word as you hold to other worldly possessions in your life such as money or your reputation? Let all else slip from your grasp yet hold on to God's Word at all cost.
ӢӢӢ

In the thought above it's not only holding on to the scriptures themselves. Which is certainly what our persecuted brethren do. But also to hold on to and cling to Jesus. For He is the Word.

Simply because of Him.

Blaine

Mon. Noon 11/27/17

Some of the most powerful words that Jesus uttered from the cross were Father forgive them for they know not what they do ( Luke 23:34).  As I have meditated on this verse I wonder if these were the words that broke the powers of hell at the cross.

As Liena instructs her children she says,

▪▪▪
They may say bad things to us and try to force us to convert to Islam. But no matter what they say. We should not answer them. We should only tell them that Jesus loves them. That we forgive them. 
▪▪▪

In the video as a jihadist is about to martyr the little girl she says to him "We forgive you." The little girl is slain and goes to be with Jesus.  No doubt he yelled Allah Akbar as he did this. Saying that Allah or Satan is greater. Perhaps someone will look at the cross of Jesus and say Satan won the victory that day because Satan killed Christ.

The reenactment of the jihadists coming into Liena's home is only that. A reenactment. To the best of my knowledge the family is still under God's protection in Syria and still ministering Jesus to Muslims. 

Yet a child or even an adult telling their persecutors they forgive them as they are undergoing martyrdom is recorded historical fact. From the time of Jesus as he told His enemies He forgave them. Through Stephen the first martyr as he prayed that God would not hold the sin of his enemies against them. Down through 2000 years of church history. Those who truly followed Christ have forgiven their enemies even in the face of their martyrdom.

When 21 Coptic believers were martyred over 2 years ago. The loved ones of those slain by the jihadists extended forgiveness to the murderers.  Where this the so-called religion of peace came murdering those who follow Jesus, the people of the cross. It was the people of the cross who responded to hate with love and forgiveness. The live abd forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

When a demonic crazed gunman came into a church in Charleston, South Carolina and martyred 9 Saints.  The families of those slain extended forgiveness to Dylan Hunt. Whereas he wanted to foment hate and a race war. The followers of Jesus extended to him love and forgiveness which cancelled out the hate he wanted to bring. Rather Satan wanted to bring.

We have mourned and grieved over the tragedy that came out of First Baptist Church in Sutherland Texas.  Yet Pastor Pomeroy, who lost his 14 year old daughter in the slaughter that took place on November 5th extended forgiveness to the slain murderer.  

I believe it was because this brother extended forgiveness to the murderer. That he was able to preach a powerful short sermon in the service that followed 2 weeks later.  The YouTube video of that service is posted in the forum.  Through tragedy God brought forth triumph in this glorious service.

Pastor Meredith from Fort Worth had s church which suffered a tragedy.  A few years ago a young man came into a youth service where he sprayed gunfire and detonated a pipe bomb. Seven precious young people were killed.  Reflecting on the tragedy in Sutherland Texas Pastor Meredith had this to say,

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To refuse to forgive is to insist on drinking the poison you meant for your worst enemy," the pastor told Boyd. "You always destroy yourself.
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Pastor Meredith, Pastor Pomeroy, the saints in Charleston South Carolina, the loved ones of the slain martyrs in Lybia, and thousands upon thousands of others have learned the words of Jesus. When they say Father forgive them for they know not what they do.  These are the words that cancel out the hate and evil of Satan.  This is what our persecuted brothers and sisters practice daily. This is what Leina taught her children

Below is a video of a Christian sister who learned to forgive the man who killed her son. And the incredible miracle that followed.

https://youtu.be/o2BITY-3Mp4

For such is the power of forgiveness through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Only because of Jesus can we truly forgive our enemies.

Blaine 

Mon. PM 11/27/17

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When we agreed to put our children on the altar. I knew I had to tell them the truth. I told them that it was possible men with swords may come through our door. Men who don't know Jesus. They may say bad things to us and try to force us to convert to Islam. But no matter what they say. We should not answer them. We should only tell them that Jesus loves them. That we forgive them. I told them that we might see some blood and have some pain. But it would only be for a little while. That we should just close our eyes. And that when we open them we will be with Jesus.

Am I a good mother to have to tell my children such things? I also told them that as God wants us to be safe that we will be safe. That he is in control. Even during the bloodshed. During the killing. He is carrying hour future.
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Here Liena is asking  the heart-wrenching question is she a good mother to have to tell her children about upcoming persecution?  There are those parents under the shadow of the cross who deal with this question as Liena did.  A child should grow up in innocence not exposed to the horrors and the evil of this world. There are those parents who want to protect them from such. Satan does not give them that option when they are facing death daily. When they are facing death from those who would seek to take their lives.

It's my understanding that the early Anabaptists instructed their children to the realities of of upcoming persecution.  I believe Martyrs Nirror is replete with accounts of parents telling their children that they most likely would be put to death. They exhorted the children to remain strong and true to the Lord Jesus Christ. Often in the fires of martyrdom they would plead with their children to love their enemies and stay true to the Lord. I believe they instructed their children to the reality that they to may very well be called to surrender even their physical lives to the reality of martyrdom.

In places such as North Korea or Eritrea parents do instruct their children to the reality that to take the name of Jesus Christ will invite imprisonment and even death.

So what Liena did is what parents do in restricted, hostile nations to the gospel ofJesus. They tell their children that the likelihood to take the name of Jesus Christ will lead to persecution and possibly even their own death. But the children are ready to accept this when persecution and affliction come.

But we in America live in a bubble. We live in a different paradigm from our persecuted brothers and sisters.  Indeed Voice of the Martyrs has come under criticism for being graphic in their presentation of persecution.  Those who have criticized VOP have said their magazine is not suitable for viewing by younger audiences.

However this is indicative of the much larger problem that Christians in America do not believe that we should suffer. In other words the cross is only for Jesus to secure our best life now. The cross is not something we take up and expect persecution.

It's a very rare parent who will instruct their child in America to the realities of persecution. I have met a few in the evangelical church who will tell their children about upcoming persecution. I mentioned previously about a Seventh Day Adventist mother who speaks to her children about persecution and the realities thereof.  But again the majority of Christian parents feel that their children should be sheltered from the realities  that believers will undergo persecution. Even in this nation.

So the question that are dear sister posed. Am I a good mother to have to tell my children such things?  My question would be. Is she a good mother if she did NOT tell her children such things.  And my question would be to us. Are we good parents if we DO NOT tell our children about the persecuted church and upcoming persecution in America.

Again simply because of Jesus.

Blaine

Mon. Eve 11/27/17

From Open Doors

Today we share a message composed by Steve Haas for Prayer for the Persecuted Church:

To the angel of the church of the despised, incarcerated, separated, raped, and martyred; the Persecuted Church. These are the words of him who knows your patient endurance, understands your distress, and like you has been faithful to the shedding of his own precious blood.

You say you are isolated, cut off, that no one acknowledges your state. I see the terrors you face: the raids of your house churches in Laos, Indonesia, and China; the assault and murder of your leadership in Iran, India, and Chechnya… I register every tear that is cried, record each longing conceived, hear each desperate plea confessed.

I identify intimately with your plight. I have not forgotten you. Nor have many others who, although unfamiliar with the gravity of your suffering, draw hope and strength from your noble sacrifices for me. I have revealed your plight to your brothers and sisters in Christ and have called thousands of churches to pray for you and to serve you.

You say you are afraid. Recognize what you have that cannot be taken away. I have given you new life, an irrepressible joy, and an ever-present Spirit. Your transforming faith in me cannot be crushed but instead shines like a lighthouse, drawing those who sincerely search for the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

You say you are losing hope. Know that these afflictions are not the final word, that I am sovereign and just. In time, I will repay.

Although these tribulations threaten to overwhelm you, I have prepared an eternal place of peace for you, a permanent sanctuary of refreshment and true freedom that begins the moment you recognize me as Lord and serve me as King. I am with you always.

Beware of those who come from outside your fellowship, who masquerade as teachers of the church but elevate personal comfort over godly obedience. Many travel from long distances and present themselves as spiritual masters of the faith, proclaiming that temporal health and security are your due. Do not listen to them. Theirs is a false teaching, only shackling you to the unrequited masters of greed and disquiet. In the midst of your suffering, I will prove to be your only true peace and anchor…

I delight in your resourcefulness with little, your dignity in suffering, your joyful endurance in the midst of adversity. It is these things that give witness to a power above all earthly kingdoms, a source of strength stronger than the might of any human power.

Remain faithful, and I will raise you up in victory. Patiently endure, for I will not tarry long.

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Please let us remember our persecuted family in our prayers.

Only Because of Jesus.

Blaine

Tues. a.m. 11/28/17

The book of Hebrews says,

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In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety....Heb. 5:7

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When a brother or sister is thrown into prison, even into solitary confinement. The Bible is ripped from their hands.  Thus these precious saints find that prayer is there only comfort, their only lifeline to God.

Below is a short video clip of a brother who found that solitary prayer was that comfort through which God sustained him.

https://youtu.be/R-QJehD4A7g

Please pray for the prisoners. Please pray for those who persecute the prisoners.   For the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much ( James 5:16).

Your brother in Christ.

Blaine 

Tues. Noon 11/28/17

When one member of the body suffers we all suffer. Somehow denominational or theological backgrounds are minimized at the cross. Below a beautiful prayer offered by The Armenian Orthodox Church on behalf of those slain in Sutherland Texas. When tragedy strikes one part of the body. We realize that we all are brothers and sisters. We realize that at the cross all ground is level.

PRAYER FOR THE MARTYRS OF SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, TEXAS

For the Martyrs of Sutherland Springs
November 6, 2017

Today, with hearts made heavy by the horrifying murder of twenty-six of our fellow Christians””cruelly gunned down in a sanctuary of holiness, as they worshiped the Prince of Peace””we offer this prayer for our Lord’s love and vindication, from the Armenian Church requiem service:

O Christ, Son of God, patient and understanding, as our loving creator show compassion for the souls of your servants who are now at rest, namely your martyred children of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs. Remember them on the great day when you establish your Kingdom; make them worthy of mercy, atonement, forgiveness of sins. Glorify them””reckon them in the company of your saints. For as universal Lord and creator, you are the judge of the quick and the dead””for which we honor your glory and dominion, forever. Amen.

Only because of Jesus in tearful eyes.

Blaine

Tues. PM 11/28/17 

What does it mean to be a Christian in Syria. The question is posed in the video below. The video that I have shared thoughts and reflections from.  The video where our dear sister Liena wrestles through the questions of what she must do to be a witness of Christ.

https://youtu.be/wwm5bekBtqw

Liena is an actual person along with her husband who are still ministering Jesus to Muslens.  At least to the best of my knowledge.

The last part of the video is a dramatic reenactment as she explains to her children what may be required of them if the jihadists come to their apartment.

As I think of the possibility of their martyrdom as depicted in the video. I thought of those slain whose blood is continually poured out on the altar. John records in Revelation of the vision He recieved from Jesus,

”¢”¢”¢ When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; 
and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.”¢”¢”¢ Rev. 6:9-11

Our brother Pail writes in Romans,

”¢”¢”¢Â Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED."  But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

It it's estimated that every 5 to 10 minutes somebody lays down their life for the Lord Jesus Christ in the ultimate sacrifice.

Those who come to the Lord Jesus Christ for them martyrdom is a certainty. at least in nations where Liena lives.  But the events of November 5th, what transpired at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Texas, should make us realize that we to are marked for martyrdom.  We are not exempt from being slain for the Lord Jesus Christ, even here in America.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said that when Christ bids a man to come to him he bids him to come and die.  Jesus said that if anyone wishes to come after Him he must deny himself. take up his cross daily, and  follow Him.  

What does it mean to be a Christian in Syria? What does it mean to be a Christian in America? What does it mean to be a Christian? It means that we come to Jesus and be prepared to die. It neans we be prepared to die so that we may live for Him.

”¢”¢”¢Â For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.”¢”¢”¢ 2 Cor. 5:14-15

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine 

Wed. Morning, Nov. 29, 2017

Jesus tells us in Mat. 5:10-12

"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

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Some of those in Pentecostal circles speak of the double portion. A double blessing. In the last two Beatitudes Jesus gives two blessings of persecution.  The first blessing is those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness will receive the kingdom of heaven.

The Second Blessing is those who have been insulted, maligned, and persecuted because of the name of Jesus. Their reward in heaven will be great.

The great hope of our persecuted brothers and sisters is being with Jesus in His kingdom. And receiving His reward.

Let us pray our brothers and sisters in the shadow of the cross will receive the kingdom of heaven where Jesus is.

Let us pray our brothers and sisters in the shadow of the cross will receive the great reward that Jesus will give them on that day when they see Him.

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine

Wed. Eve. Nov. 29, 2017

A moving video where precious saints tell their story from Nigeria.

https://youtu.be/dYHuZnLjlyM

Let us remember them in our prayers. Let us remember those in the shadow of the cross in our prayers.

Because of Jesus.

Blaine 

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God have mercy on us...persecution is at the doors of the USA.

What brave words we speak now, what words will we speak then?
If we are cowards before the fiery furnace, will we find faith after we are thrown in?

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Brother I'm reminded of a story from Corrie Ten Boom. She was remarking to her father that she did not believe she would have the strength to become a martyr. Her father asked her. "Corey when do I give you the money to get the ticket when we go to Amsterdam on the train?" Corey replies as soon as we board the train. Her father said then God will give you the strength when you need it to be a martyr.

I'm not sure if that was the actual exchange of words that took place. But what Corey learned from her father's illustration that God would give her strength when she needed it to go through trials and tribulations. Her biography certainly reflected that in the suffering she endured in the German prison.

We certainly see that strength displayed in our brothers and sisters who are in the shadow of the cross in hostilev nations. We certainly have seen God's strength displayed though our brothers and sisters as they have endured their tragedy in Sutherland Texas.

I believe that when we are faced with the fiery furnace then God will give us the grace to endure the trials that surely await us. More and more I'm learning that it is only because of Jesus that we can do anything for Him. For Jesus said apart from Me you can do nothing. But our brother Paul writing from prison said I can do all things through Jesus who strengthens me.

And again. Only because of Jesus

Blaine

Thurs. Morning 
Nov. 30, 2017

Jesus tells us he who endures to the end will be saved. Will we be one of those enduring.  Will we be one of those clinging to Jesus. Will we be able to endure the persecutions or imprisonment that will surely come up on us for standing for Jesus in this nation. Will we be able to endure a johadist if he attempts to slicer our co-workers at work. Will we be able to endure a gunman if he comes into our place of worship.

The following story below should answer any of the questions that we may be asking.

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When we hear of fellow Christians facing intense persecution and even martyrdom in various parts of the world we sometimes wonder how they can bear up under it. We may contemplate whether or not we would stand strong in our Christian faith if subjected to such horrific treatment. Incidents from the life and ministry of Corrie ten Boom are instructive:

Corrie was once ministering in a small African country where a new government had come to power. Just that week the new regime had begun secretly, systematically putting Christians to death. As the people gathered at the little church where she was to speak that Sunday, fear and tension was written on every face.

Corrie first read to them 1 Peter 4:12-14 (Phillips Translation): "And now, dear friends of mine, I beg you not to be unduly alarmed at the fiery ordeals which come to test your faith, as though this were some abnormal experience. You should be glad, because it means you are called to share Christ’s sufferings. One day, when He shows Himself in full splendor to men, you will be filled with the most tremendous joy. If you are reproached for being Christ’s followers, that is a great privilege, for you can be sure that God’s Spirit of glory is resting upon you.”

Corrie ten Boom

Closing her Bible, Corrie proceeded to relate a conversation that took place between she and her father when she was a little girl. "Daddy,” she had said one day, "I am afraid that I will never be strong enough to be a martyr for Jesus Christ.”

"Tell me,” her father wisely responded, "when you take a train trip from Haarlem to Amsterdam, when do I give you the money for the ticket? Three weeks before?”

"No, Daddy, you give me the money for the ticket just before we get on the train.”

"That is right,” he replied, "and so it is with God’s strength. Our wise Father in heaven knows when you are going to need things too. Today you do not need the strength to be a martyr. But as soon as you are called upon for the honor of facing death for Jesus, He will supply the strength you need””just in time.”

"I took great comfort in my father’s advice,” Corrie told her audience. "Later I had to suffer for Jesus in a [Nazi] concentration camp. He indeed gave me all the courage and power I needed.”

"Tell us more, Tante Corrie,” one grizzled old member of the congregation spoke up. All were listening intently, seeking to store up truth that would strengthen them for the day of trial.

So she shared an incident that had taken place at Ravensbruck. A group of fellow prisoners had approached her, asking her to tell them some Bible stories. The camp guards called the Bible das Lugenbuch””the book of lies. Death by cruel punishment had been promised for any prisoner who was found possessing a Bible or talking about the Lord. Despite her awareness of those potential consequences, Corrie retrieved her Bible and started teaching from the Scripture.

Suddenly she was aware of a figure behind her. One of the prisoners silently mouthed the words, "Hide your Bible. It’s Lony.”

Corrie knew Lony well. She was among the cruelest of all the women guards. Corrie, however, felt she had to obey God who had so clearly guided her to bring a Bible message to the prisoners that morning. Lony remained motionless behind her as she finished her teaching.

Corrie then said, "Let’s now sing a hymn of praise.” She could see the worried, anxious looks on the faces of the prisoners. Before it had been only her speaking but now they, too, were being asked to join her in singing. But Corrie believed God wanted them to be bold, even in the face of the enemy. So they sang.

When the hymn came to an end, Lony instructed, "Another song like that one.” She had enjoyed the singing and wanted to hear more. Heartened, the prisoners sang song after song. Afterwards Corrie even went to Lony and spoke to her about her need for Christ as her Savior.

"Let me tell you what I learned from that experience,” she now told her African audience. "I knew that every word I said could mean death.   Yet never before had I felt such peace and joy in my heart as while I was giving the Bible message in the presence of mine enemy. God gave me the grace and power I needed””the money for the train ticket arrived just the moment I was to step on the train.”

When the meeting came to a close the nationals stood to leave. The fear and anxiety was gone from their faces. Once again joy shown on their countenances and their hearts seemed filled with peace. Softly in the back of the room someone began singing an old gospel song:

There’s a land that is fairer than day,

And by faith we can see it afar.

For the Father waits over the way,

To prepare us a dwelling place there.

In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore,

In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.

Corrie was later told that more than half the Christians who attended that service subsequently met a martyr’s death.

If you know any Christians who are currently facing persecution, perhaps you could encourage them by sharing this story with them. This and a number of other true stories on Christians standing strong in their faith despite strong opposition can be found in the chapter on "Adversity” in my Timeless Stories book.

Copyright 2014 by Vance E. Christie

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What will we do when persecution or affliction strike?  How will we respond? How does a soldier respond when a grenade lands in front of his comrades?  A soldier will not think but yell grenade and throw himself on the explosive device to protect his comrades. He doesn't think. He just responds.   And of course the soldier lays down his life for his friends.

A story is told about a pastor who was walking down a dark street one night in Canada. He saw a young woman being abducted and pulled into an alley. Hearing her screams the pastor not thinking about his own life ran down the alley shouting "Do not take her take me!"  "Do not take her take me!"  The attacker was so stsrtled by the pastor running down the alley shouting he let the young woman go and fled.

Joanne Ward of Sutherland Springs Texas did not think but reacted to cover her three children when bullets were sprayed in First Baptist Church.  Two of her children survived by her actions. she laid down her life for her family. Video below describes her heroic sacrifice below.

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/article183045781.html

Amanda Blackburn was a young 28 year old mother pregnant with her second child. She was the wife of Davey Blackburn. He was a pastor of a church in Indiana.

As Davey Blackburn left to go work out at a nearby gym. A gunman entered the Blackburn home. Amanda Blackburn not thinking of her own life threw herself at the gunman to protect her one-year-old child. The result was she and the child she carried were slain. But the one year old infant was safe. She did not think of herself but reacted just as Joanne Ward did to save her children.

Cassie Bernall, a young Littleton high school student had a gun pointed at her by a demonic crazed gunman. The gunmen asked her do you believe in Jesus. Knowing her yes answer would send her into eternity to be with Christ she said yes. Again she did not hesitate but gave the answer that took her life.

At a college in Rosebud Oregon 10 people were asked their religion by another demonic crazed gunman. When they said they believed in Christ they were blown away into eternity.

History past and present tells  us how believers have responded in the face of persecution and even martyrdom.  They did not rehearse any heroic actions or speeches.  They simply acted as God gave them grace in that hour.

We  need not be anxious what we will say or what we will do in the face of persecution or perhaps even our own martyrdom. Where Jesus has promised His Holy Spirit will give us the words and the wisdom of what to do. Let us take heart from the story of Corrie ten boom that God will give us grace to act when the hour requires it.  For this has surely been the testimony of our brothers and sisters who are in the fellowship of His sufferings.

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine

Thurs. Eve.
Nov. 30, 2017

Prayer is our Lifeline to God. Prayer is the lifeline of the persecuted church.  Video below where brother Andrew shares about the power of prayer.

https://youtu.be/GPKxz9Ufvpg

Video below where Richard Wurmbrand found that prayer was his only lifeline to survive the prison tortures he endured.

https://youtu.be/R-QJehD4A7g

Video below where brother encourages prayer for the persecuted church.

https://youtu.be/Nny-6hoLSjU

Prayer is our most powerful weapon.  Many times the cry of our persecuted brothers and sisters is to pray for them.  And it is not that we pray that they be delivered from thei persecutions. But many times they ask us in the west to pray for the grace to endure through their persecutions.

Let us continue to remember our persecuted brothers and sisters in prayer as they carry the cross for Jesus.

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine

Read these devotionals from Extreme Devotion.

December 01: Extreme Limitations BABYLON: SHADRACH, MESHACH, ANDABEDNEGO

For no other god can save in this way. Daniel 3:29

"We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:16”“18).

The king’s rage grew towards the three young men. They had refused to bow to the idol he had built for his nation, a crime punishable by death in fire. "Stoke the furnace!” he commanded. "I want it seven times hotter than normal.” He had the strongest men from his army come forward and bind their hands. The furnace roared, and its walls glowed red as if ready to melt. "Throw them in,” the king commanded. As they did so, the heat proved too much, and the soldiers burst into flames. The prisoners were lost in an instant as the flames flashed too bright to gaze into the furnace. Then as he was watching, Nebuchadnezzar suddenly jumped up in amazement. He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods” (Daniel 3:25). Suddenly Nebuchadnezzar knew his limitations before the one true God.

When it comes to the battle between good and evil, it is not a fair fight. The enemy is powerful. But God is more powerful. Satan is strong. Yet God is stronger. Satan must send his demons throughout the world to do his evil bidding. In contrast, God alone is omnipresent””fully present in all places at all times. Even so, the enemy’s limitations are not always so obvious when we are under pressure from the opposition. At the time, the enemy seems scary. Intimidating. Consuming. We temporarily forget God’s unlimited power. Do you have your eye on the thermostat when you are in the enemy’s furnace? Or do you focus on God’s presence and find strength to take the heat?

You can read more through The Voice of the Martyrs’ app available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prayer-calendar/id432550884?mt=8) or Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.persecution.prayercalendarhd)

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine 

Read these devotionals from Extreme Devotion.

December 02: Extreme Clapping ENGLAND: THOMAS HAUKER

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. 2 Corinthians 4:18

Thomas Hauker, a bright, well-favored, good-looking young gentleman, would not deny his personal relationship with Christ. For this he was sentenced to die at the stake.

Days before his execution, Thomas’s friends came to his English prison cell. One said, "I’ve heard that God gives a special grace to those who die in the fire that enables them to bear the flames. For your sake, that I might be able to bear this cruelty to you, can you give us some sign of it? Without knowing this, I don’t believe I can bear that day.” Thomas thought for a moment. "If the rage of pain can be tolerated, before I die I will lift up my hands to heaven as an indication.” On the day of execution, the crowd was abuzz with Thomas’s promise. As he was chained to the stake, he spoke quietly and with great grace to the men who laid the wood. Then he closed his eyes and the fire was kindled. Thomas continued to preach to those around him, but soon, for the roar of the flames, he could not. All were sure he had died. Suddenly, his hands rose above his head to his God and, with praise and thanksgiving, clapped together three times. A shout arose in the crowd, and Thomas sank into the fire and gave up his spirit.

"I can’t take it anymore.” How often we catch ourselves expressing frustration at the least little trial. A crying child. A stuck doorknob. A late-night project deadline. However, the story of the martyrs haunts our petty thoughts when we are tempted to give up under pressure. We often overstate our problems and underestimate our ability to bear up under them. In fact, God promises he will not allow anything into our lives that will be more than we can endure. Thomas, hands upraised in worship, signaling his triumph over the flames, is evidence enough. When you think you can’t take much more of a certain situation, remember Thomas. And remember God’s faithfulness. He knows exactly what you can and cannot take.

My thought...

Diamonds are created under intense pressure.

Only Because of Jesus.

Blaine

Sat. Eve.
Dec. 2, 2017

Peter Grieg shares how Brother Andrew's book, God's Smuggler impacted his life. His encouraging message is say "Yes" to God. Even when it is dangerous.

https://youtu.be/aOl-sV8iIUE

Blaine

Sun. Morning.
Dec. 3, 2017

Francis Chan speaking on the impact of the persecuted Church in his life.

https://youtu.be/BI494qbQJpM

Blaine

Sun. Eve.
Dec. 3. 2017

My Brothers and Sisters,

To our persecuted family prayer is their lifeline to God.  Peter Grieg, a young leader in the global prayer movement,  commented on a photograph he recieved. It was a picture of one of the prayer rooms.  He said the picture was not that dramatic. It showed people praying.  But he said the caption at the bottom of the picture was riveting. The caption said, " ISIS has moved into our street and is killing our brothers and sisters." That 
would be enough to bring anyone to their knees and on their faces before God.

Persecution ministries in the west will often ask the persecuted believers how can we help you. The answer of those persecuted believers is " Pease pray for us."  And please pray that we do not escape the persecutions but that God will deliver us through the persecutions."  

Our persecuted brothers and sisters have a different mindset of going through persecution. They have a different mindset of God sustaining them through their trials. So different from us in the west who want to avoid suffering.

The short video below by Peter Grieg is an exhortation to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters.  After watching the video please pray for the persecuted church.  Please pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters who are in the shadow of the cross.

https://youtu.be/Nny-6hoLSjU

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine

Mon. Morning 
Dec. 4, 2017

"ISIS is in our street and is killing our brothers and sisters."

If this were happening in America what would our response be?  Call 911?  Have our church security team on standby?  Have those who have a conceal and carry get their weapons out and lock and load?  What would we do in America if our church came under attack by terrorists?  

What do our persecuted brethren and do in places like China or North Korea or Eritrea when the secret police raid their meetings?  When a jihadist comes in and bombs their churches?

The answer is found in Acts 12. It has often been said that the New Testament is best understood against the backdrop of persecution. The church in Acts was a persecuted church.  They had no conceal and carry members. They had no security team on standby. They certainly had no 911 influence with the Roman government. But they had a powerful weapon at their disposal.

ӢӢӢ So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church of God.ӢӢӢ Acts 12:5

The video below is an exhortation to pray for the persecuted church.  It exhorts us to use the most powerful weapon that we have. It exhorts us to use the most powerful weapon the first century church had. That weapon is prayer.

https://youtu.be/ql_e5o4myxE

As a sister said the persecuted church must know that other churches are praying for them.   Will you please join me tonight as we continue our night watch for the persecuted brothers and sisters in the shadow of the cross.

Time of tonight's call is.......

9 p.m. EST
8 p.m. CST
7 p.m. MST
6 p.m. PST

Call number and access code are.......

712.775.7036.......281207#

Lord willing, I look forward to praying with you tonight as we continue to lift up our brothers and sisters in the persecuted church.

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine

Mon. Eve.
Dec. 4, 2017

Brothers and Sisters,

"ISIS is on our street and is killing our brothers and sisters."  

This was the caption at the bottom of a picture where saints were praying. No doubt they were on their faces before God. They were praying and possibly worshipping God. Even while the blood of the martyrs was being shed outside their doors.  We don't know what they were praying. We don't know if they were praying for their deliverance or for the salvation of ISIS.  But they were praying and possibly worshipping God. How very strange in the face of Satan.

Students who were in the library that day that Cassie Bernall was martyred said she was praying under a table.  We don't know what she was praying.  Maybe she was praying for the demonic crazed gunman to stop their violence and turn to Christ. Maybe she was praying for her own strength to not deny Christ.  Perhaps she had a sense of her own impending death.  But she was praying.  Again how very strange in the face of Satan.

But history has testified from the time of Jesus up through present times that those who were facing martyrdom were people of prayer.  And they even worshipped in the face of their enemies.

Video below describes how the early Christians were persecuted in the first century. And how they endured maryrdom.  Though reenacted the video is a bit graphic.

https://youtu.be/wDSMDt4oq6k

Saints this continues into the present day. It is estimated to every 5 to 10 minutes someone is martyred for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Again the events of November 5th demonstrated that 26 saints were martyred even  on our own shores.  No one is exempt from the cross of Christ.  

Let us remember our brothers and sisters who are in the shadow of the cross in our prayers. Let us remember the loved ones of those who have been slain around the world and in our nation. Let us pray that the blood of the martyrs will become the seed of the global church

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When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained;and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" And there was given them to each one a white robe; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little time, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, who should be killed even as they were, should have fulfilled their course .”¢”¢”¢ Rev. 6:9-11

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For truly this is the fellowship of His sufferings.

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine

Tues. Morning 
Dec. 5, 2017

John 12:23-26

And Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.  "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.  "He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.  "He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.

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Jesus was so surrendered to the will of His Father.  In being so surrendered the life of the Father flowed through the Son.  One could say that Jesus lived a crucified life as unto His Father.  This was certainly reflected in the death of Jesus on the cross.  The Father was glorified in the death of his Son

Likewise we as believers are to be so surrendered as unto Christ.  We are to be so surrendered as unto Jesus that His life will flow in us.  

Jesus reminds us that unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies it remains alone but if it dies it bears much fruit.  For us to bear the fruit of Jesus we must die to ourselves so that His life will flow through us. The first few verses in John 15 certainly reflect the organic reality of our connection to Jesus.

Paul writing to the Corinthians in his second letter says,

”¢”¢”¢ But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.  For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;  to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?”¢”¢”¢ 2 Cor. 2:14-16

There's an account in the gospels where Mary of Bethany came to annoint Jesus.  As she was pouring the perfume on Jesus the fragrance of the perfume filled the room. But the alabaster jar had to be broken for the perfume and it's fragrance to be released.

We ourselves need to be broken and crucified as unto Christ to release His fragrance in every place.

Everyday we should be living a martyred life. We should be a living a crucified life. So that the fragrance in the life of Jesus be released to those around us.  

There is a preciousness in the accounts of the martyrs, the witnesses of Jesus.  We see in that ultimate sacrifice they make their lives are a sweet  aroma as unto Jesus.

Let us this day live a martyred life. Let us this day live a crucified life. Let us this day manifest the sweet Aroma of the knowledge of Jesus and every place.

As unto Jesus.

Blaine

Below is the story of one who lived a crucified Life as unto Jesus.

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December 05: Extreme Bearer ROME: IGNATIUS

For I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16

"The life of man is a continual death, unless it be that Christ lives in him.” ””Ignatius

Ignatius was a disciple of the apostle John and had publicly reproved Emperor Trajan Antioch for worshiping idols. However, Trajan swore to take public revenge on Ignatius in return for his embarrassing rebuke. Ignatius was arrested and brought to Rome. As he was led away to the pit of lions, he told another believer, "My dear Jesus, my Savior, is so deeply written in my heart, that I feel confident, that if my heart were to be cut open and chopped into pieces, the name Jesus would be found on every piece.” When the multitude of people was assembled to witness his death, Ignatius boldly addressed the cheering crowd. "I am the grain of God. I am ground by the teeth of the beast, that I may be found a pure bread of Christ, who is to me the Bread of Life.” As soon as he had spoken these words, two hungry lions devoured him. He lived up to his surname, Theophorus, "the bearer of God.” To the very end, he bore the name of God and his Savior on his lips. He had often said, "The crucified Christ is my only and entire love.” And to the end he found solace in this simple truth: "As the world hates the Christians, so God loves them.”

Marriage tradition holds that a wife should bear her husband’s name as a symbol of their union. They are no longer two people, but one. As a couple grows old together, they begin to share more than just the same last name. They share the same friends and interests. They begin to finish each other’s sentences. And some begin to even strangely resemble one another . . . such is their long-standing intimacy. In the same way, those who bear the name "Christian” or "little Christ” develop the same intimacy””a oneness with the Savior. Are you wearing well the name of Christ? Like Ignatius, does sharing Jesus’ name inspire you to share in his sufferings, his ministry, and his life?

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Blaine

Tues. Eve.
Dec. 5, 2017

Christians in Syria give these points in praying for the persecuted church.

1... Pray that God will complete His work in us.

2... Pray for revival

3... Pray for visitations.

4... Pray for God to show Himself.

5... Pray for people to see dreams and visions about Jesus.

6... Pray for the walls to fall and the chains will come off.

7... Pray for people to choose and to know more about their eternal life.

Please notice the above prayer points are not calling for the persecuted church to escape from their persecutions.  But more of the kingdom purposes of Christ be accomplished in those regions where the persecuted church is located.

Let us continue to remember our brothers and sisters in our prayers as they endure the cross for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine

Wed. Morn.
Dec. 6. 2017

A dear saint in Sutherland Texas who had lost several members of his family in the recent tragedy had this to say.  " God does not ask us to understand Him but to trust Him."  The man who made this profound remark is an 86 year old saint.  He had lost several members of his family that tragic day at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Texas.

We are prone to ask the questions why does God allow suffering, particularly to His bride.  Perhaps the devotion below may provide some insight into this age-old question.  May it also motivate us to keep our brothers and sisters in prayer who are in the shadow of the cross.

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Read these devotionals from Extreme Devotion.

December 06: Another Extreme Question UNITED STATES: CHILDREN’S SCRIPT WRITERS

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

"We cannot ask that question. We don’t know the answer!”

The scriptwriters were working on a children’s video called Stephen’s Test of Faith, in which a young boy travels through time to learn the history of persecution. They were working on a scene from when Christians were thrown to hungry lions after being accused of setting Rome on fire. "We can’t have Stephen ask, ‘If God protected Daniel in the lion’s den, why didn’t he protect the Christians in the Coliseum?’” Why would God protect one of his children and allow thousands of others to perish? The lead scriptwriter thought and answered, "It is not the answer that’s the problem; it’s the question. We should not ask, ‘Why?’ We should ask, ‘Are we willing?’ Daniel was willing to perish before the hungry lions. Believers were also willing to die in the days of Nero. The fact that one escaped and the others didn’t does not change the condition of their hearts. It is our obedience that creates the witness, not the act of suffering.” When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were to be thrown into the furnace by Nebuchadnezzar, they said, "The God we serve is able to save us from it . . . But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods” (Daniel 3:17”“18).

Many people today are asking why. We have entered a new era of unanswered questions regarding unexplained tragedy. The world is crying out for answers to its questions, yet we all know that no answer would be sufficient to heal the pain. Even if we knew the reason tragedy occurred at every specific level for every individual, it would do little to ease our heartache. Instead, we need the faith of Daniel’s companions who said that even if God chooses not to move in the way we prayed he would, we can remain confident that he is working all things together for our good. Instead of asking why, pleading for understanding, we must pray for peace that surpasses it.

You can read more through The Voice of Martyrs book, Extreme Devotion.

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In Jesus who us our peace.

Blaine 

Wed. Eve.
Dec. 6, 2017

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"It is not the answer that’s the problem; it’s the question. We should not ask, ‘Why?’ We should ask, ‘Are we willing?’ Daniel was willing to perish before the hungry lions. Believers were also willing to die in the days of Nero. The fact that one escaped and the others didn’t does not change the condition of their hearts. It is our obedience that creates the witness, not the act of suffering.”

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Jesus was willing to go to the cross for us. Are we willing to take up His cross for Him? Profound question to reflect on.

Blaine

Thurs. Morn.
Dec. 7, 2017

I once was told by somebody I do not believe in the myth of a persecuted church. Below is a report from Open Doors about 10 dangerous myths of the persecuted church. Which one of these myths if not all of them do we fall into?

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Myths can be dangerous. False narratives can slip into our minds through the news, casual conversations or even social media. The problem is””if we believe these myths, they have the potential to change the way we think, behave and engage the world.

I’ve fallen for many of the myths you’re about to read relating to the persecuted church. In some ways, this post is more of a confessional. But I believe many of these are widespread, and we need to call them out to embrace the full picture of persecution. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are counting on our prayers and support””and we can’t afford to follow false narratives.

1. IT’S ONLY PERSECUTION IF THERE’S VIOLENCE.

The persecution of Christians includes violence””and we’ve been reminded of this lately with the terrible attacks on churches in Egypt during Palm Sunday worship””but Christian persecution also includes the slow and steady ostracizing and oppression of Christian citizens. We call this the ‘squeeze’. Many regions enforce long-term efforts to push Christians to the margins of society by cutting them off from community life, access to clinics and even jobs””treating them as lower-class citizens. This is also persecution; it’s prevalent and pervasive in places like Bhutan, Vietnam, India and many other regions in the world. The media highlights violence, but the steady non-violent persecution of Christians is large-scale and unthinkable. It’s just not in the news.

2. CHRISTIANS ARE PERSECUTED MOST IN THE MIDDLE EAST.

The Middle East is a very difficult region for Christians to live out their faith in public. This is true. In places like Iran, Qatar and Eritrea, being a Christian is dangerous and risky, and it could cost you your life. However, if we’re talking about large-scale persecution, we have to think through the implications of countries like India, North Korea, Nigeria and even China. We don’t see these locations in the news as often, but persecution here””by sheer numbers””is overwhelming and far outnumbers the Middle East. Not that we need to compare regions, but it’s wise to be aware of how vast the issue really is. The Middle East is a dangerous place for Christians, but it’s not the only place.

3. PERSECUTED BELIEVERS JUST WANT A WAY OUT.

This is an important myth to dispel. We should pray for relief and human rights, but many Christians in these difficult regions are asking for us to pray for perseverance. They want to remain in their homeland to be a witness for the gospel. Sometimes they need to leave the region, but many believers ask us for prayers for strength, vital resources and critical training to remain bold in the midst of persecution for the glory of Jesus Christ.

4. IF ISIS WERE WIPED OUT, PERSECUTION IN PLACES LIKE IRAQ AND SYRIA WOULD DISAPPEAR.

Indeed, ISIS is a violent offender of Christianity. Their terror efforts are wicked and all over the news. However, as widespread as ISIS is in the Middle East, when they are ousted, persecution in the region will not disappear. In a recent conversation with one of our Middle East field agents, I asked if Christians would breathe easy upon the complete removal of ISIS. His response: "No. As long as Muslims believe the Koran, Christians in the Middle East will face persecution. It’s about theology.” We want ISIS out, but that doesn’t end the battle for human rights in the Middle East””specifically for Christians. It’s just not that simple.

5. PERSECUTION HAS BEEN WORSE.

False. We are living in a time when persecution is at an all-time high. Over 200 million Christians face persecution on a regular basis. Every month, 322 Christians are killed for their faith; 214 Churches are destroyed, and 722 acts of violence are committed against Christians. We’ve gone through tough periods in the past, no doubt, but, globally, it’s never been more intense than it is in this very moment of history.

6. GOD USES PERSECUTION FOR PUNISHMENT.

Let’s be honest; this is an elitist view. It’s too easy to look down on cultures that are less developed and misunderstand their lack of development for lack of spiritual growth or obedience. It’s simply not true. More technology, development or economic advancement doesn’t equal stronger spirituality. And to add, God uses persecution as part of His sovereign plan to spread the gospel and strengthen believers. Persecution was prevalent in the early church and the apostles, especially with Paul. We will not always understand God’s ways. Throughout history, God has used persecution to purify and spread His church.

7. PERSECUTION ALWAYS HURTS THE CHURCH.

It does hurt the church in the sense of pain, suffering and loss, but God has a way of leveraging all of these things to spread the gospel””just like He did in Acts””to strengthen the church. It’s hard to wrap our minds around it, at least it is for me, but God uses persecution for the advancement of His Kingdom. That doesn’t mean we should embrace it or pray for it, but when it happens, God always uses it for His purposes and sovereign will.

8. GLOBAL PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS DOESN’T AFFECT THE CHURCH IN THE U.S.

False. I’m guilty of this one””and it’s dangerous to think this way. We are one Body. When one part suffers, we all suffer. That’s why it’s so important to stay in the know about what’s happening globally in the church. When a bomb goes off in Egypt, a bomb goes off in the church everywhere. When a believer in India is kicked out of their village for their faith, we’re all kicked out of our village for our faith. When a believer is imprisoned in North Korea, we’re all imprisoned. Knowing this. Feeling this. Believing this… is so critical. That’s why we listen, learn, pray, fast, grieve and worship together. We are one Body.

9. CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION IS JUST CULTURAL.

There are many cultural complexities, this is true. From Somalia to Syria, cultural differences are deeply embedded, and they contribute to persecution””whether it’s governmental, nationalistic or faith-related. However, persecution goes much deeper. At the very root of it all””there’s a spiritual issue and battle. What we’re fighting against is not physical. As Paul states in Ephesians, "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” This element of persecution shouldn’t be overlooked.

10. THERE’S NOT MUCH WE CAN DO…

This is, perhaps, one of the most dangerous myths out there. It’s easy to blow off Christian persecution as something distant, unchangeable and too complex to change. However, there are so many things we can do””every day””to enter the battle and lift up our brothers and sisters who are suffering around the world for their faith. Prayer is our greatest weapon. It goes beyond strongholds, and into places we could never venture. And if you believe the book of Acts, prayer can break chains, release prisoners, bring aid and relief to suffering saints like no other resource. We can also volunteer to be an advocate and create awareness, write letters, sign petitions and lead prayer groups. (Sign-up to get involved HERE.) And, of course, we can also give””to provide urgent relief and aid, Bibles, Christian literature, safe houses, counseling””and even resources to rebuild homes and churches.

I encourage you to take action. Ask God for His leading. And take one small step today to lift up persecuted believers all over the world.

Sincerely,

Brian
Senior Content Director, Open Doors USA

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Blaine

Fri. Morn.
Dec. 8, 2017

From Voice of the Martyrs

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Read these devotionals from Extreme Devotion.

December 08: Extreme Smugglers NORTH KOREA: KIK

For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Philippians 3:18

"Look for the cross,” the young Korean man named Kik heard a villager say.

Word spread to those who escaped from North Korea into China that they should look for a building with a cross. He finally found one, and with it, food and clothing. He also found a new relationship with Jesus Christ. The church members discipled Kik for three months. But Kik knew he must return to North Korea to tell others about Jesus. Kik and another young believer were given five Bibles and food for their journey. However, border guards captured them just after they made it across the river back into North Korea. The guards discovered the Bibles that Kik’s friend was carrying. The guard then beat Kik’s friend to death with an iron rod. Then they turned on Kik, but he managed to escape. After several months, he began to share Christ with others and started an underground church in North Korea. Before long, Kik realized he needed more Bibles for the rapidly growing number of believers. He remembered how his friend had given up his life trying to bring the Word of God back to their homeland. When Kik decided to return to China for more Bibles, the believers were very anxious for his safety. Kik remembered the advice given to him some time ago. He simply replied, "Just look to the cross.”

The cross is controversial. Many people will talk about religion, but the cross makes them uncomfortable and even offends them. Kik was told to look to the cross for security. However, Kik did not realize his enemies were looking for the same sign and with good reason. They knew that Christians rally under the sign of the cross. Since they opposed Christianity, the cross became their enemy. Our spiritual enemy looks upon the cross with fervent disgust, fear, and hatred. Are you looking to the cross with the same intensity expressed in joy, hope, and gratitude? Your enemy is squarely fixed on the cross””as an enemy planning an attack. Are you equally focused on protecting, serving, and loving the cross?

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It is said that the average lifespan of an evangelisti in North Korea is 3 to 6 months. Yes some are willing to endyre a death sentence because Jesus is worth it.

Blaine 

Sat. Morn.
Dec. 9, 2017 

Hebrews 11:6

By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.

Genesis tells us that Abel was a keeper of flocks. Presumably of sheep. Consequently the first fruits of his offering were pleasing to God and that he was probably offering the best lambs of his flock.  We know that lambs have always had a place in God's Redemptive history. Where they foreshadow the Ultimate Lamb who would be Jesus himself.

Because God accepted Abel's sacrifice over that of Cain. Cain killed him in a rage of jealousy. But I wonder if the ultimate sacrifice that Cain offered was his own life.  Perhaps reflecting those martyrs who would offer their lives in the centuries to come. Perhaps even pointing to the supreme sacrifice of Christ himself.

Hebrews 11:6 says Abel offered "a better sacrifice".  And again. "he obtained the testimony that he was righteous."  And we are told that "throoigh faith, though he is dead, he still speaks."

I believe Abel fore shadowed the martyrs who would be speaking to us through their sacrifice for Jesus.  And indeed Abel foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Himself. The ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Himself for our sins as the spotless Lamb of God.

The blood of Jesus Christ cries out for our salvation. The blood of the martyrs cries out for us to take up our cross to follow Jesus.

Their blood still speaks to us today.

Blaine

Sat. Afternoon 
Dec. 9, 2017

1 Peter 1:18

”¢”¢”¢ knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”¢”¢”¢

Jesus was the spotless Lamb of God.  He was perfect. He was unblemished. He was our perfect sacrifice.  He had to be to pay and atone for our sins.

The scriptures tell us that He made Him who knew no sin to be made sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  

Jesus, the perfect sacrifice of God. Died for us imperfect sinners so that we will be perfect in Him.

Jesus was a perfect sacrifice of God to lay down his life for us. We are, in the perfection of Christ, to lay down our lives for Him.  Perhaps even in the ultimate sacrifice of martyrdom should Jesus require it.

As I Ithink of those who lay down their lives for Jesus  Romans 12:1 comes to mind,

ӢӢӢTherefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.ӢӢӢ

Let us be pure and holy that so we might be those living sacrifices for Jesus. Even to be willing to be martyred for Him should Jesus require it of us.

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine 

Sun. Morn.
Dec. 10, 2017

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From Voice of the Martys.......

Read these devotionals from Extreme Devotion.

December 10:

I didn’t come here to sit silently with my hands folded on my lap. I came to speak about Christ.

GALINA VI LCHINSKAYA, TWENTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD PRISONER FOR CHRIST IN RUSSIA IN THE EARLY 1980s. SHE WAS ARRESTED FOR TEACHING CHILDREN IN A CHRISTIAN SUMMER CAMP.

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”¢”¢”¢ Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”¢”¢”¢ Phil. 1:12-13

Our persecuted brethren have a different understanding of missions than we in the west do. Often they will see their imprisonment as another mission field to speak of Jesus.

A brother sharing aboit N. Korea said that the persecuted  church there will regard their persecutions as preparation for their final mission field. That being the death camps of Kim Jung Un.  Those Christians in the camps realize that they may never leave those camps except through martyrdom in Jesus.  Yet the 're willing with their last breath to speak of Jesus to their fellow prisoners.

We have been praying for the release of our brother, Andrew Brunson in Turkey.  He is a dear man of God who has labored for Jesus in that nation for 20 years.  He has been imorisoned as a terrorist under Recip Tyep Erfogan.  

The charges are false and have no evidence to back them. Given the current diplomatic relations with Turkey and the U.S. he may never see the light of day.  Yet this brother continues to testify of Jesus in  his new mission field. He shares a prison cell with 12 Muslims.  As the Muslims seek to convert him. Andrew continues to be the light of Christ at them.

We continue to pray for  for our brother's release as well as countless others who are in prison for their faith in Christ.  Yet we also pray that God will use them to reach their fellow prisoners for the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am ever learning that our persecuted brothers and sisters have a much different perspective on things then we as Western Christians do. May God give us the grace to see our circumstances as a greater progress for the gospel. Even if our circumstances are adverse. May we realize that God will cause all things to work together for good. And again, as our persecuted brothers and sisters realize,  this will require the grace of God in our lives.

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine

Sun. Eve.
Dec. 10, 2017

This sent from a friend of mone who works with Open Doors.

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Powerful message here, brother. We cheer at the "deliverance” stories but there are far more "endurance” stories.

"She reflected, "It’s been nice to know why. It helps my faith. But it was hard. Every day was hard. I can’t say I saw Jesus, or even felt him close most of the time. I just got the strength to keep going, and that was enough.”Â 

"God can deliver us by transforming a situation, but more often He delivers by giving us the strength to endure the situation. That way, others are transformed as well as ourselves.”

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May God give us the grace to endure to the end.

Only because of Jesus.

Blaine

Mon. Morn.
Dec. 11. 2017

Read these devotionals from Extreme Devotion.

December 11: Extreme "Loss” CZECHLOSLOVAKIA: BROTHER ZAVARSKY

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. Philippians 3:8

Finally, the frustration was too much. "All my time is spent in slave labor!” complained the Czech prisoner, Brother Zavarsky. "Ten hours a day I weave baskets, which the Communists sell for good money. Why did I study so much to be a pastor? Those miserable ones in the service of Communism have high positions at the church now. They preach, they advise, they feed the flock. And I suffer.”

"Why do you complain?” said another Christian at the prison. "God doesn’t need your sermons or your theology. The puppets of Communism do this work. But they cannot share the sufferings of the Savior. This is the main promise that one should give at ordination. Did you never preach about enduring sorrows for Christ? Thank God he has given you now the opportunity to fulfill what is the most valuable part of any sermon.” Chastened, Zavarsky no longer complained about being in prison or the long days of labor. After leaving prison, Zavarsky could not continue his work as a pastor because his imprisonment had left him very ill. But visitors to his bedside did not find a beaten and ruined man. They saw a man whose face shone with love for the Savior. He confessed his life had not been lost or stolen from him. He gave it up willingly to help Jesus carry his cross.

What will cause people to willingly take a loss on a business deal so that they can give generously? What will cause people to leave their Christian homeland for a pagan foreign nation? What will cause someone to die rather than give in to temptation? It’s extreme commitment to the person of Christ. They see an opportunity for spiritual gain in every personal loss. They are willing to take a personal hit to their wallet, schedule, plans, comforts, and conveniences in order to advance the kingdom of God. How do you express your extreme devotion? Do others think you’re crazy for the level of your commitment? "Losing it” for Jesus means heaven’s gain.

Blaine

Tues. Afternoon 
Dec. 12, 2017

Richard Wormbrandt was said to have commented that a first century church service was never finished until the martyrs remembered.

But do we remember our persecuted  brothers and sisters in our prayers? Let the song below bring them to our hearts and minds.

https://youtu.be/wbc62kFa9SM

Blaine

Mike thanks for posting brother. Will definitely encourage others to sign the petition.

Blaine

Wed. Morn.
Dec. 13, 2017

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Read these devotionals from Extreme Devotion.

December 13: Extreme Proof RUSSIA: PASTOR "GEORGE”

We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. 1 John 5:9

Pacing around the small room of the church, the Russian captain nodded towards the cross on the wall. "That is a lie, you know,” he said. "It’s just a piece of trickery you ministers use to delude the poor and make it easier for the rich to give you money. Come on now””we’re alone. Admit to me that you’ve never really believed Jesus Christ was the Son of God.”

Pastor "George" looked at the cross and then smiled. "Of course I believe it. It's true." "I won't have you play tricks on me!" cried the captain. He drew the revolver from the holster at his side and held it close to the minister's body. "Unless you admit that it's a lie, I will shoot you." "I cannot admit that, for it would be a lie," said "George." "Our Lord is really the true Son of God. Shooting me will not change that." The captain flung the revolver to the floor. The pastor was surprised when the soldier grabbed him by the arms with tears in his eyes. "It's true!" cried the captain. "It is true. I believe, too. I could not be sure men would die for this belief until I found it out for myself. Oh, thank you! You have strengthened my faith. Now I, too, can die for Christ. You showed me how."

Martyrs are found in any religion. We say we are willing to die for our faith. They say they are willing to die for theirs. How does a Christian martyr prove his or her faith any more so than a Muslim extremist? We don’t. That Muslims are willing to die for their faith does not prove the reliability of their religion any more than our own willingness proves Christianity. God alone proves he is the true God. We testify to the truth. But God is the truth. His testimony about his Son far outweighs your own. Others can show you how to die for Jesus. But only God can give you complete assurance that it is worth it.

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Blaine

Thurs. Eve.
Dec. 14, 2017

Read these devotionals from Extreme Devotion.

December 14: Extreme Gratitude THE NETHERLANDS: HANS

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

Hans had distinguished himself in Antwerp, a city in the Netherlands, as a serious student of the Bible. He even spent his Sundays instructing new converts. But Hans and his mother were considered a threat. They were Anabaptists, and their beliefs caused them to be considered heretics in the eyes of religious leaders.

In 1577, the bailiff and his officials finally arrested Hans and several others, but his mother was able to escape. Religious leaders tortured Hans, trying to force him to recant his Anabaptist beliefs. But he refused to give in to their cruel torture. During his imprisonment in a dank, isolated dungeon in the castle of Antwerp, he wrote letters of encouragement to his family and friends. Hans wrote the following letter: "Most dearly beloved mother, I am glad to tell you that I am well according to the flesh. But according to the spirit, I thank the Lord that he gives me strength by his Holy Spirit, so that my mind is unchanged. For from him alone we expect our strength to withstand these cruel wolves, so that they can have no power over our souls.” Hans was soon brought before a court where he boldly proclaimed his faith. He was then sentenced to be burned at the stake. His letter testified to his solid gratitude to Christ for protecting and saving his soul.

"God is great. God is good. Let us thank him for our . . . sufferings?” That’s not the childhood prayer of blessing we are used to hearing. The phrase itself is dissonant to our ears, yet it reminds us how dissonant the principle is to our hearts. We would much rather thank him for our food than for our trials. In the same way, Hans penned his gratitude for his sufferings in an odd thank-you note. However, it is the sincere prayer of a martyr whose sufferings made him the man he always wanted to be. Are you exactly who you want to be for Christ? Are you willing to thank God for allowing whatever it takes, even intense sufferings, to bring you that victory?

Blaine

Friday Afternoon
Dec. 15, 2017

Brothers and sisters do we have a story. Imagine sitting at the bridal feast of the Lamb.  You talk to a little girl and her name is Sara.  You ask Sara how did you come here? Sarah says my mother and father were church leaders in Syria.  One night the jihadists came into our apartment. My father was martyred right in front of us. They slit the throat of my mother. They came to my brother and I. We said we forgive you. They killed my brother and I and we were in the presence of Jesus.

Saints what will our story be. There are those who wish for a pretrib rapture too escape the persecutions. Yet our persecuted brothers and sisters are willing to endure the persecutions. They're prayer is that they not be delivered "from" the persecutions. But that they will be delivered "through" the persecutions.  

Nik Ripken says that persecution is normal. Our brothers and sisters live the normal Christian Life. Those who are persecuted in restricted nations. Those who are persecuted in nations hostile to the gospel are living the normal Christian life of the cross. Indeed they will have a story to tell. Will we have a story to tell?

Video below tells the story of the martyrs. It also challenges us with a thought-provoking question. What are we living for?

https://youtu.be/HruIqvRH-gQ

Blaine

Sun. Afternoon
Dec. 17,2017

I remember. You gave your life to lift Jesus on high. I remember you.

Poignant song about remembering the persecuted brothers and sisters.

https://youtu.be/gSUehezvM3k

Will we remember them in our prayers?

Blaine

Tues. Morning
Dec. 19, 2017

Read these devotionals from Extreme Devotion.

December 19: Extreme Servants SAUDI ARABIA: ESKINDER MENGHIS

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

It was midnight when officers burst into their home and abruptly awakened Eskinder Menghis and his wife and three children. They walked out to find agents with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior ransacking their home.

"What are you doing? You have no right to destroy our home like this.” "And you have no right to practice your religion in the land of Mohammed! You were warned before you came to leave your religion behind.” The officer pushed Eskinder out the door as the others gathered up the Bibles, hymnals, photos albums, audiotapes, and anything else they could use as evidence. Eskinder was brought to the police headquarters for interrogation, leaving behind his frightened wife and children. Eskinder and his family are Ethiopian Christians. They are among the many foreigners who make up one-third of Saudi Arabia’s population, working in the oil-rich nation. Many of these foreigners are Christians who face a terrible predicament when it comes to expressing their faith. Many Christians never intend to practice their faith when they go to work in a Muslim nation. But once under the dark cloud of Islam, they begin to look toward heaven and find fellowship with other believers around them. Many even start to witness to their Muslim employers. In Saudi Arabia, converting a Muslim to Christianity carries a death penalty for both parties.

Where no career missionaries can tread, full-time Christian servants enter the scene. They bring a unique and powerful witness to one of the most restricted nations in the world. They are committed Christians cleverly disguised as ordinary engineers on the oil fields of Saudi Arabia. Their mission is clear, though their methods are covert. Their witness is strong, yet secretive. Their task is to present the gospel by being a servant: a selfless and hardworking colleague at work and an unselfish neighbor at home. Our task is to support them through prayer. We are all servants, doing our part, to bring the world to faith in Christ. Those like Eskinder in Saudi Arabia are doing their job. Are you doing yours?

Blaine

Wed. Noon.
Dec. 20, 2017

... I am with you always even to the end of the age... Mat. 28:20

... Therefore If there is encouragement in Christ ... Phil. 2:1

Many times the term secret  believers will be applied to those brothers and sisters in the persecuted church.  Because of the hostility directed against them many times they have to meet in secret.   Often at night so as to not call attention to themselves.

But in places like Saudi Arabia there will be those believers who must walk out  their faith in Christ alone. It is often dangerous for believers to meet together, even in secret.  Sometimes saints in internet communities can provide some support for these isolated believers. But many times they walk out their faith in Jesus alone.  They must lean upon Jesus alone for encouraging fellowship.

And then there are those who are imprisoned. Some in isolation. Again Jesus must be their encouragement.  We think of Asia Bibi. We think of Andrew Brunson and countless thousands who are in prison for their faith in Christ. Many of them must depend upon Jesus to minister to them in their hours of loneliness.

Let us remember our persecuted brothers and sisters who are isolated in countries such as Saudi Arabia. Let us remember our brothers and sisters who are isolated because of their imprisonment for Christ  Let us keep them in our prayers.  Let us pray that Jesus be there all encouraging fellowship.

Blaine 

Fri Morn.
Dec. 22, 2017

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Read these devotionals from Extreme Devotion.

December 22: Extreme Suffering ”” Part One SUDAN: KAMERINO

Devote yourselves to prayer. Colossians 4:2

The grandmother finally let her hungry, ten-year-old grandson go search for food. She knew the dangers outside the village and insisted that he be home before dark.

Kamerino and his friends had walked several miles picking berries when they suddenly heard soldiers yelling at them. Frightened, the boys ran into a field with tall grass and ducked down. The soldiers lit the field on fire and waited for the boys to run out. Christians in Sudan have been displaced within their own country for their religious beliefs. Many have fled the cruel Islamic assaults with barely the clothing on their backs. The flames quickly reached the boys, and they had no choice but to run for their lives. Only three boys made it out of the fields; Kamerino remained. When the fire burned down, the soldiers, having caught the other three, walked to where Kamerino was lying. Scorching pain caused his body to curl up in the fetal position. The boy’s burned body was motionless, and he was left for dead””another Christian casualty. Or so they thought. By some miracle, Kamerino crawled out of the field and was discovered by fellow villagers, who brought him back to his grandmother’s home. Large portions of his body were grossly burned. There was nothing they could do for Kamerino but pray for his sufferings.

The Christians in Sudan put the power of prayer in perspective. Their sufferings and daily dangers have reduced their reliance upon themselves and increased their dependence upon God. Prayer is all that remains for many Christian families in Sudan. It’s a scary proposition””and a wonderful place to be. We are not likely to say that God is all we need until and unless God is all we have. Otherwise, we are quick to rely on our own abilities. Prayer””what can do the most, we are apt to do the least. God is calling you to extreme prayer in these extreme times. How often do you rely on prayer as if there were nothing else you could do but pray?

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I remember speaking to a pastor from Africa. I asked him if the niracles we heard about in the west were true. The dear brother responded to me by saying the miracles of healings and even people being raised from the dead were true. When I asked him why the miracles were occurring in Africa and not here in America. The dear man of God gently replied to me. "Brother you have your hospitals and your insurance. But when you are out in the bush over a hundred miles from an aid station. All you can do is call out to God In prayer."

Corrie Ten Boom remarked that you never know that Jesus is all you need until you discover that Jesus is all you have.

Blaine

Fri. Eve.
Dec. 22, 2017

Andrew Brunson and his wife Norine are American pastor missionaries who labored in Turkey for over two decades. They have a love for the Turkish people and their desire is to see the gospel take root in Turkish hearts. This couple planted a small evangelical church in the Turkish city of Izmir. Andrew Bronson and his wife were arrested last year during the purges by Recip Tyep Erdogan. His wife Noreen was released. But her dear husband Andrew will be serving possibly four consecutive life sentences. He may never see the light of day. He has been charged with attempts to overthrow the Turkish government. No evidence has been produced. His attorneys have no access to his file. Some believe that the charges may have been motivated by Muslims who objected to his ministry. Please keep this brother in your prayers. Below is a report from Voice of the Martyrs.

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From Voice of the Martyrs...

On August 24th, Pastor Andrew Brunson was connected via video link from the maximum-security prison where he is presently being held. The judge at the Second Criminal Court in Izmir read out allegations from the chief prosecutor's office that Pastor Brunson had obtained confidential political and military information for espionage purposes, specifically to "overthrow" the Turkish parliament and government, and thus undermine the constitutional order of the state.

Although new charges have been added, any evidence supporting such absurd claims has yet to be presented, and no indictment has been handed down. In his response to the judge, the accused pastor adamantly maintained his innocence and denied the charges, pleading with the judge that evidence be provided. Pastor Brunson also further denied any such activity and reiterated that he is "a man of religion" whose aim is to teach of Jesus Christ. The chairman of the Association of Protestant Churches, Ihsan Ozbek, labelled the accusations "absurd" and "political." Neither the pastor nor his lawyer have had access to his file or any submitted evidence.

Pastor Brunson was initially arrested with his wife Norine on October 7th of last year. The pastoring couple were told of plans for their deportation as they were considered "a threat to national security." While his wife was subsequently released, Pastor Brunson had been held in an immigration detention facility until his transfer to a prison in Izmir. Currently, he faces four consecutive life sentences based on the newly devised charges. More about his initial arrest is available here.

Despite the false claims being presented before the court, pray that Pastor Brunson's years of dedication to the Lord and his faithfulness in ministry and humanitarian service will provide compelling evidence to the contrary among his accusers and those in authority. May the light of truth be revealed to the judicial officials, so they will come to realize his sincerity and best intentions for the people and the country of Turkey as a whole. In addition, intercede for the congregation members affected by their pastor's arrest. May they experience a greater passion for the Lord and an increased fervency to serve Him so their church will continue to thrive and grow.

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Blaine 

Saturday Morn.
Dec. 23, 2017

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Read these devotionals from Extreme Devotion.

December 23: Extreme Suffering ”” Part Two SUDAN: KAMERINO

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4

An American missionary team was traveling through Sudan delivering food, blankets, and Bibles and showing the JESUS video. Everything was on schedule until their truck got stuck in a river and they lost a day’s work.

The missionaries committed the events to God and asked him to guide their path. Knowing they would have to cut their travels short to make their deadline, they decided to visit a closer village. Shortly after arriving, a number of women came running up to the foreign visitors. In broken English they cried, "Come quickly . . . our boy . . . you must help . . . come quickly!” The team followed the women into a small, dark building. On the floor they found a small boy lying motionless, wrapped in a ragged blanket. When the blanket was lifted off, they discovered the severe burns covering Kamerino’s body. They quickly and carefully loaded Kamerino into their truck and drove to the hospital fifty miles away. There, the boy immediately received the treatment he badly needed. Today Kamerino’s eyes fill with tears when he remembers how prayer and providence rescued him. He knows the love of Christ and his power to heal, and for the first time in many months, he smiles. The missionaries also thank God that after being surrounded by so much death and suffering in Sudan, he allowed them to save the life of a brave, ten-year-old boy.

Kamerino brings new meaning to the phrase, "to be continued.” His life seemed destined for unending suffering, living out his life wrapped in a ragged blanket. However, part two proved to be a happy ending and a reminder of God’s grace. However, his story does not end even there. Part three is yet to be written. One day, Kamerino will experience the ultimate healing””a heavenly home where there is no suffering or pain. Earth will get worse before it gets better. Yet God will step into the worst situation imaginable and call for an end to all suffering. Then we will all head for home. If you are going through unimaginable pain right now, remember where you are ultimately headed.

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Blaine

Sat. Afternoon 
Dec. 23, 2017

My Brothers and Sisters,

When our persecuted family are arrested for their faith in Christ they have no access to a Bible. All they can do is pray. Such was the case with our brother Richard Wurmbrand.  

As Richard was praying in his cell one day.  The guard rushed in and in frustration said,

”¢”¢”¢"You pray!  You fool!  Your wife is in prison, your son is an orphan. Your life is gone, and yet you still pray...to your imaginary God. What could you possibly have left to pray for?"”¢”¢”¢

To which Richard gently replied,

ӢӢӢ" I was praying for you."ӢӢӢ

Below is a video from Voice of the Martyrs which shares the solitary prayers of Richard Wurmbrandt.  This video is part of a movie which will be released the spring on the life of our dear brother in Christ.

https://youtu.be/R-QJehD4A7g

In the early days of our prayer call one of our sisters shared a vision she had recieved from the Lord. She said she saw a man who was arrested for his faith in Christ. He was in a jail cell weeping. He was not weeping for himself but for his guard who did not know Jesus.

Jesus prayed for those who were crucifying him when he said Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Our persecuted brothers and sisters pray for those who persecute them and cry out that they will come to Christ for salvation.  For their persecutors know not what they do. Only the love of Jesus Christ can restore them.

Let us also pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters. Let us also pray for those who persecute them. If you are able please join us on tonight's call as we lift up the persecuted church and the global harvest of souls. Nadia and Merlaine will lead off on tonight's call.

"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."...Mat. 5:44

Time of tonight's call is.......

9 p.m. EST
8 p.m. CST
7 p.m. MST
6 p.m. PST

Call number and access code are.......

712.775.7035.......281207#

Lord willing, I pray to join you on tonight's call.

Also please remember we will not have a prayer call Sunday and Monday nights, Christmas Eve and Christmas night. But please do remember our persecuted brothers and sisters in your prayers.

Your brother in Jesus,

Blaine 

Sunday Morning
Dec. 24, 2017

My Brothers and Sisters,

Why did Jesus suffer.  Why for two thousand years have the followers of Christ endured the most horrendous sufferings on His behalf?  

Consider what John Piper says in a powerful message below,

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The purpose of God in creating the universe is to display the greatness of the glory of His grace supremely in the suffering of His Son. That's yesterday.

Today the summons. Will you join the Son in displaying the supreme satisfaction of the glory of grace in joining Him on the Calvary road of suffering? Because there is no other way the world is going to see the supreme glory of Christ today except that we break free of the Disneyland of America.  And begin to live life styles of missionary sacrifice that look to the world like our treasure is in heaven and not on the earth. It is the only way!!!

The prosperity gospel will not make anybody Praise Jesus.  It will make people praise prosperity.

Of course I will have a Jesus who will give me a car.  Who wouldn't want a Jesus who gives me health, a car, a fine marriage?  I'll take your Jesus if the payoff is right.  It's not the way you are going to win your campus (or the world )  Dress in the coolest. Driving the coolest. Typing on the coolest. It's not going to get any praise for the suffering Christ.

He calls you in this service, in this conference, in this life, in this world, in the newspaper world, he calls you to another way.

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Full 10-minute powerful message of John Piper on YouTube below.

https://youtu.be/--JiiuJNvt4

Jesus calls us to suffer for His glory. To magnify the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in our sacrifice for Him. He calls us to fill up what is lacking in His afflictions to reach others for the gospel.

Will we choose to suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ? Will we choose to suffer for His sake so that others will see His cross in us?  Will we suffer for Jesus?

Your brother in Christ,

Blaine

Monday Morning,
Dec. 25, 2017

My Brothers and Sisters,

Paul writes in Colossians 1:24,

ӢӢӢ But I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions.ӢӢӢ

What does our brother Paul mean? Such a statement above with almost seen heretical.  John Piper gives an explanation of this verse. Below is the full message of what I shared part of yesterday. The message is entitled How our Sufferings Glorify God.  John Piper shares how are suffering for Christ will demonstrate His sufferings to the lost.  The video is about 37 minutes long. But the message is powerful.

https://youtu.be/yrVs_ZIo1Wo

ӢӢӢ the Cross of Christ is for propitiation. Our cross is for proclamation.ӢӢӢ Josef Tsom

The Son summons us to a proclamation of His cross to the world through our suffering for Him. Will we join Him on the Calvary road of suffering.  Will we take up our cross to follow Him and reach the lost?

Dear brothers and sisters wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Christ filled New Year.  And please do remember to keep our persecuted brothers and sisters in your prayers. For they for sure are praying for us. They are praying and we will take up our cross and glorify Christ in our sufferings.

As ever your brother in Christ,

Blaine

Tues. Morn.
Dec. 26, 2017

My Brothers and Sisters,

”¢”¢”¢ And He was saying to them all, " if anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up His cross daily and follow me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.  For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?"”¢”¢”¢ Lk. 9:23-24

ӢӢӢ Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple ӢӢӢ Lk. 14:27

In my several years of walking with the Lord Jesus I have ever been challenged to take up my cross daily to follow Him. This is expected if I am to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.  I have understood my taking up the cross is to crucify my fesh.  I have understood the taking up my cross is to live a crucified life as unto Jesus.  As Paul would say may I never boast except in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ to which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. I have understood my taking up the cross as to die to the lust of the fesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful  pride of life.

But the message by John Piper has challenged me to look at a different aspect of the cross. A deeper aspect of the cross. And that is my living a crucified life as unto Christ is to demonstrate His cross to the world.

Please consider the words of our brother Paul as he wrote to the Galatians,

ӢӢӢ You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?ӢӢӢ Gal. 3:1

Paul expounds this thiught further in Galatians,

ӢӢӢ From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand marks of Jesus.ӢӢӢ Gal. 6:17

Paul is demonstrating the crucified life to the Galatians.  He is proclaming the cross to them by the beatings and imprisonments and sufferings that he endured for the Lord Jesus Christ.

John Piper gives a quote by Josef Tsom that better conveys the above thoight,

”¢”¢”¢ The cross of Christ is for propitiation.  Our cross is for proclamation. ”¢”¢”¢Â 

Our sufferings in a crucified Life for Christ are to declare the cross of Jesus to a dying world.  We see our persecuted brothers and sisters who are carrying the cross. We see them living out the reality of a crucified life to those around them.  They have joined Jesus in the summons to go on a Calvary road of suffering. Are we willing to join them on that same road? Am I willing to join them on that same road? This is a thought-provoking question that I must ask myself before the Lord Jesus.

Your brother in Christ,

Blaine

Tues. Morn.
Dec. 27, 2017

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Our brother, the Apostle Paul writes,

ӢӢӢ For ust as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.ӢӢӢ 2 Cor. 1:5

Paul knew the sufferings of Jesus. Our persecuted brothers and sisters know the sufferings of Jesus. At Christmas time, those in prison for Christ can experience deep loneliness as they miss their families. But also at Christmas time, the comfort of Christ can certainly be theirs in abundance.  

The persecuted know the comfort of Christ as seen in the devotion from Voice of the Martyrs.

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December 27: Extreme Christmas Story ROMANIA: ARISTAR 

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

"Have you ever smelled fresh hay?”

Aristar, the farming lad, began his story. "It’s like someone captured the essence of spring and bundled it before it could lose its newness. Mary and Joseph must have smelled it when they arrived at the manger after their long journey.” The other prisoners listened intently as Aristar spoke naturally of the nativity. "The horse’s ears would have turned towards the Savior’s cry as soon as he was born. They are great listeners, as we should be when Jesus speaks.” Outside the Romanian prison of Tirgul-Ocna, the snow was six feet deep on a bitterly cold Christmas Eve. The prisoners had few clothes, little food, and barely one blanket each. They all missed their families and turned to listen to Aristar’s story of Christ’s birth for comfort. He continued, "The light of the star must have been brighter than the moon. It may have shone through the stable’s doorway and made the rooster crow announcing Christ’s birth.” The prisoners listened and wept. After the story, someone began to sing, gradually swelling to echo in the clear, crisp air. Everyone stopped to listen to the beautiful sound. Even in the harsh prison, the story of Christ’s gift warmed the hearts of many. Because Christ is the foundation, one can never lock out the spirit of Christmas.

Sure, Christmas is an annual celebration. Christmas is much more than that, however; it happens in the hearts of all people who stop to celebrate the magic of Christ’s entry into the world””regardless of the season. The Christmas spirit of warmth shines into our darkest circumstances and reminds us of our hope in Christ. Regardless of whether or not we see snow on the ground, colored lights, and a decorated tree, we can celebrate Christmas. Whatever you’re going through, Christ was born to help you in your time of need. His mercy extends all year long. When was the last time you felt the hope of Christ alive in your soul? Take time today to celebrate the birth of Christ””into your world and into your heart.

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Let us reflect on the devotion above. Let us pray comfort for those who are going through suffering be it persecution or perhaps even the loneliness of the holidays. The suffering may be illness or perhaps the loss of a loved one. Whatever the sufferings of Christ may be in our individual lives. Let us pray that God will meet and extend his comfort to those who so desperately need Jesus.

As ever I remain your brother in Christ.

Blaine

Wed. Aft.
Dec. 27, 2017

My Brothers and Sisters,

In the message below John Piper says,

ӢӢӢ At the heart of true Biblical missions is the readiness, willingness to die to the cravings exploited by prosperity preachers.ӢӢӢ

He also says,

ӢӢӢ At the heart of true Biblical missions is the eagerness to live simply and "give" lavishly, and not "live" lavishly.ӢӢӢ

ӢӢӢ The biblical missions has at its heart suffering.ӢӢӢ

Short powerful 3-minute message below where our brother echoes the above thoughts..

https://youtu.be/NCh190ZzuWU

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians,

ӢӢӢ For to you it has been granted for Christ sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now here to be in me.ӢӢӢ Phil.1:29-30

Being a believer here in America it is hard for me to wrap my mind around the above verses. God has granted to me the ability to believe in Him.  But not only has he granted me faith in Christ. But he has also granted made me the ability to suffer for Him.

Brothers and sisters are we in America suffering for Jesus? If not why? These are questions that we need to ponder particular in light of the times we're living in. Why are our brothers and sisters suffering in parts of the world literally laying down their lives for Jesus? And we in Americat here have it so nice and easy?

Please note I ask myself more than you these questions.

As ever your brother in Christ,

Blaine

Thurs. Morn.
Dec. 28, 2017

My brothers and sisters what will it take to get us to go share the gospel? In the short message below John Piper suggests that it might take persecution.

https://youtu.be/A_IgJY8b0os

ӢӢӢ So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenix and Cypress and Antioch speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. But there were some of them, men of Cypress and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and begin speaking to the Gentiles also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the Hand of the Lord was with him, and a large number who believed turn to the Lord.ӢӢӢ Acts 11:19-21

Bro Blaine

Marvin writrs...

[ Every time you go it's a victory.]

To that I say amen brother. So may I get in gear and go out and share Jesus.

Bro Blaine

Thurs. Eve.
Dec. 28, 2017

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Read these devotionals from Extreme Devotion.

December 28: More Extreme Vision EASTERN EUROPE: A CHRISTIAN PRISONER

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self . . . and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22, 24

The prisoner was brought before the deputy commander, a harsh, angry, red-faced woman with broad shoulders. "So, you have been speaking to the prisoners about God again. I am here to tell you it must stop!” Her face illustrated the rage in Communist prisons in Eastern Europe.

The prisoner stood quietly but steadfastly. She informed the commander that nothing could stop her from speaking about her Savior. The commander raised her fist to strike the prisoner, but suddenly stopped. "What are you smiling about?” she demanded. "I am smiling because of what I see in your eyes.” "And what is that?” "Myself. I used to be quite impulsive, too. I was angry and used to strike out until I learned what it really means to love. Since then, my hands do not clench into fists anymore.” She continued, "If you look into my eyes, you will see yourself as only God could make you, just as he did with me.” The prisoner could see how her former self might have defended her rights, returning insult for insult. However, because of her new life in Christ, she only showed kindness and gained the right to continue her witness. The commander’s hands dropped to her sides. She seemed completely stunned and said quietly, "Go away.” The prisoner continued to witness for Christ throughout the prison, with no more interference from the deputy commander.

The commander’s attempts to rile the prisoner were like arguing with a dead person. It was as if she were trying to provoke a corpse. Finally, the commander saw the prisoner for who she really was: a new creation in Christ. The old person that would have once responded to hatred with more hatred was gone. In its place, the prisoner allowed the commander to see only Christlike repose and kindness. In the same way, we must see ourselves in a new light. We are no longer bound to respond to our enemy with worldly animosity. We have died to the former way of life. When you are poked, prodded, and provoked by the enemy to act unbecomingly, take a lesson from the prisoner in this story. Play dead.

▪▪▪▪▪▪▪

A dear sister will remind me at times a dead man has no rights.

Bro Blaine

Fri. Morn.
Dec. 29, 2017

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December 29: Extreme River Crossing THAILAND: BROTHER HO

See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love. Psalm 119:159

Brother Ho was sick and running a fever when he and his friend stepped into the icy waters of the Mekong River. They were Bible students in Laos before the Communist soldiers overran their college.

They barely escaped with their lives on their way to Thailand. They could not say goodbye to their families, who were not Christians, because they might be turned over to the police. So they said a silent prayer and stepped into the cold, muddy, river with precious cargo strapped to their backs””Bibles wrapped in plastic. Other earthly possessions were left behind. Ho thought to himself, "Lord, at least if we die, they will know we are Christians and hopefully read one of these Bibles.” About halfway across the river, Ho’s friend desperately shifted the plastic bag under his chest to float on it. The sudden splashing noise alerted the guards in a nearby tower, and they shined a spotlight onto the river. The light flashed over one of the plastic bundles and the guard dismissed it as just a fish. Relieved, Ho and his friend quietly made their way to the Thailand side of the river. They thanked God that their Bibles contained the words of eternal life and had also saved their lives that night. After arriving to safety, they dedicated themselves to ministering in the many refugee camps of Thailand.

The missionaries in this story were relying on more than paper and leather binding to save them. They relied on God. Still, their midnight river crossing gives us an accurate picture of the role the Bible should play in our lives. We are to rely on God’s Word as if our very lives depended on it. We are unlikely to find ourselves in a situation where this truth becomes a literal reality. However, the illustration is valid. We must cling to the promises of Scripture to preserve our lives. When we are in trouble, we cannot swim far enough on our own to get us out of a mess. We must "float” on God’s Word, or we will altogether sink.

▪▪▪▪▪▪▪

Our persecuted brothers and sisters do rely on the Word. But always they see that first and foremost that Jesus is the Word they cling to. Yet our persecuted brethren also value the Bible. I have seen videos where precious saints who endured persecution will receive their first Bible and tears will come to their eyes. They will hug and caress the book. As if they were hugging and caressing Jesus Himself. For to our persecuted family the Word is both the living Christ himself and his living scrpitures.

Who and what is the Word to us?

Bro Blaine

Fri. Noon
Dec. 29, 2017

Brothers and sisters can we ignore the cry of our persecuted brethren.  Can we close our heart against their heart cry that we pray for them. Let the video below once again tenderize our hearts toward our persecuted family

https://youtu.be/t6q2aW1TafI

ӢӢӢ Remember the prisoners as though in prison with them, and those who are ill treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.ӢӢӢ Heb. 13:3

ӢӢӢ Then the righteous will answer Him, " Lord. when did we see you hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see you a stranger, and invite you in, or naked, and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison, and come to you?" Then the King will answer and say to them, " Truly I say to you to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even to the least of them, you did it to Me."ӢӢӢ Mat. 25:37-40

On that dreadful and awesome and glorious day when we will be gathered before the Lord Jesus. Might He ask us. "Did you at least pray for my persecuted bride?"

Brothers and sisters let us keep our persecuted family in our prayers.

As ever, your brother in Christ.

Blaine 

Sat. Morn.
Dec. 30, 2017

ӢӢӢ
If anyone has an ear, let him hear. If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes, if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints... Rev. 13:9-10
ӢӢӢ

My brothers and sisters it is easy to read the above verses and relegate them to some future event.  It is easy to look at worldwide persecution as something that will occur during the great tribulation.  

Yet saints are being imprisoned and martyred around the world at an increasing rate.  Even we in America are not immune to saints being martyred.  This past November, 5th,  26 dear brothers and sisters lost their lives at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Texas.

The Spirit would say to us in the above verses, he that has an ear let him hear.  Let us hear what God is saying to us as followers of Jesus here in America. Let us realize that imprisonment and martyrdom do await us in the not-too-distant future.

Also the Spirit is exhorting  to us to go deeper with Jesus.  We must go deeper with Him if we are to endure the persecutions that are coming.

In Matthew 13 we read,

ӢӢӢ
The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no firm root in himself, but it's only temporary, and when affliction and persecution arises because of the word immediately he falls away... Mat. 13:20-21
ӢӢӢ

The person described above would be a shallow heart believer. Such a person has no firm root in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a person who will fall away when persecution and tribulation come.

At the end of Matthew 7 Jesus describes the wise and the foolish man,

”¢”¢”¢Â 
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came,and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell””and great was its fall.””¢”¢”¢ Mat. 7:25-27
ӢӢӢ

Brothers and sisters let us be the wise man, that wise person who is building their foundation on the rock of Jesus. Let us go deeper and deeper in Him. The Spirit tells us that persecution is coming. But if we go deeper into the Lord Jesus Christ. We will endure the persecutions. Such is the testimony of our brothers and sisters in hostile nations. Such is their prayer for us.

As ever, your brother in Christ.

Blaine

Sat. Eve.
Dec. 30, 2017

My brothers and sister how is your prayer life? In the short video below a brother describes Muslims who are seeking Christ. They are seeking Him through praying and asking Him for things. And the amazing thing is the Muslims are expecting Jesus to answer their prayers. And He does.

https://youtu.be/uOjN3NWJVKQ

The brother says in the video that he discovered his prayer life needed changing. After watching the video a few times I discovered my prayer life needs changing. I gently ask this question to you. Does your prayer life need changing? Do we pray with an expectancy that God will answer our prayers?

Closing thought. Prayer is not asking God for the things I want. But prayer is trusting God for the things I need.

Your brother in Jesus,

Blaine 

Sun. Morn.
Dec.31, 2017

My Brothers and Sisters,

This time of year I am reminded of a Christmas card I saw several years ago. The card had a profound message that resonated in my spirit.  The card said,

ӢӢӢ
The Word did not become a philosophy, a theology, or a concept be discussed debated or pondered.  But the Word became a Person to be followed, loved, and enjoyed.
ӢӢӢ

In my years of praying for the persecuted believers I have learned of their radical  simplicity in Christ alone.  An article in a pesecuted report spoke of the suffering Church in Nigeria. The missionary writing the report said the Nigerian believers may not be able to articulate the finer points of the Calvinist/Arminian thelogical arguments.  But when  a jihadist comes to them swinging a machete and says, "Repeat the shahada.  Swear allegiance to the god of Islam. " The believer will quietly say :No Jesus is Lord."  The missionary said suddenly thei theology of these simple, precious saints becomes very deep.

Again I am reminded of 21 brothers in Christ who are martyred two years ago on the shores of Libya. They came out of a Coptic Orthodox background which is very ritualistic. But on that day each one died with one name on their lips. That was the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.   In the midst of their martyrdom there was a radical simplicity, a clinging to the Lord Jesus Christ. His name, His name alone became very precious to them.  Suddenly that day, Jesus more than any theological dogma,  became very real to them. As each of these precious brothers had their throat sliced by ISIS. Each one was ushered into the presence of their Savior.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 that we will be hated by all nations on account of His name.  We will  "not"  be hated because we believe the rapture will occur before the tribulation. We will  "not"  be hated because we hold to the five points of Calvinism. We will  "not"  be hated because we believe in the speaking of tongues.  We will "not"  be hated because we believe in a thousand year millennium . We will  "not"  be hated because we hold that women should wear the head covering in church . We will  "not"  be hated because we believe that Saturday is the Sabbath. We will  "not"  be hated because we voted for Donald Trump as president.  We will  "not"  be hated because_______ (fill in the blank).

We  "will"  be hated because we are followers of the Lamb.  We  "will"  be hated  "simply"  because we believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Brothers and sisters this is the testimony of our persecuted brethren in those nations that are hostile to the gospel of Jesus.  These suffering saints are hated because they are followers of Jesus.

Let our testimony be that we hold to the simplicity and purity of devotion to Jesus.  Let our testimony be that if we are hated it is for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Please do remember our persecuted brothers and sisters in your prayers this day.

As ever your brother in Christ,

Blaine 

Mon. Morn.
Jan 1, 2018

My Brothers and Sisters.

This morning I was listening to Luke 14. In the closing verses of the chapter Jesus said no one can be My disciple unless he take up his cross and follow Me.  The verses are as follows,

ӢӢӢ
If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple...Lk. 9:26-27
ӢӢӢ

Please understand Jesus is not saying that we are to hate with anger our own families. My understanding is that the hate he describes are degrees of love. That Jesus is saying He is to be loved even above our own families.

I discovered this video below.  It tells the story of one of our beloved hymns that was born in the midst of martyrdom. This hymn vividly illustrates the verses above.

https://youtu.be/ALP9f4QVIoA

The words to this precious hymn are,

ӢӢӢ
I have decided to follow Jesus.
I have decided to follow Jesus.
I have decided to follow Jesus.
No turning back. No turning back.

Tho none go with me. Still I will follow.
Tho none go with me. Still I will follow.  
Tho none go with me. Still I will follow.
No turning back. No turning back.

The cross before me. The world behind me.
The cross before me. The world behind me.
The cross before me.  The world behind me.
No turning back. No turning back.
ӢӢӢ

Though theese precious saints laid down their lives for the Lord Jesus Christ.  Their blood was not shed in vain. Consider the words of our brother John Piper below

ӢӢӢ
Today the summons. Will you join the Son in displaying the supreme satisfaction of the glory of grace in joining Him on the Calvary road of suffering? Because there is no other way the world is going to see the supreme glory of Christ today except that we break free of the Disneyland of America.  And begin to live life styles of missionary sacrifice that look to the world like our treasure is in heaven and not on the earth. It is the only way!!!
ӢӢӢ

This New Year may we enter into the sufferings of the Lord Jesus Christ so that we may display His glory in our lives by living crucified as unto Him.  Doing that so the world may see His glorious resurrected life in us.

Dear saints. A very blessed New Year to you this 2018.

As ever your brother in Jesus.

Blaine

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January 02: Extreme Unity MAURITANIA: TIMOTHY

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love. Colossians 2:2

"Tell him, Timothy, please!” shouted Maura, pleading with her husband. "Tell the governor where the Scriptures are hidden and be free! I cannot bear to watch any more of this.” Timothy and Maura, residents of the Roman province of Mauritania, had been married only a few short weeks before their arrest.

Maura had watched in horror as soldiers put out her husband’s eyes with hot irons, trying to break his will. Now, hanging upside down with a weight around his neck on the orders of Roman governor Arrianus, Timothy waited for his gag to be removed. The fear he initially felt at his arrest had been replaced with a sense of divine calm. Instead of renouncing his faith and disclosing the location of his church’s copies of the Scriptures, as the soldiers expected, Timothy scolded his young wife. "Do not let your love for me come before your love for Christ,” he urged Maura, affirming his willingness and determination to die for his Savior. Seeing her husband’s courage, Maura’s own resolve was strengthened. Arrianus, already in a rage at Timothy’s refusal, set out to break Maura’s newfound courage. He sentenced her to the harshest tortures of the Roman world. Yet she would not break. She refused to deny Christ. After each had endured unspeakable suffering, Timothy and Maura were crucified, side by side.

Jesus did not entrust his ministry to independent believers””he established a spiritual family. He used words like "brother” and "sister” to convey the idea that he did not expect his disciples to be in this alone. Paul continued Christ’s mission by instructing new believers to gather together in churches for fellowship and corporate worship. Christians need each other””especially in times of trial. When one believer falters, fellow believers rally in support and encouragement. This is why the New Testament regards the duty of living by example as a necessity in the Christian faith. One person’s example of faith and courage can inspire and unite others to follow suit. Conversely, when one believer cracks under the pressure of persecution, it is easier for others to give in as well. History holds high the camaraderie of Christian community””especially during persecution.

Posted by Bro Blaine

Wed. Morning.
Jan. 3,  2018

My Brothers and Sisters,

Does persecution bring revival or revival bring persecution?  I really cannot answer that question. But a brother shares in the video below how the revival in China began.  Even to this day it is said that China is experiencing the greatest revival since the book of Acts.  Let us listen to this video thoughtfully and be encouraged  to pray for in our own nation.  Let us be encouraged to pray for the persecuted church around the world.

https://youtu.be/Zo-28yvN3rM

Pray for the persecuted.

Pray for those people who share our faith but not our freedom.

Pray for the people who constantly live in fear for simply following Jesus.

And pray that we may be inspired to make a difference in our country.

No person, no border, and no door is close to us when we pray.

This is what a small team of intercessors is seeking to do as we meet every night through  the month of January. We are crying out for the persecuted church and the global harvest of souls.  We do this by conference prayer calls.

If you are so led to join us on Persecution Watch.  Please send me an email and I will send you call information.

Dear saints the hour is urgent. Jesus is going to return soon.  He will wrap up redemtivr history.  Then eternity will be up on us. 

What will our legacy be for the things of eternity?

I remain your brother in Christ.

Blaine
pwprayercall@gmail.com 

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January 04: Extreme Light COLORADO: RACHEL SCOTT

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

"I lost all my friends at school. Now that I’ve begun to ‘walk my talk,’ they make fun of me.” Rachel’s journal entries showed her disappointment that the very people to whom she wanted to show Christ’s love turned away from her. But she wouldn’t give in.

"I am not going to apologize for speaking the name of Jesus. I will take it. If my friends have to become my enemies for me to be with my best friend, Jesus, then that’s fine with me. I always knew being a Christian means having enemies, but I never thought that my ‘friends’ were going to be those enemies.” Rachel was a student at Columbine High School on the day two students opened fire in the school. One gunman asked her if she still believed in God. She looked him in the eye and said yes, she still believed. He asked her why, but he didn’t let her answer before killing her. Rachel Scott passed her test, and because she did, her light reached beyond her school to around the world. Long before the test came, Rachel expressed her willingness to give her all for Christ. The words from her journal, written exactly one year before her death, tell about her commitment: "I am not going to hide the light that God has put into me. If I have to sacrifice everything, I will.”

Faith is the invisible expression of our personal relationship with Christ. The Bible characterizes people’s faith as a light””a diffusion of hope that affects everyone around them. Jesus chose this illustration because of light’s inability to be restrained. For example, reading by flashlight under the covers, unknown to the average child, is hardly effective in terms of disguising latenight activity! Light simply shines by its very nature””despite our attempts to restrain it. Likewise, tension arises in believers’ lives when they must choose to fully express their faith or attempt to muffle it someway. With the reliability of the daily sunrise, those who have affirmed their decision once and for all find shining their light to be second nature.

▪▪▪▪▪▪▪

Such profound words from someone so young.  A few months ago another brother and I walked the Columbine Memorial commemorating those students who died that day.  I felt I was on hallowed ground. Particular as I read the journal entries engraved on the marker stones from Rachel Joy Scott and Cassie Bernall.  

I was gripped with a profound sense of sadness that students so young we're struck down before they can live there full lives. And yet I think of brothers and sisters so young who are slain for the Lord Jesus Christ.  Those who walk in the shadow of His cross are often struck down at a young age. But then I wonder.Just because they die at a young age does this mean that their lives were not full.

James tells us that our life is nothing but as a vapor before the Lord. But just because our life is as a vapor in light of the Eternal God. Does that mean that our life has to be empty.

What is a full life?  A full life is a heart that is filled with the Lord Jesus Christ.  I believe our sister Rachel Joy Scott reflected that full life in her heart as she was ushered into the presence of Jesus that day.

From the fellowship of His sufferings.

Bro Blaine

January 05: Extreme Prayer CHINA: SISTER WONG

The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.” Acts 9:11

When the Public Security Bureau officer entered the Chinese prison cell, Sister Wong moved away. This heartless man had arrested and persecuted many Christians, and only days earlier had beaten her as he interrogated her.

"Please, Sister Wong, my sister is very ill. She has lost all feeling in her legs. Will you come and pray for her?” Was this the same man who had confiscated hundreds of Bibles and Christian books from her? Now he was asking for prayer? Truly God must have gotten his attention. Days earlier, as the officer had questioned and abused Sister Wong, he received a phone call that his mother had been hit by a car. When he told his mother what he’d been doing, she told him that his harassment of Christians caused her accident. The officer deemed the warning mere superstition. The next day, he resumed questioning Sister Wong but got another message that his brother had been injured in an accident. The brother also blamed the officer’s attacks on Christians for the family’s misfortune. But when his sister became ill, he asked Sister Wong for prayers. Sister Wong saw the opportunity she’d been praying for, the chance to witness to her persecutors. God healed the sister, and through Sister Wong’s actions, he changed the officer’s heart. The officer returned all the Bibles that were confiscated and now supports the church.

Most people are strangely drawn to prayer””especially in times of hurt and pain. Barriers against anything remotely religious are dismantled piece by piece when someone requests or receives prayer. Rare is the person who will refuse a no-strings-attached offer for prayer. "I’m praying for you” can be the most powerful words a believer speaks to a non-believer. Why? Prayer is God’s agent of change. It gets results. Sometimes it changes circumstances. Sometimes it reverses decisions. Most often it changes those who are touched by prayer. The Bible says the first recorded action after the conversion of the former Christian persecutor, Saul of Tarsus, was prayer. Who knows the role prayer will play in the conversion of the "Sauls” throughout the world who are presently bent on Christianity’s destruction?

Blaine

Brothers and Sisters,

A persecuted pastor in Central Asia is asked these questions.

ӢӢӢ What is the greatest need of the persecuted church in Central Asia?

ӢӢӢ Prayer.

ӢӢӢ What is the greatest threat to the persecuted church in Central Asia?

ӢӢӢ Losing life.

ӢӢӢ What is the greatest cause of persecution?

ӢӢӢ Jesus.

ӢӢӢ What's most needed for Revival?

ӢӢӢ Commitment.

In the 10-minute video below the pastor shares the importance of prayer for the persecuted brothers and sisters in Central Asia.

https://youtu.be/Mrc8_CWov-Y

Please keep our persecuted brothers and sisters in Central Asia and around the world in our prayers.

Blaine

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better...Eph. 1:17 NIV

For God who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shown in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ...2 Cor. 4:6 NASB 

My Brothers and Sisters,

How blessed those Muslims must be to have a vision of the Lord Jesus Christ. One glimpse of Jesus and they are willing to lay down everything for Him.  No wonder our brother, the Apostle Paul, said that he was willing to suffer the loss of all things in order that he might know Jesus better. One glimpse of Jesus on the road to Damascus,  Paul realized that He was the fulfillment of all of the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament.

One glimpse of Jesus was all that Stephen needed to endure his martyrdom.   When he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of the glory of God. The stones hitting him meant nothing knowing that he was going home to be with His Lord.

About 3 years ago 21 Coptic believers were martyred on the shores of Libya. Accounts say that each one died with the name of Jesus on their lips. I wonder if these precious saints  had an apprehension of Jesus in a vision as Stephen did.  One glimpse of Jesus was all these precious brothers needed to know that they would be ushered into His presence. Their throats being sliced meant nothing. Knowing that they would soon be with their Lord and Savior was all that mattered.

Many of our persecuted brethren need only one glimpse of Jesus to sustain them in the midst of their persecutions. Having apprehended Jesus, they know that everything they lay down  for Him is worth it. They know that everything they lay down they gain much more in Christ in all of His glory.

It makes me a bit envious of those who are blessed with a vision of Jesus. My envy is not sinful but rather a spiritual selfishness of wanting to be blessed with such a vision.  But then Jesus does tell those of us who do not have a literal vision of Him that we are blessed if we simply believe and yet do not see Him. 

But then one day we surely will see Him when He comes and splits the sky and takes His own to be with Him.

This is the ultimate hope of our persecuted brothers and sisters.  This is the ultimate hope of us who pray for the persecuted church. For our hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ who is the hope of glory.

For all we need is one glimpse of Jesus.

Your brother in Christ.

Blaine

... Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews,...Jn.19:38

My Brothers and Sisters,

It is so easy for us in the west to look at the above verse and say Joseph was ashamed of the gospel. He should have come out in the open and proclaimed his faith. But in restricted nations to openly declare one as a follower of Jesus can bring harm to the secret church.   

Yes there will be those times such as on the case of Stephen  where one will declare their faith and conceivably be martyred. But there are other times when one has to be wise as a serpent and innocent as a dove in living out the reality of Jesus Christ in a hostile nation.

In a short video below the sister shares what it's like to be in a secret church.  

https://youtu.be/jbc1FKwKx8k

Let us continue to keep our brothers and sisters in prayer.  Those who follow Jesus on nations hostile to the gospel.  Those Jesus followers who are in the shadow of the cross.

Your brother in Christ,

Blaine

Brothers and Sisters,

Acts 9:4-6

《《 "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?  And he said, "Who are you Lord?"  And He said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting." 》》

In one split-second Paul realized that Jesus Christ was the long-awaited Messiah of Israel. In one split-second this young rabbi who had sat at the feet of Gamaliel realized that Jesus was the Fulfillment of over 300 plus prophecies in the Old Testament.  In one split-second Saul of Tarsus, who would become the Apostle Paul, realized that Jesus was the Messiah.

We must understand that Judaism was Saul's life.  When we read of Saul's religious background he was the Pharisee of the Pharisees. He was born and circumsized of the nation of Israel. He was of The tribe of Benjamin. He was blameless in observing Torah law. And in his zeal he persecuted the enemies of Judaism. They were the followers of Christ. Again Judaism was Paul's life. Yet in one split-second a glimpse of Jesus changed his whole paradyne. 

This is taking place today even in the Middle East.  Muslims who are having encounters with the Man in White.  Muslims who regard Islam as their life.  Jihadists who eat drink and sleep Islam. These are having radical encounters with Him they call Issa Amasa. Him they call Jesus the Messiah.

Muslims have one glimpse of Jesus and they realize that He is the true God. Just as Saul of Tarsus had one glimpse of Jesus and realized that he was the long-awaited Messiah.

One glimpse of Jesus and everything else becomes irrelevant. One glimpse of Jesus and one is willing to endure anything for Him.  One glimpse of Jesus and one is willing to suffer anything for Him.

As I have reflected on this I understand why Paul says in Philippians 3;9,

《《 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 》》

It was one glimpse of Jesus that Paul could count as loss, even as rubbish, all things. Because compared to the excellencies of Christ. Compared to the beauty of Jesus. All things pale in comparison to Him.  

Even our persecuted brothers and sisters who have had visions of Jesus. They have apprehended Him. They are willing to endure all things as loss. They are willing to endure all things as loss compared to the His beauty and His Excellency.

I confess sometimes I envy those brothers and sisters that have had visions of Jesus. Because one glimpse of Jesus everything else becomes irrelevant.

Perhaps the words of this simple gospel hymn best describes the experience of one glimpse of Jesus.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace

Brothers and sisters have we had a glimpse of Jesus? For one glimpse of Jesus is all we need.

Your brother in Christ,

Blaine

My Brothers and Sisters,

In in the west when we are faced with a crisis. Our first response will be to either call 911 or go to our smartphone and Google.  A sister tells me many times we go to the phone rather than the throne.

In nations such in the Middle East when people are faced with a crisis. They will pray. This is particularly true of Muslims. Muslims are people of prayer. They are simply praying to the wrong god.  Yet Muslims are open to a spiritual reality. They attach great significance to dreams and visions.

In the link below Joel Richardson interviews a pastor from the Middle East. His voice and picture are disguised as to protect his identity. Yet this brother shares two incredible stories of how God is working among Muslims through dreams and visions.

https://joelstrumpet.com/two-powerful-new-stories-jesus-appearing-muslims-underground-joel-richardson-83/

God is wanting to reveal himself to the Muslims. Muslims are seeking for God. Some of you may be wondering brother Blaine how can you say this.

The Apostle Paul in speaking to the people in Athens said,

《《 and he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determine their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, it perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us....Acts 17:26-27 》》

So again, my brothers and sisters,  Muslims are seeking God. And He is revealing Himself to them and saving them.

Let us continue to pray for God's continual Redemptive activity among the Muslims.

Your brother in Christ.

Blaine

2 Cor. 4:6

For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Brothers and Sisters we are seeing the greatest harvest unfold before our eyes.  Video below describes how thousands upon thousands of Muslims are seeing Jesus.  They call him Isa Amasa.  In Arabic Jesus the Messiah.  They are seeing Him in dreams and visions.

https://youtu.be/Ds5_ZKak44A

Let us pray that God will continue to bring Muslims Into the Light of Christ. Let us also pray that the Lord will send out workers into this great and mighty harvest that is unfolding before our eyes.

Your brother in Christ,

Blaine

Brothers and sisters below is a link to a dear brother who is crying out to God for protection over their church in Afrin, Syria.

https://voiceofthepersecuted.wordpress.com/2018/01/25/kurdish-christian-praying-for-deliverance/

This area is being shelled and attacked by both the Turkish military and Al-Qaeda.

Let us please keep these dear saints in our prayers.

Blaine

Brothers and Sisters,

As I was thinking and praying for our persecuted family. I came across this devotional.

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April 18, 2011

More Love to Christ

Every Monday I like to begin the week with a portion of the book Extreme Devotion.  Today's devotion is very poignant because it challenges me to consider how much love I really have to Christ.  Sometimes I read these stories and I think, "I have no faith at all".  Other times, I think, "Maybe God will give me the grace if I was ever in this situation." 

I'm not sure if it's the way church in America is run, or if it's just that here in America we have "everything" and so we don't really know what it is to sacrifice.  What do you think?  Tell us your thoughts as you read this wonderful devotion from Extreme Devotion.

The young, brown-eyed girl looked up at her mother. What would her mom decide?

    Earlier that morning, the young girl’s mother, their pastor, and twenty-six others in her North Korean village of GokSan were bound and taken before a screaming crowd of Communists.
    

One of the guards ordered Pastor Kim and the other Christians, "Deny Christ, or you will die.” The words chilled her. How could they ask her to deny Jesus? She knew in her heart he was real. They all quietly refused.

    Then the Communist guard shouted directly at the adult Christians, "Deny Christ, or we will hang your children.” The young girl looked up at her mother. She gripped her hand knowing how much her mom loved her. Her mother then leaned down. With confidence and peace she whispered, "Today, my love, I will see you in heaven.”

    All of the children were hanged.

    The remaining believers were then brought out onto the pavement and forced to lie down in front of a large steamroller. The Communists gave them one last chance. "Deny this Jesus or you will be crushed.” The Christians had already given up their children; there was no turning back.

    As the driver started the heavy piece of equipment, the singing from the villagers started softly. "More love, O Christ, to thee, more love to thee.”

More. It’s what God gave when he sent his Son. More. It’s what Jesus gave when he was crucified. More. It’s what believers give simply out of love for Christ. They want to give more to the One who gave so much to them. In a worldly age that values giving only what one must to get by, believers set a new standard. "More love to thee” is more than just words in a traditional hymnal. It’s a lifestyle without limit. Each day is a path of discovering how to give more love to Jesus Christ. For some believers, this path has led to their death. For others, "more love to thee” has meant financial sacrifice. What does "more love to thee” mean to your everyday life?

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Below are the words to this beautiful hymn.  As you look at these words think of our persecuted brothers and sisters. And then ask yourself what does more love to thee o Christ mean to your life?

More Love to Thee O Christ

More love to Thee, oh Christ, more love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee.
This is my earnest plea
More love, oh Christ, to Thee
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest
Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be
More love, oh Christ to Thee
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise
This be the parting cry my heart shall raise
Still all my prayer shall be
More love, oh Christ to Thee
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Please remember our persecuted brothers and sisters in your prayers.

Your brother in Christ,

Blaine