4th of July

As we celebrated the birth of our Nation (the United States of America) this past weekend, I was in constant awe of how amazing and blessed we are as a country. We sometimes forget how lucky we are to be able to pray, worship, and go to church whenever we want to. We can say the name of the Lord without being afraid of going to jail. People in other nations don't get the same opportunities we have here.

Next time you pray, say God's name, worship, or go to church remember to pray for the people in persecuted nations around the world. Not only do they need our help but they also need our prayers and thoughts.

“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.” Matthew 5:10 (MSG)

Persecution In Our Communities: Update #1

Persecution. When people hear this word the only thing they think of is international persecution. In places and coutnries such as, China, Egypt, Middle East, that literally throw people in prison for believing in Christ. The truth is that persecution not only occurs in countries arund the world but also in our own communities. It never occurs to most people that they are persecuted, but in a sermon I heard from my pastor this past week, I relized it happens. When people put you down or think less of you because you believe in God, God tells us that it is not our fight to fight, but His. He will win the fight for us if we let him fight for us.

Psalm 9:13 "O LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death."

Next time you hear, see, or are involved with persecution in your community and life, remember that God is with you and that He will fight your battles only if you ask Him to. Have a blessed week, and check back next week for another Persecuted Profile or Update