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how to win your husband to Christ
This is a very special devotion it comes from a dear Christian couple inside China. The youngest daughter is a vibrant and spirit filled Christian, who I am privileged to teach. This devotion brought me to tears when I read it, it comes in Chinese first and then English. Please share this testimony for the glory of God. Names have been changed to protect identity https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china https://www.tblfaithnews.com/tbl-china-prayer-requests 我的丈夫是如何信主的 我是八零后，丈夫Peter比我大一岁，是我高中同学。但他高中没毕业就去当兵了。 我大学毕业，他退伍，我们开始在一起，在南方打工，后来结婚生下大女儿Molly，回到了北方。 Molly三岁之前我们都是无神论者。 Molly三岁那年还没上幼儿园。冬天，北方很冷，家里也没暖气，楼上信主的阿姨告诉我们，小区门口有个托儿所，不收费的，可以带孩子去玩。 就跟Molly的其他几个小伙伴一起去了。真的是不收费，还管饭！门口贴着以马内利。 Molly每天回来都很开心。一个月后老师约我们去坐坐。问我们有没有信仰，我说我没有。她说：如果没有的话，可以周日去附近的教会听听了解了解。 然后有天，我就走进了教会，一年多后，2013年，我三十岁的时候受洗。 刚信主的时候，也邀请Peter带着Molly一起去教会。我经常唱着赞美诗，不自觉的流下眼泪。Peter跟Molly说：妈妈神经了，唱歌也哭。信主的人都是神经病。 那时候我们结婚五六年，三口之家还很弱小，需要我的父母、Peter的父母帮助。三个家庭的矛盾和摩擦就如电视剧中的一样接连不断。 我是个很骄傲的人，从相识开始，Peter就对我百依百顺。 后来在各种家庭矛盾中，发现他不再对自己百依百顺的时候，伤心、难过、失望，甚至离家出走，准备离婚…… 直到有天我听到牧者说：“妻子要顺服丈夫…”这句经文我曾看过许多遍，但是神那天打开了我的耳朵，告诉我：“你先顺服他”。 于是，下次起争执的时候，我就想起这句话，管住自己的舌头。 为什么是管住舌头？因为我心里还是不服他的。 记得有一年他发了年终奖，我说我们奉献给教会一万块钱吧？他拒绝了。我就没再说话。但心里还是伤心、难过、失望。 家里的钱由我保管，但神对我说过：先顺服他。 2015年，我们有了小女儿Yiyi。那几年Peter跟别人合伙做生意，生活开始改善，换了有暖气的大房子。 然后疫情来了。 合作商和供货商先后出了问题。生意开始由盈转亏。 2022年冬天，他有天跟我说：活着没意思，想自杀。 虽然后来他安慰我说是玩笑话，但是他从来没跟我开过这种玩笑，也没人会随便开这种玩笑的，对吧？ 在家不能出门的日子里，他开始思考人为什么活着。 他不是个爱读书的人，上学时候也不爱学习，很早就去当了兵。家里他买过的唯一的书是《金庸全集》，占了整整一排书柜。 但是他开始读《史记》。 他说，读了一部分，感觉好绝望，历史不过是不断的重复、重演。 他又买了崔永元的书《我的抗战》，他说原来还有很多我们不知道的历史。 那年冬天，有天我开车带着他，顺手打开音频版《荒漠甘泉》边开车边听。他忽然特别感动，几乎要哭，说：“信主真好啊！”。 我记不起来是哪一篇了。但是他说的这句话，我至今还记得。 从那天起，他的生命开始发生变化。 他开始读《圣经》，在网上找到了王怡、洪予健等牧者的视频，因为我们换了房子，我也脱离了原来受洗的三自教会。一直没有重新委身教会。 他只能靠网络听道。每天记录。写了好几本灵修笔记。 我也在网上参加英文口语圣经故事查经课。每次学到的圣经故事，都跟Peter分享，把老师提的问题，提给Peter思考和回答。英文课老师鼓励大家讨论，说自己没有标准答案。同样，我也没有标准答案给Peter，我们一起常常讨论到深夜。 与此同时，7岁的小女儿Yiyi开始学习CEF儿童事工组织的在线儿童英文圣经查经课。Yiyi开始认识神。开始问我对于圣经的问题。 大女儿Molly此时上初中，不断从她那里听到同学里有抑郁、自残、自杀的消息。我们逐渐认识到带孩子认识神的重要性。 我提议让Peter组织和主持家庭查经分享课。他很愿意，每周都提前准备好了讲义。刚开始他讲的很多内容不太准确，但没有原则性错误。我极少纠正。后来他的很多独到的见解和思考，让我也很受启发。 Yiyi很积极地参与，提问、分享。Molly却总是沉默。我们想她应该是学习压力太大了吧！ 2024年秋天，在主内家人的帮助下，我们找到了一个有儿童主日学的家庭教会，听了两个月。Peter在跟牧者长谈几次后，我们决定委身这间教会。 圣诞节前，Peter和Yiyi一起受洗。 Molly也考上了省重点高中。只是跟我们在一起的时间越来越少，话越来越少。眼睛里也没有了光。周日说瞌睡，不愿去教会。 有次我们周日在家一起查经分享的时候，Molly忽然问我们：圣经里说神创造天地，书上说我们是进化来的。怎么解释？ 今年Molly同意不再去学校上学。我们也在请主内家人帮忙联系主内高中学校。一次网络面试时，老师问她：“你信这世上有一位独一的真神吗？”她说嗯。 想起Peter两年前那句：“信主真好啊！”，这一刻的“嗯”，也让我很感动。 上周，教会的牧者请我们去家里吃饭，Molly吃完饭不愿意跟我们一起聊天，自己去阳台上晒太阳。Peter说：“Molly现在这样，我有很大责任。小时候妈妈去教会，我跟Molly说信主的人是神经病。现在我也信主了，Molly可能觉得我背叛了她，不再跟她一伙儿了”。 前两天，我在网上买中英双语圣经，问Molly要不要，她摇摇头。我说你没有圣经，到时候去学校有圣经课怎么办？她说好吧。现在她有了自己的第一本中英双语圣经。 Peter一个月前，报名了为期两年的道硕课程，一边读神学，一边工作。他在学院申请表中“为什么信主”一栏中写了很多，其中写道：“我的妻子信主，我在她身上看到了生命的改变。” 他开玩笑说，高中没毕业的他，在主里面的学历要超过我了！ 但这很好。我现在，从心里愿意顺服这样的丈夫。 你们做妻子的，要顺服自己的丈夫。这样，若有不信从道理的丈夫，他们虽然不听道，也可以因妻子的品行被感化过来， 这正是因看见你们有贞洁的品行和敬畏的心。（彼得前书 3：1-2） Grace 主后2025年3月3日 How My Husband Came to Faith I was born in the 1980s, and my husband, Peter, is one year older than me. We were high school classmates, but he dropped out before graduation to join the army. After I graduated from university and he was discharged from the military, we got together, moved to South China for work, and later got married. We had our eldest daughter, Molly, and eventually returned to North China. Before Molly was three, we were both atheists. That winter, it was freezing in North China, and we had no heating at home. A Christian lady who lived upstairs told us about a daycare near our area that was free of charge and welcomed children to play. So, Molly joined her little friends and started going there. It really was free, and they even provided meals! At the entrance, there was a sign that said, “Emmanuel.” Molly came home happy every day. After about a month, the teachers invited us for a talk. They asked if we had any religious beliefs. I said no. They then said, “If you don’t, you might consider visiting a nearby church on Sundays to learn more.” One day, I decided to walk into the church in our area. A year later, in 2013, when I was thirty, I was baptized. The Early Struggles When I first came to faith, I inv
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the alphabet y and z
WE ARE GOING TO YONDER CITY REVELATION 21 1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. In pilgrims progress, the pilgrims are constantly looking for the heavenly city, their eyes are always directed to heaven. Our eyes, have also to be focused towards heaven, we travel on this road towards the heavenly city and we travel on it, knowing that at the end of this road is something beyond description. This is what keeps us going, sometimes the road is incredibly rough and steep, and the one thing that does keep us focused and hopeful, is that one day, we will see our Saviour and share his glory. When someone asks, where are we going? We say, " we are going to yonder city" We are going to see our Saviour. Our eyes and our focus, have to be on heaven. The glories of heaven are one of the greatest motivations for us, the glories of heaven are so amazing. Romans 8 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. The glories of heaven, are among the greatest motivations to us, the glory of heaven is totally awesome. If we are going to Yonder City, another thing we must do, is to take as many people as we can with us to this glorious place. We must grasp the glories of heaven; Praise God. Are you going to Yonder city? KK REVELATION 21 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ZION'S CITY We come to the end of the alphabet, and for Z, we are going to finish at our final destination. Pilgrim, Hopeful and Faithful went on the way to the celestial city, a city that is beyond words, please read the rest of chapter 21 to be totally awed. This is the thing that keeps us going, this is the blessed hope of Titus 2:13 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Going along the way is awesome, but it is tough, there is a blessed hope, the hope of the believer is to see his/her Saviour. When life got to its hardest point, in Doubting castle, Pilgrim plucked a key out of his bosom called Promise. One of the promises on that key ring is this: JOHN 14 14 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Rejoice Christian, you are going home. One day you will see your Saviour and all pain and sorrow will cease. As we end this series, let's rejoice that we are home. God bless you Keith Please view the largest number of English and Chinese devotions on the planet allied to prayer requests about China. There are thousands of English devotions also. https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china https://www.tblfaithnews.com/tbl-china-prayer-requests https://www.tblfaithnews.com/ SERMONS https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/7924200462452 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/92424148154774 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/1229241633172317
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microscopic or telescopic
MICROSCOPIC OR TELESCOPIC? PSALM 119 9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes. Of all the treasures we have, the word of God is probably the greatest. So how do we read and study it. Christians use different methods, some read thee bible once per year using various schemes, some just read the bible in large chunks, such as five chapters per day. Some read randomly, they don't follow any scheme, they read in John one day and Psalms the next, is that helping them? I used this method for many years and to be honest, did not grow in my faith very much, I had favorite passages that I constantly read, which kept me away from the books I felt were difficult, such as Job, Jeremiah, Joel and Ezekiel ( this last one is still a struggle!) Now I am using a method, that could be of help to you. When I read a book such as Acts, which I will start next month, I will read the whole book, splitting into sections to gain an overview (telescopic) and then read it slowly, taking as long as it takes (microscopic), examining it section by section. The bible is a treasure trove, it is full of rich diamonds, which we often miss, it is a book to dwell on, it is a book to be meditated upon, it needs to be examined closely and carefully. Let me make a suggestion, say you are reading Revelation, read all of it, splitting it into sections, and then take time to read it slowly, reading five chapters of Revelation is difficult enough anyway, We miss so much, for the first time, I have read the psalms one by one, some of these I have never focused on, such as Psalm 10, 83 and 31. Oh yes, we read all the popular ones such as Psalm 23 and 51, but we forget the words of the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4: 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Thomas brooks said these wise words: Bible reading... by Thomas Brooks-- https://www.gracegems.org/2001-1/bible_reading.htm "Remember that it is not hasty reading, but serious meditation on holy and heavenly truths, that makes them prove sweet and profitable to the soul. It is not the mere touching of the flower by the bee that gathers honey, but her abiding for a time on the flower that draws out the sweet. It is not he that reads most, but he that meditates most, that will prove to be the choicest, sweetest, wisest, and strongest Christian." I say a big amen to that, it is not how many pages you read, it is how much does the bible affect your life. Poem by Keith Search the bible, meditate on it's truth. So, its transforming power has free reign in your life. The power of the word gives light to your path The authority of the word gives meaning to life Fall in love with God's word. Let it become your greatest treasure and deepest pleasure. Let me run to it and never away from it Knowing that it is the book of books Written by the King of Kings To bless and comfort his children May we fly to the word. The final word goes to Don Fortner Bow to the Word by Don Fortner https://www.gracegems.org/2001-1/Bow%20to%20the%20Word.htm I bow to the Word of God. There are many good creeds, confessions, and catechisms written by men, clearly setting forth the gospel of the grace of God; but I do not pin my faith to the writings of any man, or any group of men, no matter how much I may admire them. The Word of God alone is my rule of faith and practice. I bow my will and my reason, my experience and my feelings, to the Word of God. I do not understand all that is written in the Scriptures; but I believe it all. I bow to the authority of Holy Scripture. I do so unreservedly. Let men call it bigotry, ignorance, or whatever they may, I am not even open to the consideration of any thought, id
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ukrainw
REPORT UPDATE OCCUPIED UKRAINE: Orthodox Priest Transferred to Russian Labour Camp Source: Forum18 Father Kostiantyn Maksimov Photo: Center for Civil Liberties In May 2023, Orthodox priest Kostiantyn Maksimov was taken captive by Russian occupation forces in the Zaporizhzhia Region of eastern Ukraine. In March 2024, it was announced that he had been accused of reporting the location of Russian air defences and put on trial for espionage. On August 2nd, the church leader was found guilty and sentenced to 14 years in a forced labour camp. For more details on Father Kostiantyn's case, see these reports. Although Father Kostiantyn appealed the ruling, his sentence was upheld in November 2024. At the time, concerns were raised that the priest may be transferred to a prison camp in Russia – an action that would violate the Geneva Conventions. According to these international laws, prisoners from an occupied territory must be detained within that territory. On February 11th, those concerns were realized when Father Kostiantyn was transferred to a labour camp in Russia's Saratov Region, which is located more than 1,000 kilometres from his home. All Protestant and non-Moscow Patriarchate Orthodox churches have been declared illegal in occupied areas of Ukraine, and the occupying Russian forces have implemented many of the religious restrictions currently found in Russia. For previously published reports on the challenges facing Christians in these regions, see our country profile. Ask our Heavenly Father to provide Father Kostiantyn with greatly needed physical and spiritual endurance as he continues to be detained in captivity. In addition to interceding for this Christian leader's immediate release, please also pray for the cessation of Russian aggression so that the people of Ukraine can live in peace. May followers of Jesus in Russia and occupied regions of Ukraine who are suffering under the dictates of repressive policies receive guidance, protection and courage as they share the Lord's love and the hope that He alone provides while residing in these very difficult and dangerous areas.
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speech therapy
SPEECH THERAPY EXODUS 4 10 And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. I was in and out of speech therapy from the ages of six to sixteen and it affected my education, leading me to be placed in the lowest stream at school, and losing two terms of year 4 at secondary school. I also failed my English exam at college due to the oral part being too much for me. So how have I reached the point, where I am able to teach and speak normally. It is all because of God's grace and constant help, I remember for years I was not able to communicate effectively and lost out on many jobs, because at interview I was not able to express myself. I felt different and difficult, a walking disaster zone, no use to anyone. I blamed myself, my parents and everyone around me for the bullying, yes, sometimes I did irritate people and sometimes still do. How do you deal with all the hurt? I came to Christ just before my 16th birthday, completely and totally insecure. But now at 66, I am completely secure, all down to the Lord. He has forgiven my past and has taught me that since I am forgiven much I have to truly forgive people who have hurt me from the heart. My favorite passage in the whole bible is Ephesians 1:3-14, in these verses is all the security you need, you have been redeemed, sealed, adopted and loved in every way possible. Another passage which has been of great help is Psalm 139, to know that God loves me and has done, even when I was in my mothers womb, is of great comfort to me. God has seen everything I have been through and he completely understands our deep hurt, all the tears we have shed, he keeps in a special bottle Psalm 56:8 King James Version 8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? Whether people reject or accept me, I know my Lord says Come unto me, I DO NOT HAVE TO STRIVE FOR HIS ACCEPTANCE. MATTHEW 11 28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. He calls me his son, that is a privilege beyond words: Romans 8 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Lastly, I am able to pour out my heart to him, you see he totally understands: PSALM 62 8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. You may of gone through trauma in your childhood, whatever it is, bullying, sexual molestation, rape or a physical ailment like me, there is healing and refuge in the power of the cross, come to Jesus and let him purge your past. There are marks, there are flashbacks, there are memories, but the pain has gone, Jesus has set me free, now I am believe it or not an English teacher, a writer and secure in Christ. I am only these things, because I came to the cross and I continually come to be washed by the precious word of God, that tells me, I am free of my past, and that I am secure not just for today, but for eternity. Praise this name May this help someone God bless you KK Please view the largest number of English and Chinese devotions on the planet allied to
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china cry
CHINA CRY COMMUNIST PARTY MEMBERS 共产党党员 They number upwards of 100 million and are atheist in their thinking and action. 他们的人数超过1亿，并且在思想和行动上是无神论者。 Please pray for them, they are trapped in a wrong mindset, many of them, haven't heard the gospel. 请为他们祈祷，他们被困在错误的心态中，其中许多人从未听过福音。 Please pray for the Youth league members, these young zealots are taught that atheism is all there is from an early age. 请为共产主义青年团成员祈祷，这些年轻的狂热分子从小就被教导认为唯有无神论。 Please pray that the 500 million of no religious affiliation, would be reached with the gospel. 请为5亿无宗教信仰的人们祈祷，让福音传达到他们身边。 I have a real burden for these people, please join me as I pray for them. 我对这些人民负有真正的担忧，请和我一起为他们祈祷。 Liaoning Province 辽宁省 Southern most of the three provinces of Old Manchuria, bordering on North Korea. 是东北三省中最南端的省份，与朝鲜接壤。 Thank God that he has worked mightily in this province, with the church growing much recently. Continue to water these roots with prayer.. 感谢上帝在这个省份中行使了大能，教会最近有了很大的增长。继续用祈祷滋润这些根基。 Korean believers make up a large proportion of the church, continue to pray that the work amongst the Korean diaspora. 朝鲜基督徒在教会中占很大比例，继续为在朝鲜侨民中的事工祈祷。 Liaoning is on the frontline for people escaping from North Korea, please pray for all those refugees that they would find safety and most importantly Jesus. 辽宁是从朝鲜逃离的人们的前线，请为所有那些难民祈祷，愿他们找到庇护，最重要的是接触到耶稣。 The Manchu number over 13 million, they ruled China for 300 years, they are a proud people, who have lost their identity. Please pray that many would come to faith in Christ. 满族人口超过1300万，他们统治了中国300年，是一个骄傲的民族，但已失去了他们的身份认同。请为许多人能信服基督的祈祷。 Please view the largest number of English and Chinese devotions on the planet allied to prayer requests about China. There are thousands of English devotions also. https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china https://www.tblfaithnews.com/tbl-china-prayer-requests https://www.tblfaithnews.com/
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march mssion monthly
This month, we are going to focus on the Muslim world, this is a massive mission field, but God is moving mightily, the links below are to focus you to pray effectively for the work amongst these needy people. Special links https://www.110cities.com/global-day-of-prayer-for-the-muslim-world/ https://www.110cities.com/blog/childrens-muslim/ https://www.ffmna.org/ http://hovsepian.com/ https://iranalive.org/ https://transformiran.com/our-work/ https://www.imb.org/2018/01/02/engaging-muslims-with-the-gospel/ KEY CITIES https://www.110cities.com/blog/cities/mogadishu/ https://www.110cities.com/blog/cities/tripoli/ https://www.110cities.com/blog/cities/cairo/ https://www.110cities.com/blog/cities/qom/ https://www.110cities.com/blog/cities/riyadh/ https://www.110cities.com/blog/cities/jakarta/ https://www.110cities.com/blog/cities/baghdad/ KEY PEOPLE GROUPS https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/12140/CH https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18045/PK https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/12076/AF https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/13592/MR https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/13724/ID https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/14784/SA https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/15284/UZ SERMONS TO HELP YOU REACH MUSLIMS Reaching Out To Muslims David Foster Kabwata Baptist Church https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/71715173030 Islam Denis Lyle | The Chaos of the Cults Lurgan Baptist Church https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/120091615313 Hindrances to Reaching Muslims with the Gospel Bob Rutledge Bob Jones University https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/223101257121 The Core Difference: Jesus and Muhammad Bob Vincent | Christianity and Islam Sermons by Bob and Others https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/2815922409 Please view the largest number of English and Chinese devotions on the planet allied to prayer requests about China. There are thousands of English devotions also. https://www.tblfaithnews.com/category/tbl-china https://www.tblfaithnews.com/tbl-china-prayer-requests https://www.tblfaithnews.com/
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THE X FACTOR
THE X FACTOR John 7:38 King James Version 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. JOHN 14 16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; JOHN 16 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. There was a TV talent show many years ago in the UK that was called the X factor, it was a singing show, which unknown singer had that extra piece they called the X factor? Every Christian has an X factor which is the Holy Spirit. Let me say from the outset, that the Holy spirit, is fully God. He was there at creation, he was there at Jesus baptism, he was there at the cross and it was through Him that Jesus was raised from the dead. He was poured out at Pentecost, he can be grieved Ephesians 4, he can be lied to Acts 5:1-11, in this passage, he is clearly identified as God. He is part of that unique mystery called the trinity, we see the trinity in action, working as one, in creation and in redemption. The Holy Spirit lives in each and every true born-again believer, indeed it is him, who lifts the veil from their eyes about sin and about their need of Christ. The job of the Holy spirit is to reveal Christ to us, he is to uplift Jesus, by opening up our eyes to the truths of scripture, I have no ability to understand any of scripture, it is only through him, that I am able to share it. It is the Holy Spirit, who moved people to write the Holy Bible. He lives in us to sanctify us unto God, to make us more like Christ, that is why there is a daily battle going on between the flesh and the spirit Galatians 5:16-17 and Romans 6 and 7. That is why in Romans 12；1-2，we are told to renew our minds, so that we can be transformed, the Holy Spirit uses Gods word to transform us. Daily, we need to filled with the Holy Spirit, he lives within us, but we have to sow to the spirit, we have to starve the flesh and let the Holy Spirit, work in our lives, we need to stop blocking him by our anger, bitterness and evil speaking. Ephesians 5:18 Ephesians 4:17-32. God's Holy spirit can be blocked by our complaining attitude, we are told to give thanks for everything 1Thessalonians 5:18, if we are constantly complaining, then it blocks his work. The Holy Spirit, is not just the X factor in our walk, it is in our witness. When we share the gospel, we can talk and talk to someone, we explain in detail, we share many bible verses, but somehow, they just don't get it. The Holy Spirit is the illuminator, he and he alone, convicts of sin, righteousness and judgement, in other words, he makes the sinner aware that he is guilty before God, that Jesus is the only way to God, that is through the righteousness of Christ that we are saved, and that the terrifying consequences of sin is death and eternal separation from God. When I was saved all these elements came to fruition, as I was made aware that I was a sinner and that Jesus was the only way to salvation. The Holy spirit gives the Christian the X factor in his walk with Christ and in his witness for Christ. 。 The fruit of the Holy spirit is outlined in Galatians 5:22-23and in Colossians chapter 3:12-17 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectnes
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the x factor
THE X FACTOR X 因素 John 7:38 King James Version 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. JOHN 14 16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; JOHN 16 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. There was a TV talent show many years ago in the UK that was called the X factor, it was a singing show, which unknown singer had that extra piece they called the X factor? Every Christian has an X factor which is the Holy Spirit. Let me say from the outset, that the Holy spirit, is fully God. He was there at creation, he was there at Jesus baptism, he was there at the cross and it was through Him that Jesus was raised from the dead. He was poured out at Pentecost, he can be grieved Ephesians 4, he can be lied to Acts 5:1-11, in this passage, he is clearly identified as God. He is part of that unique mystery called the trinity, we see the trinity in action, working as one, in creation and in redemption. The Holy Spirit lives in each and every true born-again believer, indeed it is him, who lifts the veil from their eyes about sin and about their need of Christ. The job of the Holy spirit is to reveal Christ to us, he is to uplift Jesus, by opening up our eyes to the truths of scripture, I have no ability to understand any of scripture, it is only through him, that I am able to share it. It is the Holy Spirit, who moved people to write the Holy Bible. He lives in us to sanctify us unto God, to make us more like Christ, that is why there is a daily battle going on between the flesh and the spirit Galatians 5:16-17 and Romans 6 and 7. That is why in Romans 12；1-2，we are told to renew our minds, so that we can be transformed, the Holy Spirit uses Gods word to transform us. Daily, we need to filled with the Holy Spirit, he lives within us, but we have to sow to the spirit, we have to starve the flesh and let the Holy Spirit, work in our lives, we need to stop blocking him by our anger, bitterness and evil speaking. Ephesians 5:18 Ephesians 4:17-32. God's Holy spirit can be blocked by our complaining attitude, we are told to give thanks for everything 1Thessalonians 5:18, if we are constantly complaining, then it blocks his work. The Holy Spirit, is not just the X factor in our walk, it is in our witness. When we share the gospel, we can talk and talk to someone, we explain in detail, we share many bible verses, but somehow, they just don't get it. The Holy Spirit is the illuminator, he and he alone, convicts of sin, righteousness and judgement, in other words, he makes the sinner aware that he is guilty before God, that Jesus is the only way to God, that is through the righteousness of Christ that we are saved, and that the terrifying consequences of sin is death and eternal separation from God. When I was saved all these elements came to fruition, as I was made aware that I was a sinner and that Jesus was the only way to salvation. The Holy spirit gives the Christian the X factor in his walk with Christ and in his witness for Christ. 。 The fruit of the Holy spirit is outlined in Galatians 5:22-23and in Colossians chapter 3:12-17 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfe
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pray for china
pray for china This March, we are praying for the city of Guilin. Even if you have never heard its name, it's very likely you know about Guilin: its beautiful mountains and distinct landscape are famous around the world. When many people think of China's natural beauty, they think of Guilin. The churches in Guilin do ministry in the midst of this beauty. They also do ministry in the midst of a great deal of tourism. West of the city, the Lingui District has developed into an economic center. Outside the city, many ethnic minorities live and practice traditional religions. It is a rich area full of many opportunities, and challenges, and we hope you will join us in praying for the house churches in Guilin this month. This Week's Prayer Guide March 2 - This March, we are praying for the southern city of Guilin. Pray for the gospel to go deeper and wider among the churches and people of Guilin. March 3 - There is a saying that "Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven.” People come from all over the world to journey down the Li River and gaze at the beautiful karst mountains. As one pastor shares, “You'll see a picture of Guilin's landscape on the back of the 20 RMB banknote, so it's become a calling card for China, a way to introduce China to the world.” Praise God for displaying his beauty in nature, and pray that the people of Guilin may see the beauty of Christ. March 4 - One pastor shares, “Guilin, as a scenic tourist city, can't build high-rises because they would block the mountains and scenery. So, it looks a bit old and run-down.” However, to the west of downtown, the Lingui New District “looks more like a major city with more economic activity, industries, and a larger influx of people.” Pray for more church planting in this growing district. March 5 - “Since Guilin's economy relies heavily on tourism,” says one pastor, “the pandemic significantly impacted the city's economy and daily life. About half of Guilin's population works in tourism-related industries, so they were all greatly affected. People now feel like they want to make up for the three years they lost, so there's this frenzy around making money.” Pray for those without jobs, and for those who are too obsessed with making money, that they would find greater hope in Christ. March 6 - Near Guilin are multiple autonomous counties, where most of the population is made up of ethnic minorities. Approximately 10% of the population of Guilin is made up of ethnic minorities, such as the Yao, Miao, Dong, and Zhuang people. Pray for God to draw people to himself from among these autonomous counties. March 7 - Guilin is a major historical center of Buddhism, and was one of the first major cities in China where Buddhism took root. Today, many monasteries and temples can still be seen in the city, where people burn incense sticks and pray. Pray for the hope of Christ to permeate the hearts of those who currently turn to Buddhism for hope. March 8 - Much of Guilin’s church history began in 1862, with the American missionary Robert Edward Chambers. Chambers met a great deal of resistance and was expelled, and yet, one pastor shares: “He believed that the beginning of the Lord's victory in Guangxi had begun, and the future church in Guangxi would flourish immensely. Indeed, over a hundred years later, although this land has been very resistant to God's Word, God's Word has triumphed and flourished here, which continues to encourage us.” Praise God for the fact that the gospel took root in Guilin, and pray for continued fruit in this city.
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WHAT ARE WE TO DO WHILST WE ARE WAITING ON EARTH? EPHESIANS 5 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Do you want to get to heaven, as Paul did?. But had to stay on earth Philippians 1:23 King James Version 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: We are citizens of heaven, we long for that place, but we are needed here on earth, until the Lord sees fit to call us home, so what are we to spend our time doing? We are to redeem our time, not waste it, lets look at some of the things we could be doing. WORKING 2 Corinthians 6 :1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. We are not here to be idle; we are workers together with God, this is a joint venture, we are his co-workers. Yes, we are unworthy servants Luke 17:10, but we are God's instruments to serve and reach a world that needs to know Him. In Galatians 6 and 2 Thessalonians 3, we are told not to be weary in well doing, in other words, keep doing good, keep serving others, keep on serving God.. don't stop even for a minute. WATCHFUL ISAIAH 62:6 Isaiah 62:6 King James Version 6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, A watchmen is constantly on the lookout, even the slightest hint of danger, they report it, nothing gets past them, they see everything. Jude said that people had crept into the church without people noticing, maybe the watchmen were asleep or distracted? Are you keeping watch? If you are a pastor, are you keeping watch over your sheep? Are you guarding the flock of God? Ordinary believer, are you watching out for false doctrine spreading in your church and are you watching over young believers in your fellowship? WORSHIPPING What will we be doing in heaven? Worshiping and praising God. We ought to be a worshipping people, our hearts should show forth the glories of the Lord. Let's get focused on heaven by worshipping God on a daily basis, as that is what we will be doing in heaven. Let's have a real heart for worship, adoration and praise to God. WITNESS ACTS 1:8 MATTHEW 28:16-20 AND COLOSSIANS 4:2-6 Our greatest honour is to share the gospel, to be used by God to bring another person to Christ, is awesome. This is probably the main reason, we are here, not to make money, not to satisfy ourselves but to reach others. This must start with our families, we have to touch our families for Jesus, many households are divided, a mother trusts Christ but the husband doesn't. This is so important, so many women in China, put church first, but they have the wrong priority, its family first. WARNERS We need to be Warners, people are going to a Christless eternity, are you a watchman on the wall, if you are and then you see danger, but don't see anything and the wall gets broken down, you are guilty. Ezekiel Chapters 3 and 33 WARMERS Are you a warmer? What is a warmer? Do you open up your home to fellow believers? Is your home a haven for Christian friendship and fellowship? When people meet you, do you warm them or repel them? Are you a Christian, that makes others feel comfortable and warm? WARRIORS INVOLVED IN WARFARE 2 TIMOTHY 2:3 COLOSSIANS 4:12 2 COR 10:4-5 EPHESIANS 6:10-18 We are in hand to hand combat, as a: Soldier We are all soldiers in God's army, we have armour, we have weapons. Whilst we are here on earth, we will spend our time in spiritual warfare, remember Christian, you are in a war. In Pilgrim's progress, Pilgrim had many battles with the enemy, he was equipped with armour, why because he was to experience daily spiritual warfare. Prayer warrior Epaphras was a man who battled fervently in prayer, he was a fervent prayer warrior. Our prayers are a dynamic spiritual weapon, Are you a fervent and passionate prayer warrior, like Epaphras was. What are you doing with your time on earth? We are to se our time in God honouring activities, like the ones mentioned above, if we do this, we will sure be: REDEEMING
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persecuted church
"The Bible clearly says that faithfulness and persecution often go hand in hand." ~ Billy Graham DR CONGO: 70 Christians Found Beheaded Sources: Open Doors, Catholic News World, Newsweek, International Christian Concern Christians in the DR Congo. Photo: Flickr / Stephen Burgess/CMS (cc) As violence continues throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), numerous atrocities perpetrated by militant Islamic rebels belonging to the ADF, a terrorist group affiliated with ISIS, have been reported. A particularly shocking account recently surfaced in which 70 Christians were found beheaded at a church in Kasanga. According to latest reports, a group of rebels attacked the community of Mayba in eastern DR Congo on the night of February 12th. After forcefully entering various homes, they took 20 Christian men and women captive. The next day, as remaining villagers had gathered to discuss plans for the recovery of the seized hostages, the militants suddenly returned. The invaders surrounded the village and captured an additional 50 people. The captives were then taken to a Protestant church in the neighbouring community of Kasanga where all 70 of them were bound and beheaded, leaving their bodies to be discovered in the church the next day. Some families were unable to bury their loved ones until February 18th because of the ongoing insecurity. The continuing threats of violence have also forced many people to flee the area. In addition, all churches, schools and health centres in the region have been closed. "We don't know what to do or how to pray; we've had enough...massacres," lamented one church elder. "May God's will alone be done." Greg Musselman, host of the video podcast, Closer to the Fire, recently interviewed Dr. David Kasali, founder of the Congo Initiative, about the dangers facing Christians in the DR Congo. To watch the interview, go to VOMCanada.com/video/drc-kasali. For further information about this troubled African nation, visit our country report. Please prayerfully uphold all those in this targeted community who are mourning the tragic loss of their loved ones. Pray that God will guide the authorities as they deal with the guilty members of the ADF rebel group – and others affiliated with it – whose intent is to establish an Islamic caliphate in this predominantly Christian nation. In the midst of the upheaval, may the Lord minister needed peace, protection and comfort to all citizens – especially those who have been traumatized by the attacks. SRI LANKA: Church Pressured to Halt Christian Activities Source: NCEASL A congregation in Sri Lanka. Photo: VOMC Members of the Way to the Comfort Ministry Church in Seethwaka, Sri Lanka, are receiving ongoing demands to cease all Christian activities in their village. On January 26th, Buddhist monks approached the church leadership and insisted that the pastor stop holding worship services, claiming that only Buddhist practices are permitted within the village. They further accused the pastor of forcibly converting people to Christianity and receiving foreign aid. The next evening, an unidentified person threw large stones at the church building, damaging the roof and nearly striking the pastor's wife. In response to these threats, the Christians filed police reports, prompting the authorities to investigate the incident. As a result of the investigation, the police ordered three Buddhist monks to meet with the church's pastor, his wife, some congregants, and other local pastors. During the gathering, the authorities asked for a peaceful resolution, to which the monks agreed. Despite this agreement, one of the monks later told the pastor that they intend to pursue legal action. Opposition against Christians in Sri Lanka is frequently instigated by local village leaders, Buddhist monks, and other hostile community members. To learn more about the difficulties Christians in this South Asian country have been experiencing, and/or to review other reports, go to our country profile. Pray for a peaceful and lasting resolution to the issues being encountered by th
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reach and teach devotions
THREE V'S FOR VICTORY 1 JOHN 1 John 5:4 King James Version 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Psalm 24 King James Version 24 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. TITUS 2 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; How can we live in today's world? We can be conformed to the world or transformed by God's spirit; we have a choice. So how are we to live in today's world: The first wat, we have to live in today's world is: VIRTUOSLY We live in a dark and dangerous world; we are to live holy lives in a world that is sinful and dirty. In psalm 24, we have instructions on how we are to live in respect of our actions and words. In 1 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, there are many verses that tell us, how to live in today's world, one of the things that is interesting is that the word Sober is mentioned several times especially in Titus 2. We are told not to be drunk with wine in Ephesians 5:18, we are to be sober. We cannot watch if we are drunk. A drunk man wants to sleep, all he is interested in is the next drink. But we have to be constantly watching, denying worldly lusts, the way to live is to follow Titus 2:12, to live soberly, righteously and godly lives in the midst of a perverse and evil generation, cleansing our minds through the continual washing of the word of God in our lives Psalm 119, Romans 12:1-2 and Colossians 3:16 VISIONARY Secondly, we must be visionaries, in several ways. Isaiah had a vision of the glory of God in Isaiah 6, we must have a deep and full relationship with God, time must be spent in God's presence, through intimate fellowship with the Father Matthew 6:6. That will reate a deep and passionate vision for the lost, Isaiah had this vision of God, but it wasn't so he could stay in that situation, the call to him was, I want someone to go, who will go for us. Vision for God's work and vision for God's glory are inseparable, they come together. We need to have a vision to reach out with God's word, We need to have a vision of God in all his glory but that vision and encounter, must drive us to worship and to sharing his glory with a needy world. VICTOROUSLY We have the victory in Jesus, ultimate victory belongs to us. Revelation 12:11 King James Version 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Ultimate victory belongs to us, but also daily victory belongs to us. We are able to overcome the world, these wonderful verses in 1 John are so relevant to us: 1 JOHN 2 13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 1 JOHN 5 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? We are victorious, we follow a victor, Jesus defeated sin and the devil, we will trip up daily, we will fail, but the more we become the image of Jesus by soaking ourselves in his word, we will have the victory. Are you living
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pray for kumming
This Week's Prayer Guide February 23 - This week, pray for individual churches and pastors in Kunming, as well as their families. Pray for them to be strengthened in the Lord and for the presence of Christ to be with them. February 24 - One Kunming pastor asks, "For our church, pray that we will continue to preach the gospel, and be constantly renewed and changed by the gospel. Because our congregation comes from different churches, some are new, some have just accepted the gospel, so they are at different levels. But no matter what, as long as this church has the gospel, it will definitely continue to increasingly manifest the glory of Christ." February 25 - A pastor in Kunming asks, "Pray for my wife. She doesn't sleep well. Since we came out to plant the church, we've experienced some difficulties, such as losing a child, so my wife is physically weak and suffers from insomnia, so please pray for her. She has always played a significant role in my ministry and in the church, she is a great helper to me, so I'm afraid she'll collapse." February 26 - "Pray for my family," asks a Kunming pastor, "because my children go to school far away from home, I feel that this sometimes prevents me from devoting more energy to the church. So I'm thinking, should I continue like this, or should I make some changes in education? No matter what, no matter how we educate our children, we hope that our family in this city, including our children when they grow up, can carry on the Great Commission of Christ." February 27 - A pastor in Kunming asks for us to pray "that my family can be more united, because my wife and I are both very much in ministry. She serves at a school. My son is also active in the church. So, for our family, that we can have a better relationship with the Lord, and that the ministry in our hands can be more in line with God's will." February 28 - "I think the church faces spiritual warfare," shares one Kunming pastor. "May the Lord's Holy Spirit strengthen us and enable every brother and sister to rest in the Lord's presence, and then fight this spiritual battle by the Holy Spirit. I think in the process of serving the church, I'm actually seeing more and more that we don't rely on our own strength." March 1 - To close our month of praying for Kunming, one pastor asks us to pray "that we can truly enter this broken world with the love of Jesus Christ incarnate, to love our neighbors, to love our non-believing family members, and to be able to sincerely accompany those who don't believe, but whom we still love, in these difficult circumstances, to face the potentially greater challenges ahead together. May each of us become a channel of God's grace, and may the Holy Spirit use us. May the spirit that moved the missionaries of the past doubly move each of our brothers and sisters to continue to love this city and bring the gospel to this city." 2月23日——本周，请为昆明的各个教会、牧师及其家人祷告。求主赐他们力量，让他们感受到基督的同在。 2月24日——一位昆明牧师问道："请为我们教会祷告，愿我们继续传扬福音，并不断被福音更新和改变。因为我们的会众来自不同的教会，有些人是初信者，有些人刚刚接受福音，所以他们的信仰程度各不相同。但无论如何，只要教会拥有福音，就一定会继续彰显基督的荣耀。" 2月25日——昆明的一位牧师问道："请为我的妻子祷告。她睡眠不好。自从我们出来植堂以来，我们经历了一些困难，比如失去了一个孩子，所以我的妻子身体虚弱，患有失眠症，请为她祷告。她一直在我事工和教会中扮演着重要的角色，她是我很好的帮手，所以我担心她会崩溃。" 2月26日——一位昆明牧师请求道："请为我的家人祈祷，因为我的孩子离家很远去上学，这有时会让我无法将更多精力投入到教会中。所以我在想，我应该继续这样下去，还是应该对教育做出一些改变？无论怎样，无论我们如何教育孩子，我们都希望我们这个城市的家庭，包括长大后的孩子，都能继续履行基督的伟大使命。" 2月27日——昆明的一位牧师请求我们祈祷，"希望我的家人能够更加团结，因为我和妻子都忙于事奉。她在一所学校工作。我的儿子也积极参与教会活动。所以，对于我们一家人来说，希望我们能够与主建立更好的关系，希望我们手中的事工能够更加符合上帝的旨意。" 2月28日——一位昆明牧师分享道："我认为教会面临着属灵的战争。愿主的圣灵赐我们力量，让每一位兄弟姐妹都能在主的面前安息，然后靠着圣灵来打这场属灵的战争。我认为在服侍教会的过程中，我越来越发现我们不应该依靠自己的力量。" 3月1日——在结束为昆明的祷告月时，一位牧师要求我们祈求 "让我们能够带着耶稣基督化身的爱真正进入这个破碎的世界，去爱我们的邻居，爱我们不信的家庭成员，并真诚地陪伴那些不相信我们的人，尽管他们身处困境，但我们仍然爱他们，一起面对未来可能面临的更大挑战。愿我们每个人都能成为上帝恩典的传递者，愿圣灵使用我们。愿过去感动传教士的圣灵加倍感动我们的每一位兄弟姐妹，继续热爱这座城市，并将福音带到这座城市。"
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UNDERSTANDING THE BATTLE EPHESIANS 6 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Christian, you are in a battle! Some Christians seem to think that the Christian life is a daydream, that we are here on earth to eat, drink and be merry, when the opposite is true, they seem to want to let everyone else fight the battles whilst they live a life of ease, they seem to want to come to Church once on Sunday, another thing ticked off their to -do list. What we have to understand is that we are in a battle, a wrestling match, it is hand to hand combat with an enemy, we cannot see, it is a spiritual battle fought not with earthly weapons, but with heavenly ones. Do you really understand what you are involved in: The environment Today's world is not a good place, it is a world full of sin and here's the bad news, it's going to get a lot worse. For the Christian, it is a place he/she is not comfortable in. If you are comfortable in this society, then I suggest you are not truly saved 1 John 2:15-17. To be in love with the world is to be against God, you cannot be on both sides at the same time, you are on one side or the other Exodus 32：26 and Joshua24：15. This world stinks with the stench of sin, it is everywhere, it permeates every nook and cranny, it is infectious disease, which has one answer and that is the blood of Jesus. Christian, you need to be aware that this world is not a holiday camp, but a battleground. Your example You have the greatest example in the world, your precious Saviour, he came down to earth and defeated Satan through hs death, but it took all he had. Do you think it will take us anything less? Many believers throughout history have fought against the evil devil, but again it takes all they have, it is not for the halfhearted. Look at the example of Jesus in the garden, he sweated great drops of blood, look at what the apostle Paul went through for the gospel. Jesus was the author and finisher of our faith, he finished the devil for good, but it took everything he had, it took his life. We need to understand it may take ours. Hebrews 12:1-3 Colossians 2:11-15 Our enemy Satan is very powerful, but although he is, his power is limited. Look at the example in Job chs 1 and 2, he can only as far as God allows him and no further. He is portrayed as a roaring lion, but a roaring lion, who has a very long leash, controlled by God. After he tempted Jesus in Matthew 4, he had to leave him, he couldn't touch him. We need to remember that although the devil can hurt us, he can only do to us, what God allows, God is sovereign and will only allow us to be tempted to a level we are able to stand, he will always give us a way of escape. Our equipment In Ephesians 6:10-18 and 2 Corinthians10:4-5, we have our equipment laid out for us. My question is this: Do we keep our equipment in tip top shape? Every Roman soldier, would take pride in his equipment. His sword would be sharp and polished, are we studying and meditating on the bible every day? Shield of faith, are you acting in faith on the promises of God every day? Prayer, are you fervently coming before the throne of God every day? Or are you letting your Armour go rusty? When some Christians want to put their Armour on, they can't, because it hasn't been used for so long, they don't know how to use it. They don't know how to act on the promises of God or to use the sword of the spirit effectively. Make sure you do! Extraordinary God Do you fully understand his extraordinary power? I don't think we do to be honest. Paul in his two great prayers in the book of Ephesians in Chs 1:15-23 and 3:14-21, tries to give us a flavor of the power of God. When we realize a little of how all powerful God really is, we would have no fear, no doubt and we would have victory
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blessings
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The Cure for a Hard Heart “He who hardens his neck and refuses instruction after being often reproved (corrected, criticized),Will suddenly be broken beyond repair.”Proverbs 29:1, (AMP). The Hebrew word for rebuked in this verse refers to corrective teaching. Without remedy means “without a cure, without any possibility of deliverance.” This verse first tells us that the hardness of the heart comes as a result of rejecting repeated warnings and pushing aside all truth. Secondly, it tells us that such hardness becomes impossible to cure over time. So who are the people who most often hear these warnings? They are supposedly Christians, those who sit in God’s house each week listening to sermons of reproof. What exactly is a hard heart? It is a heart determined to resist obeying God’s Word, impossible to stir, and immune to the convictions and warnings of the Holy Spirit. The tragic truth is that despite hearing fiery messages sent from heaven, multitudes of Christians do not practice what they hear. They refuse to allow God’s entry into certain areas of their lives, and hardness begins to set in as they continue to listen without heeding. However, there are many sinners whose hardness of heart has been cured. At first, they cursed Christ and shook an angry fist in God’s face, yet their hearts melted when they heard the gospel and felt the pure, loving reproof of the Holy Spirit. They repented and turned to Jesus. The life of Madalyn Murray O'Hair’s son illustrates this. He had been reared in probably the most atheistic household in America, and he later worked for his mother, crusading against God and religion. When he heard the gospel, he got gloriously saved and became a minister, preaching Christ instead of cursing him. This man’s hardness was curable because when he sat under sermons of reproof, he accepted them. In my experience, the hardest, incurable hearts are often cured within earshot of Holy Spirit-anointed preaching. Such hearts do not melt in cold, dead, formal churches where the gospel has been corrupted for generations. No, it is always found where a pure word is preached from the pulpit and where repentance begins in the pews.
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devotions
HOLDING FAST AND FORTH THE WORD OF TRUTH JUDE 3-4 3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. PHILIPPIANS 2 Philippians 2:16 King James Version 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Truth matters. amen We live in days that are very dangerous, scripture is being undermined at every turn, the authority and sufficiency of scripture is being taken lightly. Jude says that false teachers and I want you to take notice of this word, unnoticed. That is an interesting word, how people creep into your house. You can leave your door a little bit ajar, many churches have left their doors a little bit ajar and now many false teachers are hiding in the church. One compromise has led to another, one small sin has led to another. Look at the five churches in Revelation chs 2-3, they started off well, but they left their doors ajar. The second way, they crept in, was because they were asleep. Jesus says how does the thief rob the house, he binds the strong man of the house, in the following verses we see this: Matthew 12 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. Mark 3:27 King James Version 27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. Many churches are unaware of the danger, they are asleep. The strongman of the house has been bound, and the thief who is Satan, who comes to steal, kill and destroy. Who is the strongman, it's the pastor, the pastor has departed from the truth and is engaging in error and false teachers have crept in and now the church is in uproar. The church needs to do things with the truth: Firstly, it must not hold fast to the truths of scripture, in this contemporary culture, this is seen as outdated, we must hold fast to the truths of God's word, despite the surrounding culture saying otherwise. We must be led astray for the latest church growth fad, we are told how to build an effective church in the book of Acts and how to rebuild the broken down walls in Nehemiah, why do we need to resort to the books of today's so called Church experts and their Purpose driven books, when we need to hod fast to God's word and not Man's. When it comes to God's truth, we should be sy no compromise, even if that sets us at odds with society. We need to be fully awake, some are sleeping, indeed many churches are sleepwalking, the enemy sees them as easy pickings and they are now no use to God at all, they are neither hot nor cold, and we know the Lord does to that church. Revelation 3:14-21 We cannot share the gospel, we cannot tell the world of the gospel, if we don't hold fast to its truth. Over 50% off American evangelicals don't believe the word of God, they don't hod fast to the truth. How can they share something they don't believe? Before we can hold some forth, we have to hold it fast. To hold fast, means that we are not shaken, nothing shakes our belief in the word of God, we know that it is the power of God unto salvation, we know it is quick, powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword Hebrews 4:12-13 Let us hold fast to the truths of God's word, so that we can hold it forth to a needy world. The world wants to see a church that believes what God says, if we don't believe it, how can we expect the world to, maybe this is the reason, so many Christians don't witness. How can you share in something you don't truly believe in? Time to awake out of sleep and time to close the door, it is time to hold firmly and steadfastly to the truth and then and only then, can we share
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appeal
Are you able to translate English devotions into Chinese? If you are, please email me at keitherichobkirk@... or add my wechat chinese app , my id is totallylovedbygod thanks Keith
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china prayer
Join us on Zoom on February 18 from 8:30am - 9:15am EST for our monthly prayer call as we pray for Kunming together. Click here to add to your google calendar. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83108198827 Meeting ID: 831 0819 8827 This Week's Prayer Guide February 16 - This week, pray for the people of Kunming. Pray for the church to be a Christlike witness to their friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members. February 17 - A pastor in Kunming shares about how past local government leaders have crippled the economy through corruption and massive debts. As a result, "people now have to drive ride-sharing cars, and there isn't a good work environment. So many young people can't stay, many highly educated, highly skilled people have to go to other regions for better development. The economy is very depressed now." Pray for the people of Kunming in the midst of this economic hardship. February 18 - A pastor in Kunming says, "The struggle in this city now is, if you share the gospel, people think, ‘I can't even make ends meet, how can I think about faith?’ So we not only need to meet their spiritual needs, to save their souls and care for their souls, but we may also need to care for their physical and emotional needs." Pray for more mercy and justice ministry in Kunming, so that churches may witness Christ by caring for their neighbors. February 19 - A pastor in Kunming speaks about the rising hostility towards the gospel from the people around him. "When I hand out tracts, I can clearly feel people's rejection. This current ideology has led them to be particularly resistant to faith now." Pray that God would soften the hearts of the people in Kunming, that he may draw them to himself. February 20 - A Kunming pastor shares that, because of government restrictions, church work among university students has basically stopped. Pray for university students in Kunming to come to know the Lord, and for more opportunities for Kunming churches to minister to them. February 21 - Pray for Kunming Christians to be witnesses of Christ is their work, their marriages, and in raising children. Pray that the gospel would transform their lives in all three of these aspects. February 22 - A pastor in Kunming is encouraged that, "No matter how corrupt people's hearts are, how fearful and uneasy they are, no one is stopping us from sharing the gospel. So I believe that as long as we faithfully share the gospel, God will certainly have his chosen people in this city, and he will let more people hear the gospel and respond to it." Pray for Christians to be encouraged to fervently share the gospel with their neighbors. 2月16日——本周，请为昆明人民祈祷。请为教会祈祷，让他们成为基督的见证，向朋友、邻居、同事和家人传福音。 2月17日——昆明的一位牧师分享了过去当地政府领导人如何通过腐败和巨额债务使经济陷入瘫痪。结果，"人们现在不得不开的士，而且工作环境也不好。许多年轻人无法留下来，许多受过高等教育、拥有高技能的人不得不去其他地区寻求更好的发展。经济现在非常萧条。"为身处经济困境中的昆明人民祈祷。 2月18日——昆明的一位牧师说："这个城市现在的困境是，如果你分享福音，人们会想：‘我连生计都成问题，怎么还能考虑信仰？因此，我们不仅需要满足他们的精神需求，拯救他们的灵魂，关怀他们的心灵，而且可能还需要照顾他们的身体和情感需求。" 为昆明能有更多的怜悯和正义事工祷告，让教会能够通过关怀邻居来见证基督。 2月19日——昆明的一位牧师谈到周围人对福音的敌意日益增强。"当我分发传单时，我能清楚地感受到人们的排斥。这种意识形态导致他们现在对信仰特别抵触。"求主软化昆明人的心，吸引他们归向自己。 2月20日——昆明的一位牧师分享道，由于政府的限制，教会基本上停止了在大学生中的工作。请为昆明的大学生祷告，让他们认识主，也为昆明教会祷告，让他们有更多机会服事他们。 2月21日——请为昆明基督徒祷告，让他们在工作和婚姻中，以及在养育孩子时成为基督的见证人。请为福音能在以上三个方面改变他们的生命祷告。 2月22日——昆明的一位牧师深受鼓舞："无论人们的心有多么堕落，多么恐惧和不安，都不会阻止我们传福音。我相信，只要我们忠实地传福音，上帝一定会在这座城市中拥有祂的选民，让更多的人听到福音并回应它。" 请为基督徒们祈祷，鼓励他们热心地向邻居传福音。
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pray for kumming
Editor’s note: Yunnan Province, where Kunming is located, is well-known for being full of ethnic minorities. These people have their own unique cultures, languages, and ways of dress. Some ethnic minorities are fairly acculturated, and live in ways similar to their Han Chinese peers. But a great many other minority peoples live according to customs very different from that of the Han, who make up the majority of China’s people and whose ways are recognized across the world as “Chinese culture.” Likewise, doing ministry with ethnic minorities can look very different from doing ministry among Han Chinese. To help us think through this issue, several Kunming pastors shared with us what minority ministry looks like in their congregations. Blessing Ethnic Believers China Partnership: When people think of Yunnan, we immediately think of all the many different ethnic groups. Do the churches have ministries specifically for these ethnic minorities? Wu Yexin: There are not many in our church, maybe only two or three. We are mostly Han Chinese who are local to Kunming. But our church does have a ministry for minorities. For instance, one of our brothers established a gathering place for these people. Because they are migrant workers, there is a high turnover rate – they might be here today, gone tomorrow. Our church is focusing on this ministry right now. Ou’yang Qiang: I knew an Yi church in my hometown who lacked the nourishment of God’s word. After talking with them, I saw their thirst for good teaching. Our church has worked with them for about a year now. There are also Miao and Lisu churches in that town. A few of us go down one Sunday a month to encourage them not to shrink back because of government persecution. We try to encourage them by God’s word. They are grateful and say they are encouraged to have preachers from the city come to them. I’m trying to encourage them to try to not be afraid and to spread the gospel to the Miao, Yi, and Lisu peoples in their own villages. A few of us go down one Sunday a month to encourage them not to shrink back because of government persecution. We try to encourage them by God’s word. It’s easier for us to visit them than for them to come to Kunming. One month we visit the Yi church, the next month we go to the Miao church, then we visit the Lisu church, and then the three minority groups all come together and we share with them. As for our church, we do have some Yi people. Building the Church Across Yunnan Huang Gudai: When we go among the minority peoples [in the villages], we find they are mostly elderly people and left-behind children at home with their grandparents, while young people have come into Kunming or other big cities to work. Our church has many ethnic minorities, including some of our deacons. Kunming is not a city with strong ethnic boundaries. Of course, some ethnic groups still gather by themselves. But actually, many ethnic groups don’t have such strong boundaries with Han Chinese. Our church hopes to plant biblical churches in Kunming and, in the future, in larger cities throughout Yunnan. Through serving cities, we hope to bring the gospel to ethnic minorities who go there to work. Then, those brothers and sisters can take the gospel back to their hometown. We have also done some sporadic visits to ethnic minority areas, and have done things like children’s camps or visits to ethnic churches like Brother Ou’yang just mentioned. But overall, our goal is to plant biblical churches throughout Yunnan, and in this way, serve all ethnic groups. Wu Yexin, Ou’yang Qiang, and Huang Gudai are pseudonyms for preachers and leaders at house churches in the southwest China city of Kunming. A Special Time for Ethnic Minorities We are also extending the conversation by re-publishing this older conversation with another Kunming pastor on how his church reaches out to ethnic minorities. This is the best time to share the gospel. We don’t need to send missionaries to their regions; we can draw them in while we are in the city. China Partnership: There are many ethnic minorities in
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