Persecution

We all go through persecution; when we believe in Jesus, we will be scorned. But think of it this way: when you are victim to harsh slander, the person yelling is most likely jealous. Seeing a living hope inside of you and wanting it can make them resort to violence, even in words. Next time you are persecuted, pray for the person and talk to them. Tell them they can have part of Jesus's love, too.








Photo Credit: Jan Smith

In the Darkest Shadow

In the darkest shadow, there is a child, crying for love. In the darkest shadow, there is a boy, hungry and cold. In the darkest shadow, there is a girl, bitter and ragged. In the darkest shadow, there is a woman with an unborn child, searching for a place to sleep for the night. In the darkest shadow, there is a man, wondering where he went wrong. In the darkest shadow, there is an old man, ragged and crumpled by the years, not knowing where his next meal is coming from. As correspondents of God's Good News, we must shine our light into these dark corners and bring these people into the Light.



Photo Credit: Pablo Miranzo

The Church

Your church is not just a building. It's the Holy Body of Christ, living, learning, and changing the world. When songs are sung by people who love God, they rise through the air and up to God. But church isn't just a place you gather every Sunday in your best clothes. When you walk out after the service, you should put God's law and love out into the world to help nurture new believers. The church isn't just a building; it's the Holy Body of Christ, living in and loving the world.




Photo Credit: Wilbur

Across the Ocean

Anna stared longingly after Albert as he climbed the gang plank. Albert was headed for South Africa. He planned to be a missionary doctor but that meant leaving his love. Tears stung both their eyes as the boat pulled away from the dock. Neither of them knew when they would see each other again.

In Africa, Albert worked long hours curing many people of injuries and sickness and sharing the Gospel as he worked. Years later, the tribes of South Africa were at war. Each side was well equipped. Albert was serving in a tent hospital on one side. The opposite side was making a charge to try and take the village.

Albert suddenly felt convicted to try to tell the Good News of Jesus to the approaching army. He ran into the middle the plain between the soldiers and the village and shouted, "Jesus died to save you. Accept him and he will be with you."

The army continued to run forward. Just as Albert was about to yell the message a second time, he saw Anna. She was standing between himself and the approaching soldiers. How had she gotten here? What was she doing? She was going to be killed! Questions raced through his mind as he ran to help her. She turned to him and then disappeared. It had been an apparition. Albert stood there, forlorn. He did not hear the men shouting, did not see the approaching army, did not see the shining blade flying through the air. The blade made its mark and Albert fell to the ground. He lay there a minute thinking of Anna, her smiling face. Then he closed his eyes and Albert was no more.

Anna got a message saying that Albert was dead. She was grief-stricken but made up her mind to go to Africa to see the grave. The boat trip was a long and sad one. Anna knew that no pleasure awaited her, only Albert's final resting place.

At the port in South Africa, she stepped off the boat and walked bravely down the road.Once she was settled in a room, she asked where the cemetery was. When she got there, it was eerily quiet. Suddenly in the comer of the cemetery, Anna heard crying. A young warrior was sitting in front of a gravestone. It was Albert's grave. The boy had been brought to Christ through Albert. Anna smiled. Albert's death had not been in vain.


Photo Credit: Jason

Corner Table

It could be that the person sitting across from you, the person sitting all alone in the corner table, could be a great missionary, or just another link in the chain. All you need to do is go up and share the gospel with them. They may reject you, but it's still a seed planted, making them think. It may not do much, but it is still one step closer, one more person added to the chain of Christians changing the world.









Photo Credit: Wolfgangfoto

Change the World

You may not think you are very important, just a small person in a world of people with different ideas. We need to bond together as the family of the living God, clasp hands, hold together, help change the world for the better. We will bring hundreds of people to Jesus. As we link arms with new believers, the chain of people will get longer and longer. We will encircle the earth a hundred times and more to change the world.









Photo Credit: Alice Popkorn

Outcast

Idolaters, prostitutes, terrorists, and other people like this are often shunned by the world, said to be no good. But if they're outcasts, so are you. You were not worthy of heaven, but God was gracious to you and saved you. So do his work by reaching out to these people. Give them a firm place to stand and send another person into God's service.




Photo Credit: Adam (Rez)

A Matter of Love

We all make mistakes. We do not deserve to go to heaven, yet God sent his only Son to save us. He loved us, so why is it that people naturally assume that God doesn't love prostitutes, idolaters, drug addicts, and people like Mr. Obama?

God wants us to reach the world, not curse the people who aren't like us. You, most likely, don't think of yourself this way, but stop and take a good look at yourself. Maybe they have a reason to be the way they are. Maybe they grew up in an abusive home, or their father divorced their mother or vice-versa. Maybe they grew up on the street. We need to embrace these people. They need some love and compassion.

I'm not saying that we should consider it as a chore, but as a thing that needs to be done with a joyful heart and mind. We need to fulfill our mission, not as a matter of duty, but as a matter of love.


Photo Credit: freestone wilson