Sunday, August 17, 2014

SUFFERING COMES! 8/17/14

WHEN I CONSIDER the pictures of all the suffering in the world I am filled with sadness and dismay! Russia occupying the Ukraine, and the ISIS trampling over Iraq and into Syria shouting out the unthinkable; "denounce your affiliations to Christ or die!" Years ago it was the suffering in the Sudan; with starving babies with extended stomachs. When I watch the devastation caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunami’s, earthquakes and war, I too wonder; "How do we find peace and understanding in this?  God is there watching the goings on throughout our world. God is patiently waiting! He wonders; "Why does it take them so long to understand me and my ways?" 

I READ a short story about an essay that was to be written in a class room regarding ‘peace.’ It tells about a small bird perched on a branch that was protruding from a massive rock near a fierce waterfall. The waterfall was not as huge as Niagra Falls but it was big. The waters cascading down with such force that it could crush anything and everything in it’s descent. The waters had a fine spray that showered over all that was around it. The noise was deafening and could be heard from miles around. This little bird who sat perched was neither afraid or worried. He just sat there calmly taking in his surroundings, without a care in the world. This is peace!

"BE ANXIOUS for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the ‘peace of God’ which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 The places that Jim and I visited on our trip of a life time to the Holy Land, showed us the poverty of the world. We saw first hand how people live without Christ. We saw their need and felt compassion.

IT IS GOOD for us with much, to share with those who have little or nothing at all. It is good for us to share in programs that allow food, clothing and medical supplies to be shipped and taken to these people of need. It is good for us to show the world that God cares and His care comes through the people who care! However, their needs are greater than food, clothing and medical supplies. Their need is to know the God who cares for their souls.

GOD’S WORLD can be our world if we just reach out and take His gift! God makes it possible for us to walk through fire; through torture; through crisis after crisis by stretching forth His hand and taking ours. I have heard it said; "Sin has no rights!" Before we can fix other worlds, we must return ours to God. There is no job too big for Him! America can turn around!  We have men and women who are willing to die for our Country. We should never let their deaths be in vain. So I say; "Wake up America! God is calling us! The answer is Jesus! Seek Him while you may. Know Him today; stand up and be counted!"

EVER SINCE Jesus died on the cross, the Christians have been persecuted. Somewhere in the world a devoted follower of Christ, has suffered and died, even today. I think about Stephen, the first martyr and then there was the 12. Since the church began, many have suffered. What is happening in our world today, has been happening for centuries.

EVEN SO, there is still work to be done! Jesus has never stopped doing His work, but He wants those who are willing to follow His lead. The world is full of pagans who need Christ. If we understand the church wins then let’s act like winners! We cry because of our failures and losses and yet we know that peace is Jesus Christ. Let’s be a church in motion; "For Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God!" Romans 10:17 I too wonder how I would respond if confronted with the decision to deny Christ or die! Heaven awaits those who remain firm! Can I stand the test? Can I do that? I too pray like John; "come Lord Jesus!" By Jane Ann Crenshaw (9/30/09) 8/16/14

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