31 Days of Repentance
By Monica Kritz
Mitchell County
Jason and Monica Kritz
Day 24: Forgive me for “closing my eyes” to the persecution of fellow believers/CHRISTians.
Hebrews 13:3 says, “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.”
For most of us, it is easier not to think of fellow CHRISTians being imprisoned, beaten, tortured, and even killed. So…we put it out of our minds…we “close our eyes” to it.
As I’ve been reading Decision magazine from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, my eyes have been opened to this persecution, and I realize that I cannot ignore it any longer. In May 2017, a World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians was held in Washington, D.C. The purpose of this summit was “to call attention to the persecution of Christians and to mobilize believers to pray for and support one another.” (Decision, May 2017, p. 9) 130 countries were represented, and over 600 people attended, some of which were those who had been through severe persecution themselves. According to statistics, there are nearly 100,000 Christians killed annually.” (Decision, July-August 2017, p. 13)
This was an eye-opener to many. Yet, The Bible tells us to “remember.” You may ask, “What can I do?” The biggest and best way that we can help is to pray. That is not a lax and lazy way to deal with problems! This is getting in touch with Almighty GOD, calling on The One Who made all things! In the past, I was guilty of saying, “The least I can do is pray.” How untrue that is! The biggest and best thing I can do is pray! There are situations that I cannot fix…but GOD can! There are people that I cannot reach…but GOD can!
Again, we are to do what GOD wants us to do. But there are some things that only GOD can do…and no one else. In this case of persecution, we are told to pray.
So instead of avoiding the thoughts of persecuted and tortured CHRISTians, lift them up in prayer to Our loving and compassionate SAVIOUR. Pray for miracles of deliverance or for endurance and strength through the persecution. Either way, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
Challenge:
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Jason and Monica Henley-Kritz live in the beautiful mountains of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, nestled near the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Jason is the owner of Joyful Noise Vintage Audio & Electronics, where he repairs, rebuilds and restores vintage electronics. Monica is the owner of Monica’s Music Studio, where she teaches piano and music theory lessons. Jason and Monica were married in 2007, and they give GOD all the glory for any accomplishments in their lives.
Contact Monica with questions about the books or to order hard copies.
Email: monicasmusicstudio@gmail.com
Phone: 1 828 765 8789 ( Leave a message )
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