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Friday, August 24, 2012
Fw: Missing Boy Lowestoft - If you are around Lowestoft on my list....
Friday, August 17, 2012
Fwd: [mnn-friends] MNN Prayer List For 17 Aug, 2012
Greetings from Mission Network News, a daily news service of
Cornerstone University of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. This is your
weekly Mission Network News prayer bulletin.
Here are your weekly prayer items. Please pray over them during your
personal devotional time and at your church prayer meeting.
___________________________________________________________________
Floods devastate Philippine capital
Philippines (MNN) -- Intense floods are devastating the northern Philippines. 60 people have been killed, but government officials think that number is probably higher. 2 million people have been affected. Many are in relief camps. Tim Glenn with Compassion International says this happens every year. "They're just not prepared for it. They don't have the drainage systems or the infrastructure to deal with it." Compassion has child development projects through churches in the area. "Seven projects for sure were affected. We're estimating about 800 kids affected by the floods. Some are in the evacuation centers. Some whose homes are just flooded." But there is hope. "Our entire program is centered on the Gospel through the church, so one of the beauties of our setup is that people will come back to the church for help, for relief. So yeah, this is a great opportunity for us to further our message of the Gospel." You can donate to Compassion's disaster relief fund by going to our Web site.
* Pray for safety.
* Pray for the waters to recede.
(FULL STORY: www.mnnonline.org/article/17548)
___________________________________________________________________
Flooded Philippines brace for more rain
Philippines (MNN) -- Earlier this week, forecasters said another forming storm could bring more misery to flood victims in the Philippines. Three million families have already been affected by the high waters in and around Manila. Earlier reports said water-borne disease wasn't a problem, but missionaries supported by Christian Aid Missionindicate otherwise. Spokesman Bill Bray says, "There's standing water, and it's turned into one giant cesspool." That's dangerous for those having to navigate waist-deep waters to get aid to survivors. "They're doing pastoral care by extension, by boat, floating aid in, and wading in to their people," says Bray. "Mostly, it's delivering bottled water and Rescue Kits." Rescue kits contain basic food supplies, clean water, and blankets. The immediate focus is the emergency, but Bray adds, "There's still evangelism going on and meetings and comforting the sick and trying to help the older people and folks that are stuck." They need as much help as they can get.
* Pray that the indigenous Philippine ministries will reach those who are most needy with food and supplies.
* Ask God to send the funds and the right people for this project.
* Pray that doors will open to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who are starving for the Truth.
(FULL STORY: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17551)
___________________________________________________________________
Iran overwhelmed by crisis; open doors to foreign aid
Iran (MNN) -- Iran is finally swallowing its pride and asking for outside help with Saturday's massive twin quakes. 20 villages were completely destroyed in the northwest, and 300,000 people have been affected by the crisis. Four days later, despair is already showing. SAT-7 PARS Executive Director Sara Afshari says, "I was reading some Iranian Facebook pages, and this person wrote: 'God, did You think we didn't have enough misery and problems, and You just wanted to add another one?'" SAT-7 PARS is using its broadcasts to help. Afshari says the team quickly put together a live broadcast Monday and started talking about physical and spiritual needs. "The aim of our show...was just praying and comforting them and encouraging the other people to help the victims of the earthquake by being generous in their giving and in their time, going to the hospitals to give blood or collecting food and collecting clothes."
* Ask God to prepare lives for response.
* Pray for continued open doors for the Gospel of Christ.
* Pray for those who have experienced loss and are suffering.
(FULL STORY: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17557)
___________________________________________________________________
Syrian refugees flock to the borders
Syria (MNN) -- Syria's conflicts appear to be spilling over the border with Lebanon. The ferocity of the violence coupled with a rash of abductions isn't calming tensions with Syria's neighbors. Christian Aid Mission spokesman Bill Bray confirms spreading violence. "It looks like the war is all over the country. That's what our missionaries tell us as they come back. They just don't know where the violence will break out next. It's spreading down to the grassroots level. The smell of death is there, and they just never know what they're going to find." The horror of the refugee crisis is at 150,000 and counting. Missionaries supported by Christian Aid are in the border areas and inside Syria. In addition to food supplies, "we're delivering Bibles, 'JESUS' Film DVDs, and that is a continual work. [We are] praying, small meetings. Everybody is hunkered down and living in basements. It's survival right now." There's a desperate need for prayer and funds.
* Pray for wisdom and safety for ministry leaders and staff.
* Ask God for Gospel opportunities.
* Ask God to send the needed funding for ministry.
(FULL STORY: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17561)
___________________________________________________________________
Nigeria addresses the question: When is a terrorist group not a terrorist group?
Nigeria (MNN) -- You know the old saying: 'If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it's probably a duck'? If you're talking terror and Nigeria's Boko Haram, it seems especially true. The group is responsible for over 600 deaths since the beginning of 2012. Yet, Todd Nettleton with Voice of the Martyrs says the government does not want them identified as a terrorist group. Why? "It just complicates matters because it places restrictions on travel, it places restrictions on aid. So from the government's perspective, they don't want those restrictions; they don't want those issues to be raised, so they have said, 'Pease don't call them a terrorist group.'" The message this sends to Christians is confusing. Yet, "There are still Christians there who are reaching out to Muslims. There are still Christians who are sharing the Gospel, who are sharing Bibles, who are sharing in other ways. The Gospel message is going forth, but obviously, that's coming at a great risk." At Mission-Network-News.org, you'll find ways to pray and encourage Nigeria's believers.
* Pray that the seeds of the Gospel will take root and bear much fruit.
* Pray for wisdom and safety for Gospel workers.
* Pray for the violence to stop.
(FULL STORY: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17568)
___________________________________________________________________
Mission Network News is dedicated to keeping Christians informed about
missions and evangelism around the world. Our goal is to help you
become engaged in missions through praying more effectively, giving or
going to the field short or long term.
Thank you for your dedication and heart for world missions. Your
prayers are greatly appreciated. May God richly bless you as you
serve Him today!
In His grip,
Greg Yoder, Executive Director
Mission Network News
1.800.284.9361
616.942.1500
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mission Network News is in need of your generous support as we continue to encourage Christians to get involved in outreach. How about giving $20 a month to help keep this internet and radio service going? Go to http://www.MNNonline.org/donate/ to give.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Meditation on Forgiveness
be given their due. So when is it right to show mercy and pardon to those
who have acted unjustly or wrongly? The prophet Amos speaks of God forgiving
transgression three times, but warns that God may not revoke punishment
for the fourth (see Amos 1:3-13; 2:1-6). When Peter posed the question
of forgiveness, he characteristically offered an answer he thought Jesus
would be pleased with. Why not forgive seven times! How unthinkable for
Jesus to counter with the proposition that one must forgive seventy times
that. Jesus made it clear that there is no reckonable limit to forgiveness.
And he drove the lesson home with a parable about two very different kinds
of debts. The first man owed an enormous sum of money – millions in our
currency. In Jesus' time this amount was greater than the total revenue
of a province – more than it would cost to ransom a king! The man who was
forgiven such an incredible debt could not, however bring himself to forgive
his neighbor a very small debt which was about one-hundred-thousandth of
his own debt.
The contrast could not have been greater! No offence our neighbor can
do to us can compare with our debt to God! We have been forgiven a debt
which is beyond all paying; to ransom our debt of sin God gave up his only
begotten Son. Paul the Apostle states, "you were bought with a price" (1
Corinthians 7:23 ) and that price was Jesus' death on the cross. Through
the shedding of his blood on the cross, Jesus not only brought forgiveness
and pardon for our offenses, but release from captivity – from bondage
and slavery to sin. Christ came to redeem us from a sinful way of life.
"You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers ...with
the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:18). Christ "gave himself to redeem
us from all iniquity" (Titus 2:14). Iniquity describes the futile ways
of wrongdoing or sin. We have been forgiven an enormous debt which we could
never possibly repay. God expects us to treat one another the same way
he treats us. If God has forgiven each of us our debt, which was very great,
we, too must forgive others whatever debt they owe us.
Jesus teaches that one must forgive in order to be forgiven (Matthew
6:12,14-15). If we do not forgive our fellow human beings, we cannot expect
God to forgive us in turn. The Apostle James says that "judgment is
without mercy to one who has shown no mercy" (James 2:13). Mercy is
truly a gift and it is offered in such a way that justice is not negated.
Mercy seasons justice as salt
seasons meat and gives it flavor. Mercy follows justice and perfects it.
To pardon the unrepentant is not mercy but license. C.S. Lewis, a 20th
century Christian author wrote: "Mercy will flower only when it grows in
the crannies of the rock of Justice: transplanted to the marshlands of
mere Humanitarianism, it becomes a man-eating weed, all the more dangerous
because it is still called by the same name as the mountain variety."
If we want mercy shown to us we must be ready to forgive others as God
has forgiven us. Do you hold any grudge or resentment towards anyone?
"Lord Jesus, you have been kind and forgiving towards me. May I be merciful
as you are merciful. Free me from all bitterness and resentment that I
may truly forgive from the heart those who have caused me injury or grief."
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Fwd: YouVersion - Day 218 of your Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion Bible plan
-------- Original message --------
Subject: YouVersion - Day 218 of your Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion Bible plan
From: "YouVersion.com" <no-reply@youversion.com>
To: rkbc1947@live.com
CC:
Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion
Today's Readings: John 1:27
Mark this reading as completed on YouVersion: http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/59-life-application-study-bible-devotion/218
John the Baptist said he was not even worthy to be Christ's slave, to perform the humble task of unfastening his shoes. But according to Luke 7:28, Jesus said that John was the greatest of all prophets. If such a great person felt inadequate even to be Christ's slave, how much more should we lay aside our pride to serve Christ! When we truly understand who Christ is, our pride and self-importance melt away.
John 1:27 (NLT)
27 Though his ministry follows mine, I'm not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal."
We'd like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for their generosity in providing the Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion. To learn more about the Life Application Study Bible ®, please visit: http://www.newlivingtranslation.com/05discoverthenlt/lasb.asp
Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale house Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois, 60188. All rights reserved.
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Sunday, August 12, 2012
Fwd: YouVersion - Day 215 of your Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion Bible plan
-------- Original message --------
Subject: YouVersion - Day 215 of your Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion Bible plan
From: "YouVersion.com" <no-reply@youversion.com>
To: rkbc1947@live.com
CC:
Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion
Today's Readings: Luke 22:19
Mark this reading as completed on YouVersion: http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/59-life-application-study-bible-devotion/215
Jesus asked the disciples to eat the broken bread "to remember me." He wanted them to remember his sacrifice, the basis for forgiveness of sins, and also his friendship that they could continue to enjoy through the work of the Holy Spirit. Although the exact meaning of Communion has been strongly debated throughout church history, Christians still take bread and wine in remembrance of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Do not neglect participating in the Lord's Supper. Let it remind you of what Christ did for you.
Luke 22:19 (NLT)
19 He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me."
We'd like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for their generosity in providing the Life Application Study Bible ® Devotion. To learn more about the Life Application Study Bible ®, please visit: http://www.newlivingtranslation.com/05discoverthenlt/lasb.asp
Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale house Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois, 60188. All rights reserved.
Email Subscription Settings: http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/59-life-application-study-bible-devotion/settings/email
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Fwd: [mnn-friends] MNN Prayer List For 10 Aug, 2012
Greetings from Mission Network News, a daily news service of
Cornerstone University of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. This is your
weekly Mission Network News prayer bulletin.
Here are your weekly prayer items. Please pray over them during your
personal devotional time and at your church prayer meeting.
___________________________________________________________________
Peace talks fail between the Sudans
Sudan (MNN) -- The Sudans are teetering on the brink of war. The UN Security Council gave the two countries until August 2nd to reach a peace deal. Matt Parker with Kids Alive International says, "That deadline has now passed, and there has been no resolution. The talks have stalled." Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned sanctions are possible if nothing resolves. There's disagreement over security, land, and oil resources, and no new talks are scheduled. Ongoing fighting is creating up to 4000 new refugees a day. That's extremely disruptive to Kids Alive projects in both countries. "We would have liked to [proceed] with the construction of a new children's home. That is our plan down in south Sudan, but we've had to delay that a little bit because of the current situation. We're monitoring things very closely. Obviously, our primary concern is the safety of our children and our staff." Kids Alive is committed to staying in the region. "As an organization, we are committed to sharing with these children the love of Christ."
* Pray for wisdom and safety for ministry leaders and staff.
* Pray for peace to be restored.
* Pray for cooperation among government leaders.
(FULL STORY: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17525)
___________________________________________________________________
Syrian defections prove chaos reigns
Syria (MNN) -- Last weekend, the Assad regime took some serious hits in Syria. Assad and his family defected to Jordan, and there are reports that at least three other high ranking government officials also fled. Mark Lewis with the the Evangelical Free Church says, "The measures of uncertainty as senior government officials are leaving kind of point in the direction of destabilization," which could mean a long period of chaos. Chaos means humanitarian crisis. "On the Jordanian side, we're hearing that 1000 people a day are leaving Syria and crossing into Jordan. I would expect those numbers are probably similar in Lebanon, but I don't have any specific numbers." For now, their teams are focused on meeting survival needs of food, water, and blankets. However, "Our ministry partners are on the ground doing a whole lot of outreach and pre-evangelism, relationship building. Our hope is that, long-term, this will lead to a great church planting opportunity." Will you pray for them? There are also practical ways to help at our Web site.
* Pray that Christians will be able to reach out to the Muslim population in Syria.
* Pray that Syrian converts to Christianity will be a strong witness to their family, friends, and neighbors.
* Pray for strength, encouragement and peace for Christian laborers at work in Syria.
(FULL STORY: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17527)
___________________________________________________________________
Iran backs Syria as civil war continues
Syria (MNN) -- With Iran solidly in Syria's corner, President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to purge his country of terrorists. This will only mean more violence in the country's civil war. Tom Doyle with e3 Partners says nobody knows how many Syrians have been affected by this conflict. "There are so many homeless right now. The government, obviously, is consumed with just survival right now, so it's not out building homes for displaced people. I've heard estimates of a million people." While numbers aren't certain, what is known is that Syrians are leaving the country in droves. E3 is helping Syrian refugees in Jordan and is making a difference. "One woman said, 'This was the first group--The Bible People (she called them)--who reached out to us with love. Everybody else was treating us like animals.' As we're meeting their needs, they're opening up spiritually and God is using this crisis for some good." $30 a month helps a family receive physical and spiritual food. We'll connect you at www.MNNonline.org.
* Pray that Christians in Jordan will have an impact on Syrian souls.
* Pray that more Christians will support this refugee work.
(FULL STORY: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17535)
___________________________________________________________________
Church barely dodges bombing
Nigeria (MNN) -- Another Nigerian church just dodged a bomb explosion on Tuesday. The bomb was found at Revival Church in Central Nigeria and was safely removed. This discovery came on the tail of attackers who shot and killed 19 Christians in another church the day before. Carl Moeller with Open Doors USA says the attackers have an agenda. "This is an intentional effort on the part of the Muslim extremists to drive Christians completely out of the country." Open Doors is working with the Nigerian church rebuilding sanctuaries, replacing Bibles, and encouraging. "It's a daunting challenge because there's so much violence in the area. Open Doors is often the primary organization going in when others are coming out." The Gospel message is believers' ultimate source of strength and hope. Please be in prayer. "Pray for the church in Nigeria that they would pray for those who persecute them, not attack them. [Pray] that they would be able to rebuild and continue to bring the hope of Jesus Christ to their fellow countrymen."
* Pray for the rebuilding of communities.
* Pray for Christians to stand strong.
* Pray for the violence to cease.
(FULL STORY: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17541)
___________________________________________________________________
More than 90 dead in Manila flooding, Christians reaching out
Philippines (MNN) -- Heavy monsoon rains have soaked Manila, Philippines this week. According to reports, 91 people were killed as 12 inches of rain fell on the city. Food for the Hungry (FH) has extensive work in the region. Peter Howard with FH says, "Manila is a city of about 15 million people. Over 50% of the city was flooded. At least 2 million people have been impacted, and 80,000-90,000 people are in shelters." Howard says they had no choice but to get involved because many FH staff members live there. "Our staff live in the metro Manila area, so they themselves were impacted. Their homes were flooded. Their family members and churches were impacted." Because the Philippines has a culture of volunteerism, FH is ready. "We have the people. We have the volunteers. The churches are ready to go. So as long as we can come alongside and support them with resources, they're going to take that out and spread the love of Christ through their acts of kindness and generosity into their communities." Support them through a link at our Web site.
* Pray that Christians will have an impact on the community as they help.
* Pray that Food for the Hungry and local churches can be a source of encouragement and hope, physically and spiritually.
(FULL STORY: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17546)
___________________________________________________________________
Mission Network News is dedicated to keeping Christians informed about
missions and evangelism around the world. Our goal is to help you
become engaged in missions through praying more effectively, giving or
going to the field short or long term.
Thank you for your dedication and heart for world missions. Your
prayers are greatly appreciated. May God richly bless you as you
serve Him today!
In His grip,
Greg Yoder, Executive Director
Mission Network News
1.800.284.9361
616.942.1500
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mission Network News is in need of your generous support as we continue to encourage Christians to get involved in outreach. How about giving $20 a month to help keep this internet and radio service going? Go to http://www.MNNonline.org/donate/ to give.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, August 3, 2012
Fw: [mnn-friends] MNN Prayer List For 03 Aug, 2012
Cornerstone University of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. This is your
weekly Mission Network News prayer bulletin.
Here are your weekly prayer items. Please pray over them during your
personal devotional time and at your church prayer meeting.
_________________________________________________________________
Olympics are under way, Christians ready
Romania (MNN) -- Romanian churches are facing a threat of persecution at the hands of the government. Romania may not be communist anymore, but that isn't stopping the government from trying to control church activity. Patrick Klein with <a href="http://www.mnnonline.org/groups/VBB">Vision Beyond Borders</a> says new legislation being considered threatens smaller churches. "The government is clamping down. They're making it more and more difficult for the churches. There's talk of even closing down churches that are under the number of 200 people." Vision Beyond Borders sent out a mission team last week to work with one of the Romanian churches under threat of being closed. Despite this, the church is doing amazing work for the name of Christ. "One of the elders in the church really has a heart for the gypsy people, so he's encouraged our teams to go out and minster to the gypsies." And the Word of God does not return void. "We were able to go there and minister the Gospel to them, give them clothes and vegetable seeds, and then about five people came to Christ." Pray for the Romanian church and the spread of the Gospel.
* Pray that the government will not force small churches to close.
* Pray for outreach to the gypsy population.
(FULL STORY: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17497)
___________________________________________________________________
Good news in missionary abduction case
India (MNN) -- Missionary Ponnachan George, supported by Gospel For Asia, was violently kidnapped by terrorists on July 23rd from a Bible school in Assam, India. The chances of him surviving were small. GFA sent out an emergency prayer alert, and a storm of prayer went up on his behalf. On Sunday, GFA's K.P. Yohannan said, "Finally, after almost a week, he was released. Of course, blindfolded, his hands tied back, left on the roadside" -- but alive and otherwise unharmed. Pastor George was heavily involved in community development and evangelism, so a lot of people rallied to his cause. "It's a real miracle. The local police, the state government, all authorities, and even the Central Government...everyone got involved." The GFA team's commitment to Christ and to love stood firm. "When [the terrorists] released him, all our workers, all our leaders, continued to stay there--they didn't run away. [They spent the night] and regrouped and declared, 'We are here for life. We're not going anywhere.'" There is rejoicing, but there's still work to do. Find out ways to help at our Web site.
* Thank the Lord for answering prayer in such a miraculous way!
* Pray for continued safety and wisdom for the GFA team.
* Pray that God will cause seeds of the Gospel to grow.
(FULL STORY: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17507)
___________________________________________________________________
Why Christians are dying in Nigeria: understanding Boko Haram
Nigeria (MNN) -- From Christmas Day bombings to weekly church attacks, Boko Haram is responsible for hundreds of deaths in Nigeria. But who exactly is this terror sect, and why do they exist? Rae Burnett with Christian Aid Mission says Boko Haram is about one thing: "Their agenda is Sharia. It is to establish Islamic rule in Nigeria." Boko Haram was formed over 10 years ago with the goals of jihad and power. In recent months, reaching those goals has meant attacking churches. "If you look at the Quran, what you see is that there are two ways that Muslims are instructed to deal with non-Muslims: that is to convert them, or to kill them." Boko Haram has chosen the latter. Whatever the combination of reasons for their terror, as attacks heat up against believers in Nigeria, prayer is vital. Pray for these radicals to turn to Christ, and for Christians to know how to respond to attacks. Educate yourself more on Boko Haram at our Web site.
* Pray for Boko Haram members to come to Christ.
* Pray for wisdom for persecuted believers.
* Pray for peace for victims of these attacks and for families of victims.
(FULL STORY: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17511)
___________________________________________________________________
Egypt scolded over religious freedom issues
Egypt (MNN) -- This year's International Religious Freedom Report notes that sectarian violence has increased in Egypt. Despite promises from Egypt's new leader President Mohamed Morsi "to be the president of all Egyptians," Christians are unsure. Still, there are steps in the right direction, notes Rex Rogers, President of SAT-7 USA. "The new president in Egypt has extended an opportunity for two Christian leaders that we know at SAT-7, to work with the new constitutional committee whenever that group finally begins its work." SAT-7 is a Christian satellite television agency to the Middle East and North Africa. Rogers explains that their teams in Cairo adjusted programming to create a public forum to handle the nervousness. "We simply talk about 'Who is Christ?' and 'What does He mean in your life?' [We] have testimonials of people whose lives have been changed and again, we get great response. We get people contacting us in a variety of ways, talking about their newfound faith and new commitment to Jesus Christ."
* Thank God for the prayers of Christians and the increased unity between denominations.
* Pray for the church as it disciples and supports Muslim-background believers in secret.
* Pray that God will bring peace and justice to Egypt through those who govern this country.
(FULL STORY: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17517)
___________________________________________________________________
Sahel food crisis called 'permanent'
Mali (MNN) -- Some aid agencies are calling the Sahel region's food crisis "permanent." The area is made up of a dozen countries, including Mali. Jeff Palmer with Baptist Global Response explains, "It's in a cyclic hunger crisis. It's been that way from time immemorial because of droughts...and conflicts and things that happen." Mali's tilt toward militant Islam is destabilizing what effort remains. 18 million are at risk of starvation in the Sahel region. Open conflict has been disruptive to BGR's work. The need is growing. "We have a third assessment team in looking at some very hard areas toward the north in Mali for another food distribution. I've not heard from them. I was supposed to hear this week what the results were [and] where we would be going to make the distribution. So pray for that team." BGR's work opens doors of opportunity for the Gospel. It's a work in progress. "In the midst of everything that's going on, it's hard to know exactly what to do [and] what's right. So we just need wisdom and knowledge from above to make good decisions."
* Pray for wisdom for ministry leaders as they meet financial and logistical challenges
* Pray for BGR as they reach out with the Bread of Life, both physically and spiritually.
(FULL STORY: http://www.mnnonline.org/article/17519)
___________________________________________________________________
Mission Network News is dedicated to keeping Christians informed about
missions and evangelism around the world. Our goal is to help you
become engaged in missions through praying more effectively, giving or
going to the field short or long term.
Thank you for your dedication and heart for world missions. Your
prayers are greatly appreciated. May God richly bless you as you
serve Him today!
In His grip,
Greg Yoder, Executive Director
Mission Network News
1.800.284.9361
616.942.1500
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Matthew 10:7-15
Meditation: Do you believe that the gospel has power to change
your life and the lives of others? Jesus gave his disciples a two-fold
commission to speak in his name and to act with his power. The core of
the gospel message is quite simple: the kingdom (or reign) of God is
imminent! What is the kingdom of God? It is that society of men and
women who freely submit to God and who honor him as their Lord and King.
In the Lord's prayer we pray for God to reign in our lives and in our world:
May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Jesus also commissioned his disciples to carry on the works which he did
– bringing the healing power of God to the weary and oppressed. The gospel
has power to set people free from sin, sickness, fear, and oppression.
The Lord will free us from anything that keeps us from loving him and our
neighbor with joy and confidence.
Jesus said to his disciples: Freely you have received, freely give.
What they have received from Jesus they must now pass on to others without
expecting a favor in return, whether it be in form of a gift or payment.
They must show by their attitude that their first interest is in serving
God, not receiving material gain. They must serve without guile, full of
charity and peace, and simplicity. They must give their full attention
to the proclamation of God's kingdom and not be diverted by other lesser
things. They must travel light – only take what was essential and
leave behind whatever would distract them – in order to concentrate on
the task of speaking the word of the God. They must do their work, not
for what they can get out of it, but for what they can give freely to others,
without expecting special privileges or reward. "Poverty of spirit"
frees us from greed and preoccupation with possessions and makes ample
room for God's provision. The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent
on him and not on themselves.
Secondly, Jesus said: the worker deserves his sustenance. Here
we see a double-truth: the worker of God must not be overly-concerned with
material things, but the people of God must never fail in their duty to
give the worker of God what he or she needs to sustain themselves in the
Lord's service. Do you pray for the work of the gospel and do you support
it with your material and financial resources? Jesus ends his instructions
with a warning: If people reject God's invitation and refuse his word,
then they bring judgment and condemnation on themselves. When God gives
us his word there comes with it the great responsibility to respond.
Indifference will not do. We are either for or against God in how we respond
to his word. God gives us his word that we may have life – abundant life
– in him. He wills to work in and through each of us for his glory.
God shares his word with us and he commissions us to speak it boldly and
simply to others. Do you witness the truth and joy of the gospel by word
and example to those around you?
"Lord Jesus, may the joy and truth of the gospel transform my life that
I may witness it to those around me. Grant that I may spread your truth
and your light wherever I go."
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings
From Samgsung Galaxy Pro Mobile.
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Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Matthew 6:7-15
Meditation: Do you pray with joy and confidence? The Jews were
noted for their devotion to prayer. Formal prayer was prescribed for three
set times a day. And the rabbis had a prayer for every occasion. Jesus
warns his disciples against formalism, making prayer something mechanical
and devoid of meaning, with little thought for God. When Jesus taught his
disciples to pray he gave them the disciple's prayer, what we call the
Our
Father or Lord's Prayer. This prayer dares to call God
"our
Father" and boldly asks for the things we need to live as his sons
and daughters.
It is through the gift of the Holy Spirit that we can know God personally
and call him "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15). We can approach God our
Father with confidence and boldness because Jesus Christ has opened the
way to heaven for us through his death and resurrection. When we ask God
for help, he fortunately does not give us what we deserve. Instead, he
responds with grace and favor and mercy. It is his nature to love generously
and to forgive mercifully. When he gives he gives more than we need so
we will have something to share with others in their need as well.
God is kind and forgiving towards us and he expects us to treat our
neighbor the same. Do you treat others as they deserve, or do you treat
them as the Lord would treat you with his grace and favor and mercy? Jesus'
prayer includes an injunction that we must ask God to forgive us in proportion
as we forgive those who have wronged us. Ask the Lord to free your heart
of any anger, bitterness, resentment, selfishness, indifference, or coldness
towards others. Let the Holy Spirit fill you with the fire of his burning
love and compassion and with the river of his overflowing mercy and kindness.
"Father in heaven, you have given me a mind to know you, a will to serve
you, and a heart to love you. Give me today the grace and strength to embrace
your holy will and fill my heart with your love that all my intentions
and actions may be pleasing to you. Give me the grace to be charitable
in thought, kind in deed, and loving in speech towards all."
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings
From Samsung Mobile device.
__
Robin K Brookes
69 Beresford Road
LOWESTOFT
NR32 2NQ UK
Monday, June 18, 2012
Matthew 5:43-48
Meditation: What makes Christians different from others and what
makes Christianity distinct from any other religion? It is grace –
treating others, not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated
– with loving-kindness and mercy. God is good to the unjust as well as
the just. His love embraces saint and sinner alike. God seeks our highest
good and teaches us to seek the greatest good of others, even those who
hate and abuse us. Our love for others, even those who are ungrateful and
selfish towards us, must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which
God has shown to us. It is easier to show kindness and mercy when we can
expect to benefit from doing so. How much harder when we can expect nothing
in return. Our prayer for those who do us ill both breaks the power of
revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil.
How can we possibly love those who cause us harm or ill-will? With God
all things are possible. He gives power and grace to those who believe
and accept the gift of the Holy Spirit. His love conquers all, even our
hurts, fears, prejudices and griefs. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can
free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment and
gives us the courage to return evil with good. Such love and grace has
power to heal and to save from destruction. Do you know the power of Christ's
redeeming love and mercy?
Was Jesus exaggerating when he said we must be perfect as our heavenly
Father is perfect? The original meaning of "perfect" in Aramaic is "completeness"
or "wholeness – not lacking in what is essential." God gives us every good
gift in Jesus Christ so that we may not lack anything we need to do his
will and to live as his sons and daughters (2 Peter 1:3). He knows our
weakness and sinfulness better than we do. And he assures us of his love,
mercy, and grace to follow in his ways. Do you want to grow in your love
for God and for your neighbor? Ask the Holy Spirit to change and transform
you in the image of the Father that you may walk in the joy and freedom
of the gospel.
"Lord Jesus, your love brings freedom and pardon. Fill me with your
Holy Spirit and set my heart ablaze with your love that nothing may make
me lose my temper, ruffle my peace, take away my joy, nor make me bitter
towards anyone."
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings
From Samsung Mobile device.
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Robin K Brookes
69 Beresford Road
LOWESTOFT
NR32 2NQ UK
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Matthew 5:38-42
Meditation: If someone insults you or tries to take advantage
of you, how do you respond? Do you repay in kind? Jesus approached the
question of just retribution with a surprising revelation of God's intention
for how we should treat others, especialy those who mistreat us. When Jesus
spoke about God's law, he did something no one had done before. He gave
a new standard based not just on the requirements of justice – giving each
their due – but based on the law of grace and love. Jesus knew the law
and its intention better than any jurist or legal expert could imagine.
He quoted from the oldest recorded law in the world:
If any harm follows,
then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for
hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe
(Exodus 21:23-25). Such a law today seems cruel, but it was meant to limit
vengeance as a first step towards mercy. This law was not normally taken
literally but served as a guide for a judge in a law court for assessing
punishment and penalty (see Deuteronomy 19:18). The Old Testament is full
of references to the command that we must be merciful: You shall not
take vengeance or bear any grudge against the sons of your own people,
but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD (Leviticus
19:18). If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is
thirsty, give him water to drink (Proverbs 25:21). Do not say, "I
will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he
has done" (Proverbs 24:29). Let him give his cheek to the smiter,
and be filled with insults (Lamentations 3:30).
Jesus does something quite remarkable and unheard of. He transforms
the law of mercy with grace and loving-kindness. Jesus also makes clear
that there is no room for retaliation. We must not only avoid returning
evil for evil, but we must seek the good of those who wish us ill. Do you
accept insults, as Jesus did, with no resentment or malice? When you are
compelled by others to do more than you think you deserve, do you insist
on your rights, or do you respond with grace and cheerfulness?
What makes a Christian different from everyone else? What makes Christianity
distinct from any other religion? It is grace – treating others,
not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated – with loving-kindness
and mercy. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can free us from the tyranny
of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment and gives us the courage to
return evil with good. Such love and grace has power to heal and to save
from destruction. Do you know the power of Christ's redeeming love and
mercy?
"O merciful God, fill our hearts, we pray, with the graces of your Holy
Spirit; with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness,
humility, and self-control. Teach us to love those who hate us; to pray
for those who despitefully use us; that we may be the children of your
love, our Father, who makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and
sends rain on the just and on the unjust. In adversity grant us grace to
be patient; in prosperity keep us humble; may we guard the door of our
lips; may we lightly esteem the pleasures of this world, and thirst after
heavenly things; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Prayer
of Anselm, 1033-1109 AD)
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings
From Samsung Mobile device.
__
Robin K Brookes
69 Beresford Road
LOWESTOFT
NR32 2NQ UK
Thursday, June 14, 2012
John 19:31-37
Meditation: Do you know the heart of Jesus – a heart that was
pierced for your sake and mine? Of all the Gospel accounts of Jesus' death,
John mentions that the soldiers pierced his heart with a lance. This was
a fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah 12:10: "when they look on him
whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him". The heart of Jesus was
pierced for our sake. He willingly went to the cross and laid down his
life as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. If we want to understand the
depth and breadth of God's love for each of us, then look upon the heart
that was pierced for you and for me. That is the reason Jesus went to the
cross, to redeem us from slavery to sin and death.
True love does not count the cost, but gives everything for the beloved.
Jesus withheld nothing, but gave everything he had for our sake. Saint
Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) says that "God loves each of us as if there
were only one of us to love." In the cross of Christ we see the love of
God broken and pierced for our sake. Jesus reigns triumphant at the right
hand of the Father. He has risen in glory for our sake and he intercedes
for us in heaven. He stands before the throne of heaven with his marks
of victory – his pierced side, hands, and feet. Who can fathom the love
of God? For all eternity we will gaze upon him who was crucified and who
rose for our sake. The Lord Jesus calls us to lay down our lives in sacrificial
love for one another. Only a broken and contrite heart can fathom the mercy
of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Do you love as Jesus loves, with a broken
heart that yearns for all to know the love and mercy of God?
"Lord Jesus, your love knows no bounds. Break my heart with the things
that break your heart that I may love generously as you love."
Psalm 34:19-22
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the LORD
delivers him out of them all.
20 He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked; and those who hate the righteous will
be condemned.
22 The LORD redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Matt 5:20-26
Meditation: Are you ever driven by anger, rage, or revenge? The
first person to hate his brother was Cain. God warned Cain: 'Why are
you angry? ..Sin in couching at the door; it's desire is for you, but you
must master it (Genesis 4:6-7). Sin doesn't just happen to us; it first
grows as a tiny seed in our heart. Unless it is uprooted, by God's grace,
it grows like a weed and chokes the vine and all its fruit. Jesus addressed
the issue of keeping the commandments with his disciples. The scribes and
Pharisees equated righteousness with satisfying the outward observance
of the law. Jesus showed them how short they had come. Jesus points to
the heart as the seat of desire and choice. Unless evil and forbidden desires
are eradicated, the heart will be corrupted. Jesus points to forbidden
anger with one's brother. This is a selfish anger that broods and is long-lived,
that nurses a grudge and keeps wrath warm, and that refuses to die. Harboring
anger in the heart as well as anger in speech and action are equally forbidden
by God.
What is the antidote to anger and rage? Mercy, kindness, and forbearance
spring from a heart full of love and forgiveness. God has forgiven us and
he calls us to extend mercy and forgiveness towards those who cause us
grief and harm. In the cross of Jesus we see the supreme example
of love and forgiveness and the power of goodness for overcoming evil.
Only God's love and grace can set our hearts and minds free from the tyranny
of wounded pride and spiteful revenge. Do you harbor any anger towards
another person? And are you quick to be reconciled when a rupture has been
caused in your relationships? Ask God to set you free and to fill your
heart and mind with his love and goodness. Paul the Apostle reminds us
that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit
which has been given to us" (Romans 5:5). Through the grace and help of
the Holy Spirit we can overcome malice with good, hatred with kindness,
and injury with pardon.
"May I be no man's enemy, and may I be the friend of that which is eternal
and abides. May I never quarrel with those nearest me: and if I do, may
I be reconciled quickly. May I love, seek, and attain only that which is
good. May I wish for all men's happiness and envy none. May I never rejoice
in the ill-fortune of one who has wronged me. When I have done or said
what is wrong, may I never wait for the rebuke of others, but always rebuke
myself until I make amends. May I win no victory that harms either me or
my opponent. May I reconcile friends who are angry with one another. May
I never fail a friend who is in danger. When visiting those in grief may
I be able by gentle and healing words to soften their pain. May I respect
myself. May I always keep tame that which rages within me. May I accustom
myself to be gentle, and never be angry with people because of circumstances.
May I never discuss who is wicked and what wicked things he has done, but
know good men and follow in their footsteps." (Prayer
of Eusebius, 3rd century)
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings
From Samsung Mobile device.
__
Robin K Brookes
69 Beresford Road
LOWESTOFT
NR32 2NQ UK
Monday, June 11, 2012
Matthew 5:13-16
Meditation: Jesus used ordinary images, such as salt and light,
to convey extraordinary truths. What does salt and light have to teach
us about God and his reign on earth? Salt was a valuable commodity in the
ancient world. People traded with it, like we trade with gold and stock.
Salt also served a very useful purpose in hot climates before the invention
of electricity and refrigeration. Salt not only gave food flavor, it also
preserved meat from spoiling. Jesus used the image of salt to describe
how his disciples are to live in the world. As salt purifies, preserves,
and penetrates, so the disciple must be as salt in the world of human society
to purify, preserve, and penetrate that society for the kingdom of God
and of his righteousness and peace.
Jesus also used the image of light and a lamp to further his illustration.
Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today.
They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling.
The Jews also understood "light" as an expression of the inner beauty,
truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light ( Psalm 36:9).
His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105). God's grace
not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us with
spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe
how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and love. Just
as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually,
so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us
to see the heavenly reality of God's kingdom. In fact, our mission
is to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see the truth
of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception.
Jesus remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret. We can try to
hide things from others, from ourselves, and from God. How tempting to
shut our eyes from the consequences of our sinful ways and bad habits,
even when we know what those consequences are. And how tempting to hide
them from others and even from God. But, nonetheless, everything is known
to God who sees all. There is great freedom and joy for those who live
in God's light and who seek his truth. Those who listen to God and heed
his voice will receive more from him. Do you know the joy and freedom of
living in God's light?
"Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my
heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness
of
sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your
will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word
and deed".
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings
From Samsung Mobile device.
__
Robin K Brookes
69 Beresford Road
LOWESTOFT
NR32 2NQ UK
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Matthew 5:1-12
Meditation: What is the good life which God intends for
us? And how is it related with the ultimate end or purpose of life? Is
it not our desire and longing for true happiness, which is none
other than the complete good, the sum of all goods, leaving nothing more
to be desired? Jesus addresses this question in his sermon on the mount.
The heart of Jesus' message is that we can live a very happy life. The
call to holiness, to be saints who joyfully pursue God's will for their
lives, can be found in these eight beatitudes. Jesus' beatitudes sum up
our calling or vocation – to live a life of the beatitudes. The word beatitude
literally
means "happiness" or "blessedness".
What is the significance of Jesus' beatitudes, and why are they so central
to his teaching? The beatitudes respond to the natural desire for happiness
that God has placed in every heart. They teach us the final end to which
God calls us, namely the coming of God's kingdom (Matthew
4:17), the vision of God (Matthew 5:8; 1 John 2;1),
entering into the joy of the Lord (Matthew 25:21-23)
and into his rest (Hebrews 4:7-11). Jesus' beatitudes
also confront us with decisive choices concerning the life we pursue here
on earth and the use we make of the goods he puts at our disposal. God
alone satisfies. Theresa of Avila's prayer book contained a bookmark which
she wrote: "Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you;
All things pass: God never changes. Patience achieves all it strives for.
Whoever has God lacks nothing, God alone suffices." Is God enough for
you? God offers us the greatest good possible – abundant life in Jesus
Christ (John 10:10) and the promise of unending joy and happiness with
God. Do you seek the highest good, the total good, which is above
all else?
The beatitudes which Jesus offers us are a sign of contradiction to
the world's understanding of happiness and joy. How can one possibly find
happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution? Poverty of spirit
finds ample room and joy in possessing God as the greatest treasure possible.
Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God's word and Spirit.
Sorrow and mourning over wasted life and sin leads to joyful freedom from
the burden of guilt and spiritual oppression. God reveals to the humble
of heart the true source of abundant life and happiness. Jesus promises
his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the
troubles and hardships they can expect in this world. Thomas Aquinas said:
"No one can live without joy. That is why a person deprived of spiritual
joy goes after carnal pleasures." Do you know the happiness of hungering
and thirsting for God alone?
"Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you and show me the way that leads
to everlasting peace and happiness. May I desire you above all else and
find perfect joy in doing your will."
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Fw: [mnn-friends] MNN Prayer List For 08 Jun, 2012
Cornerstone University of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. This is your
weekly Mission Network News prayer bulletin.
Here are your weekly prayer items. Please pray over them during your
personal devotional time and at your church prayer meeting.
___________________________________________________________________
Lebanese believers make dangerous trek into Syria
Syria (MNN) -- Last weekend, Lebanese Christians risked their lives to deliver aid to believers trapped in Syria. Bill Bray with Christian Aid Mission explains, "A series of house meetings were held. Over 600 emergency relief packages were delivered from missionaries in Lebanon who crossed the border, and they brought in medicine and conducted these meetings." The trek to Syria is extremely dangerous. Borders are littered with mines and gunmen. But Syrian Christians are desperate for aid. "A young boy had a slight fever that continued to rise," Bray says. His family "couldn't afford medicine for him, and the resulting outcome was that this child is now paralyzed." As Christian Aid helps churches provide resources, churches are growing. During the weekend meetings, lots of new believers were baptized. Learn more at MissionNetworkNews.org, keyword "Mission Groups" -- Christian Aid Mission.
* Pray for resources to come into Christian Aid so more Christians can receive help.
* Pray for peace in Syria.
* Pray for the new believers as they learn more about Christ.
___________________________________________________________________
Sunday proves deadly in Nigeria
Nigeria (MNN) -- Sunday June 3 was a bloody day in Nigeria, and Nigerians are still reeling from the events. Carl Moeller with Open Doors USA explains, "Swallowed under the news of the plane crash was the news that there was another suicide bomber at a church in Northern Nigeria, in Bauchi. Apparently, at least 10 others were killed and 30 injured in that attack." Although Boko Haram didn't claim the attack, they didn't really need to. "The reality is: this is the kind of violence that they want to precipitate across the entire country. It's the kind of violence that president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathon, is facing spreading throughout the rest of the country." Last month, Christian leaders issued a stern warning that they would not take any more. But a violent response could further divide Nigeria at a crucial time. "I think there's a deep, spiritual hunger. When Christians are being persecuted and they continue to show love to those who are persecuting them, that is the most powerful witness: the truth of the good news of Jesus." Pray.
* Pray for wisdom and boldness for ministry leaders.
* Ask God to prepare lives for response in a tense time.
* Pray for community transformation.
___________________________________________________________________
Sahel food crisis worsens
Mali (MNN) -- The food crisis in the Sahel region is worsening. Conditions in Mali bear some resemblance to those in Somalia. Jeff Palmer with Baptist Global Response says, "The numbers are not quite as high as what we were seeing happening over Somalia. Our prayers would be that rains would start and we would not see those numbers, but indicators are that those numbers are going to come." 18 million people are suffering from food shortages topped by war and drought. BGR is responding, but time and again, trouble has gotten in the way. "We've actually had to delay some of the food dispersals because of security in the area. In the end, it's not the organization that suffers, it's the people who really need to get food for their families." Funds are tight. If you can help BGR, we've got some useful information at our Web site. Palmer says this is real "religion." "It does open up all kinds of doors. An act of kindness in the name of Christ, a cup of cold water, food given to the hungry: it's sort of like the Word of God never comes back void. That act, in the name of Christ, will never come back void, either."
* Pray for continued open doors for the Gospel.
* Pray for a peaceful transition in Mali.
* Ask God to provide the resources for this project.
___________________________________________________________________
Nepal's constitutional crisis deepens
Nepal (MNN) -- It's "Back to the Drawing Board" for Nepal after its Constituent Assembly failed to produce a constitution, and the clock has run out. Danny Punnose with Gospel For Asia explains, "The final deadline ended just recently, and so the present government is not ruling the government anymore. There will be a caretaker government managing things until November when elections will take place where they're going to re-elect everyone back into the government." The United Nations expressed concerns of violence sparked by instability. However, Punnose says, "The leaders of these countries want to see stability because it affects their own futures. I do feel that even if there is rioting and there is some political strife, I think it will be minor compared to how it used to be when there was a lock down of the entire country." GFA workers haven't slowed down at all. "We're paying attention and looking at what's going to be happening and still continuing to do ministry, still continuing to help the kids and the poor and meet the needs of the people." It could get risky. Can you pray about some of their needs? We have details at our Web site.
* Pray for cooperation among government leaders.
* Pray for a peaceful transition.
* Pray for wisdom and safety for ministry leaders and staff.
___________________________________________________________________
1 in 3 chance of Greece leaving Euro Zone
Greece (MNN) -- Greece faces more pain regardless of what choice they make in the coming days. An election on June 17 has a one-in-three chance of provoking an exit from the Euro Zone. Tasos Ioannidis with AMG International says, "If Greece left the Eurozone, it would have to go to a national currency that would immediately devalue. The best estimates are that the buying power of the new currency would be reduced immediately by 50%." Staying in means submitting to austerity measures. There's no easy way out for Greece. "They are in the fifth year of a recession. They have seen their salaries go down, unemployment is higher than 23% right now, so there is a lot of suffering." AMG ministry partners are doing what they can to ease the pain. "The churches are helping people who are in need in various ways. There is an effort underway to increase the aid that's provided, expecting that this fall will be the greatest need that we are going to see." There are lots of Gospel opportunities. Go to our Web site for ways to help.
* Pray for cooperation among government leaders.
* Pray for continued ministry vision.
___________________________________________________________________
Mission Network News is dedicated to keeping Christians informed about
missions and evangelism around the world. Our goal is to help you
become engaged in missions through praying more effectively, giving or
going to the field short or long term.
Thank you for your dedication and heart for world missions. Your
prayers are greatly appreciated. May God richly bless you as you
serve Him today!
In His grip,
Greg Yoder, Executive Director
Mission Network News
1.800.284.9361
616.942.1500
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Friday, June 8, 2012
Mark 12:38-44
Meditation: What is true religion and devotion to God? Jesus
warns his disciples against the wrong kind of religion. In his denunciation
of the scribes (the religious experts of his day), he warns against three
things: the desire for prominence rather than selfless service; the desire
for deference and recognition (and seeking esteem from others) rather than
seeking to promote the good of others through humble service and love;
and thirdly, attempting to use one's position (even a religious position)
for self-gain and self-advancement. True religion is relating rightly to
God and to one's neighbor with love, honor, and respect. The Lord puts
his Holy Spirit within us that we may be filled with the joy of his presence,
the joy of true worship, and the joy of selfless giving and love for others.
True reverence for God frees the heart to give liberally, both to God and
to neighbor.
Jesus taught his disciples a dramatic lesson in giving with love. Love
doesn't calculate; it spends lavishly! Jesus drove this point home to his
disciples while sitting in the temple and observing people offering their
tithes. Jesus praised a poor widow who gave the smallest of coins in contrast
with the rich who gave greater sums. How can someone in poverty give more
than someone who has ample means? Jesus' answer is very simple: love is
more precious than gold! Jesus taught that real giving must come from the
heart. A gift that is given with a grudge or for display loses most of
its value. But a gift given out of love, with a spirit of generosity and
sacrifice, is invaluable. The amount or size of the gift doesn't matter
as much as the cost to the giver. The poor widow could have kept one of
her coins, but instead she recklessly gave away all she had! Jesus praised
someone who gave barely a penny – how insignificant a sum – because it
was everything she had, her whole living. What we have to offer may look
very small and not worth much, but if we put all we have at the Lord's
disposal, no matter how insignificant it may seem, then God can do with
it and with us what is beyond our reckoning. Do you know the joy and freedom
of giving liberally to God and to neighbor with gratitude and love?
"Lord Jesus, all that I have is yours. Take my life, my possessions,
my time and all that I have and use them as you desire for your glory."
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings
From Samsung Mobile device.
__
Robin K Brookes
69 Beresford Road
LOWESTOFT
NR32 2NQ UK
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Reflection
Meditation: What kind of ruler does the world need today? Who
can establish true peace and justice? When the people of Israel settled
into the promised land, they wanted a king to unite and rule them like
the other nations around them. Their first king, Saul, failed to establish
a dynasty. But when David was annointed king God established a covenant
with him and promised that his dynasty would last forever. Among the Jews
the most common title for the Messiah (the Hebrew word for
Christ
or the Anointed One) was the Son of David. The Jews looked
forward to the long-expected Savior who would come from the line of David.
Jesus was often addressed with that title, especially by the crowds (Mark
10:47ff, Matthew 9:27; 12:23).
Why did Jesus question the Jews on the claim that their Messiah or Christ
would be the son of David? After all the New Testament makes clear that
Jesus himself is a direct descendant from the line of David's throne (Romans
1:3, 2 Timothy 2:8, Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38). Jesus posed the question
to make his hearers understand that the Messiah is more than the son of
David. Jesus makes his point in dramatic fashion by quoting from one of
David's prophetic psalms, Psalm 110: The
Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I put your enemies under
your feet. How can the son be the lord of his father? Jesus,
who took upon himself our human nature for our sake, is not only the son
of David, he is first and foremost the Son of God eternally begotten of
the Father. The Messiah King whom God promised to send would not only come
from David's line, but would be greater than any earthy ruler who came
before or would come after. Jesus claimed a sovereignty that only God can
claim – a sovereignty that extends not only to the ends of the earth but
to the heavens as well. But the way Jesus would establish his kingdom was
far different from any of the expectations of the tiny nation of Israel.
Jesus came to rule hearts and minds, not lands and entitlements. He came
to free people from the worst tyranny possible – slavery to sin, Satan,
and a world ruled by greed and lust for power and wealth.
Paul the Apostle states that no one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except
by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). It is the role of the Holy
Spirit to make the Lord Jesus present and known in our lives. We can accept
the Lord Jesus or reject him, love him or ignore him. He will not force
his rule upon us. But the consequences of our choice will not only shape
our present life but our destiny as well. What does it mean to acknowledge
that Jesus is Lord? The word lord
means <span
style="font-style: italic;">ruler or <span
style="font-style: italic;">king
– the one who is owed fealty and submission. The Lord and Master of our
lives is the person or thing we give our lives over to and submit to in
a full way. We can be ruled by many things – our possessions, the love
of money, our unruly passions, alcohol, drugs, and other forms of addictions.
Only one Lord and Master can truly set us free to love and serve others
selflessly and to be loved as God intended from the beginning. When we
acknowledge that Jesus is Lord we invite him to be the king of our heart,
master of our home, our thoughts, our relationships, and everything we
do. Is the Lord Jesus the true king and master of your heart and do you
give him free reign in every area of your life?
"Lord Jesus, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of David and
the Son of God. You are my Lord and I willingly submit myself to
your rule in my life. Be Lord and King of my life, my thoughts, heart,
home, relationships, work, and all that I do."
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings
From Samsung Mobile device.
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Robin K Brookes
69 Beresford Road
LOWESTOFT
NR32 2NQ UK
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Treasures in Heaven
Meditation: What gives hope and satisfaction to our desire for
happiness and security? A young man who had the best the world could offer
– wealth and security – came to Jesus because he lacked one thing. He wanted
the kind of lasting peace and happiness which money could not buy him.
The answer he got, however, was not what he was looking for. He protested
that he kept all the commandments; but Jesus spoke to the trouble in his
heart. One thing kept him from giving himself whole-heartedly to God. While
he lacked nothing in material goods, he was nonetheless possessive of what
he had. He placed his hope and security in what he possessed. So when Jesus
challenged him to make God his one true possession and treasure, he became
dismayed. Why did he go away from Jesus with sadness rather than with joy?
His treasure and his hope for happiness were misplaced. Jesus challenged
the young man because his heart was possessive. He was afraid to give to
others for fear that he would lose what he had gained. He sought happiness
and security in what he possessed rather than in who he could love and
serve and give himself in undivided devotion.
Why does Jesus tell his disciples to "sell all" for the treasure of
his kingdom? Treasure has a special connection to the heart, the
place of desire and longing, the place of will and focus. The thing we
most set our heart on is our highest treasure. The Lord himself is the
greatest treasure we can have. Giving up everything else to have the Lord
as our treasure is not sorrowful, but the greatest joy. [See Jesus' parable
about the treasure hidden in a field in Matthew
13:44.] Selling all that we have could mean many different things –
letting go of attachments, friendships, influences, jobs, entertainments,
styles of life – really anything that might stand in the way of our loving
God first and foremost in our lives and giving him the best we can with
our time, resources, gifts, and service.
Those who are generous towards God and towards their neighbor find that
they cannot outgive God in his generosity towards us. God blesses us with
the priceless treasures of his kingdom – freedom from fear and the griping
power of sin, selfishness and pride which block his love and grace in our
lives; freedom from loneliness, isolation and rejection which keep his
children from living together in love, peace, and unity; and freedom from
hopelessness, despair, and disillusionment which blind our vision of God's
power to heal every hurt, bind every wound, and remove every blemish which
mar the image of God within us. God offers us treasure which money cannot
buy. He alone can truly satisfy the deepest longing and desires of our
heart. Are you willing to part with anything that might keep you from seeking
true joy with Jesus?
Why does Jesus issue such a strong warning to the rich (as well as to
the rest of us who desire to be rich)? Was he really against wealth? We
know that Jesus was not opposed to wealth per se, nor was he opposed to
the wealthy. He had many friends who were well-to-do, including some notorious
tax collectors! One even became an apostle! Jesus' warning reiterated the
teaching of the Old Testament wisdom: Better is a poor man who walks
in his integrity than a rich man who is perverse in his ways (Proverbs
28:6; see also Psalm 37:16). Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be
wise enough to desist (Proverbs 23:4). Jesus seems to say that it is
nearly impossible for the rich to live as citizens of God's kingdom. The
camel was regarded as the largest animal in Palestine. The "eye of the
needle" could be interpreted quite literally or it could figuratively describe
the narow and low gate of the city walls which was used by travellers when
the larger public gate was locked after dark. A normal sized man had to
"lower" himself to enter that gate. A camel would literally have to knell
and crawl through it. Why is Jesus so cautious about wealth? Wealth
can make us falsely independent. The church at Laodicea was warned about
their attitude towards wealth and a false sense of security: "For you say,
I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing" (Revelations 3:17). Wealth
can also lead us into hurtful desires and selfishness (see 1 Timothy 6:9-10).
Look at the lesson Jesus gave about the rich man and his sons who refused
to aid the poor man Lazarus (see Luke 16:19ff). They also neglected to
serve God. The scriptures give us a paradox: we lose what we keep and we
gain what we give away. Generosity will be amply repaid, both in this life
and in eternity (Proverbs 3:9-10, Luke 6:38). Jesus offers us an incomparable
treasure which no money can buy and no thief can steal. The thing we most
set our heart on is our highest treasure. Material wealth will shackle
us to this earth unless we guard our hearts and set our treasure on God
and his everlasting kingdom. Where is your treasure?
"Lord Jesus, you have captured our hearts and opened to us the treasures
of heaven. May you always be my treasure and delight and may nothing else
keep me from giving you my all."
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings
Monday, May 14, 2012
Reflectiion
Meditation: Why does God seem far from us at times? Separation
and loss of relationship often lead to grief and pain. The apostles were
filled with sorrow when Jesus spoke about his imminent departure. Jesus
explained that it was for their sake that he must leave them and return
to his Father. He promised, however, that they would never be left
alone. He will send in his place the best of friends, the Holy Spirit.
Paul reminds us that "nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ
Jesus" (Romans 8:39). By sending the Holy Spirit to his followers, the
Lord Jesus makes his presence known to us in a new and on-going way. We
are not left as orphans, but the Lord himself dwells within us through
the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:9; 6:16b).
Jesus tells his disciples three very important things about the
work of the Holy Spirit – to convince the world of sin and of righteousness
and of judgment. The original word for convince also means convict.
The Holy Spirit is our Sanctifier. He makes us holy as God is holy. He
does this first by convicting us of our sin and by bringing us humbly to
the foot of the Cross. The Spirit convinces us of God's love and forgiveness
and of our utter dependence on God for his mercy and grace. We need
the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us from the error of our sinful ways
and to show us the way of love and truth.
The Jews who condemned Jesus as a heretic and blasphemer thought they
were serving God rather than sinning when they crucified Jesus. When the
gospel was later preached on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37), many were
pricked in their heart and convicted of their sin. What made them change
their mind about Jesus? It is the work of the Holy Spirit to both convict
us of wrongdoing and to convince us of God's truth. The Spirit convinces
us of the righteousness of Christ, backed by the fact that Jesus rose again
and went to his Father. The Holy Spirit also convicts us of judgment. The
Spirit gives us the inner and unshakable conviction that we shall all stand
before the judgment seat of God. God's judgments are just and good. When
we heed his judgments we find true peace, joy and reconciliation with God.
Do you allow the Holy Spirit free reign in your life that he may set you
free from the grip of sin and set you ablaze with the fire of God's love?
"Come Holy Spirit, and let the fire of your love burn in my heart. Let
me desire only what is pure, lovely, holy and good and in accord with the
will of God and give me the courage to put away all that is not pleasing
in your sight."
Psalm 138:1-3,7-8
1 I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the angels
I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for
your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted above
everything your name and your word.
3 On the day I called, you answered me, my strength of soul you increased.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right
hand delivers me.
8 The LORD will fulfil his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD,
endures for ever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Go to | Daily
Reading & Meditation Index |
(c) 2012 Don
Schwager
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings
Thursday, May 3, 2012
John 14:1-6
Meditation: Do you allow any troubles to rob you of God's peace?
As much as we try to avoid it, we all inevitably encounter trouble and
difficulties we find hard to endure. Jesus knew his disciples would have
to face trials and persecution after he left them to return to his Father
in heaven. Adversity can make us lose hope and become discouraged, or it
can press us closer to God and to his promises. "It is the LORD
who goes before you; he will be with you, he will not fail you or forsake
you; do not fear or be dismayed" (Deuteronomy 31:8). Just as God went ahead
of the Israelites in the wilderness to lead them safely to the promised
land, Jesus tells his disciples that he is going ahead to prepare a place
for them in God's house – a place of refuge, peace, and security, and everlasting
happiness. God's house is never closed nor crowded – there is plenty of
room for everyone who believes in God and in his beloved Son, the Lord
Jesus Christ. The greatest fear in this present life – whether it be the
separation and loss of life to a loved one or the threat to one's own life
– is put to rest by Jesus' promise that we will live forever with him and
the Father in their heavenly home with a great company of saints and angels
who will be our friends forever as well.
Do you know the way to the Father's house? Jesus expected his disciples
to know where he was going and what their ultimate destination would be
as well. Thomas, who was both a doubter and a realist, spoke for all the
disciples when he said, "we neither know where you are going nor how we
shall get there on our own?" If you have never been to another land
or traveled down an unfamiliar road, you naturally want to know what your
destination is and how to get there safe and sound. During the middle of
the 15 year civil war in Lebanon, at a time when many believers had been
isolated and cut off from contact with outside Christians, I attempted
to find a way to visit. Since I had never traveled there before, nor spoke
the language, I was helpless without a guide. Fortunately a Christian friend
from Lebanon met me half-way and personally guided me safely through unfamiliar
territory, including some challenging road-blocks and check-points along
the way.
Jesus knew that his followers could not find the way to the Father in
heaven on their own without his help. In fact, that is why the Father sent
his Son into the world on a rescue mission to restore those who were lost
and without a guide. Jesus made a statement which only God could make and
deliver. Jesus proclaimed: I am the Way. Through Moses and the prophets,
God promised to guide his people in a "holy way" so they could walk and
live in his peace and blessing. And a highway shall be there, and it
shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not pass over it, and fools
shall not err therein (Isaiah 35:8).
You shall not turn aside to
the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the way which the
Lord your God has commanded you (Deuteronomy 5:32-33). Teach me
your way, O Lord; and lead me on a level path (Psalm 27:11).
The Lord Jesus came to fulfill God's promise to bring his people, not
simply to a land flowing with milk and honey, but to a restored paradise
and new creation where we can dwell with God in perfect peace and unity.
That is why Jesus proclaims, I
am the way, and the truth, and the life. Jesus does not simply give
advice and direction. He personally is the Way,
and we cannot miss it. Through his life-giving word and Spirit, Jesus leads
and guides us personally every day. The Lord Jesus also is the Truth.
Many can say, "I have taught you the truth." Only Jesus can say,
I am
the Truth. Moral truth cannot be conveyed in words alone; it must be
conveyed in example. Jesus embodies the truth in his person. Jesus also
is the Life. He not only
shows
us the path of life (Psalm 16:11); he gives the kind of life which
only God can give – abundant life which never fails nor ends. Is there
any fear or trouble that keeps you from the perfect peace and happiness
of a life surrendered to Jesus Christ?
"Lord Jesus, you fill us with the joy of your saving presence
and you give us the hope of everlasting life with the Father in Heaven.
Show me the Father that I may always know and glorify him."
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings
