开云体育

Wuhan is a city of rivers and lakes. The capital of Hubei Province in central China, it was historically three different cities built up along the river banks. In 1949, these three cities were merged into a single metropolis. Today, it is one of the most populous cities in China, a key transportation crossroads that has earned it the nickname "The Chicago of China." Today, the house church in Wuhan is carrying on the fruit of the city's missionary and gospel history. They are striving to be faithful and plant roots in Wuhan's urban culture. Will you join us in praying for them this May? This Week's Prayer Guide May 4 - This May, we are praying for the central Chinese city of Wuhan. Pray for the gospel to go deeper and wider among the churches and people of Wuhan. May 5 - Wuhan is a megacity. Historically, it was actually three cities: Hankou, Hanyang, and Wuchang. Now, these cities have merged into a single enormous metropolis. Including the surrounding areas, the population exceeds 10 million. Pray for the salvation of more people from among this huge population. May 6 - Wuhan is sometimes called the “Chicago of China.” One pastor explains that this is because, “Wuhan is located in Central China and is a major hub, a crossroads of nine provinces. It's very convenient for travel to all parts of the country, a major transportation hub.” Pray for the many people traveling in and out of Wuhan to be exposed to the gospel. May 7 - A pastor shares, “Hubei is known as the ‘Province of a Thousand Lakes,’ and Wuhan is built along the water. Because of the rivers, Wuhan's culture is a wharf culture. People here are very inclusive. They come from all over to trade because of the Yangtze and Han Rivers and the wharf, so everyone is relatively tolerant of each other.” Praise God for this tolerant culture, and pray that people in Wuhan will be soft-hearted towards the gospel. May 8 - “There are over 100 colleges and universities,” shares one Wuhan pastor, “and the student population at its peak reached 1.2 million; now it's consistently over one million. So, it's a place where education thrives.” Pray for good inroads for churches in Wuhan to do student ministry. May 9 - “Regarding the number of believers,” says one Wuhan pastor, “in such a large city the number probably doesn't exceed 500,000. Historically, the number hasn't been very high. Actually, compared to other parts of the country, the tension in church-state relations is relatively mild here. We can still do what we can within our social context. House churches can survive and even grow.” Pray for more house churches to thrive and grow in Wuhan, that the city will be good soil for churches to take root. May 10 - A pastor shares, “From the perspective of gospel history, Wuhan was one of the earliest treaty ports, opened during the Qing Dynasty, along the Yangtze River. Many hospitals and schools in Wuhan were established by missionaries or with their assistance.” Praise God for this missionary history, and pray that the church may continue to serve the city and bear good fruit.

Dear friends Thanks for your prayers. This month, we are going to pray for the country of Ukraine. Please use these prayer resources over the next month. This country is riven by war and has suffered terribly under the unjust invasion by Russia. The church has been shut down, everywhere the Russians have occupied. There are many links to click, please take time to view them Prayer links https://prayercast.com/prayer-topic/ukraine/ https://operationworld.org/locations/ukraine/ https://missioneurasia.org/ukraine/ https://pray4ukraine.team/ PEOPLE GROUPS https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/15696/UP https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/19007/UP https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/12350/UP https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/14229/UP https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/11434/UP https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/11382/UP https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/15686/UP SERMON AUDIO https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/3292523231761/a?autoplay=1 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/427251612581234/a?autoplay=1 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/1013181241202/a?autoplay=1 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/101318124283/a?autoplay=1 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/ https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/familyworship

CHINA: "Gospel Warrior" Resumes Ministry Work Source: ChinaAid Chen Wensheng and his wife. Photo: ChinaAid As a former drug addict, Chen Wensheng understands firsthand the liberating power of Jesus Christ. Since experiencing spiritual freedom from bondage, he has become a ceaseless evangelist, sharing his faith with anyone who is willing to listen. In the past, he even expressed gratitude for his incarceration, since it gave him opportunities to testify of God's transforming love among fellow prisoners. As a result of his desire to reach others with the Good News of the Gospel, Chen has been detained numerous times, which includes his most recent sentencing in June 2024 for "organizing and funding illegal gatherings." (To read previously posted reports about this devoted Christian evangelist, see these reports.) On April 2nd, Chen was finally released from his most recent detainment. Despite having lost a significant amount of weight, the believer reportedly remained in good spirits and was "full of joy" following his release. Chen later announced that, during this latest imprisonment, he was able to pray with 300 fellow inmates and baptize three of them. Upon being released, the believer reunited with his wife in Hengyang city. That same day, the married couple resumed their ministry work as street evangelists. Chen was also able to post the following message on social media: "Thanks to God, today my wife and I have...arranged to travel and evangelize for free again. Please continue to pray for us." Praise God for the recent release of this impassioned follower of Jesus, as well as the fruitful ministry work that took place during his incarceration. Pray for the Lord's continued guidance in the lives of Chen and his wife as they continue their ongoing evangelistic activities, asking that these devoted believers would have many more opportunities to share the message of God's grace with others. May their resilient faith serve as an inspiration to people within China and beyond, furthering the spread of the Gospel message and leading many more to salvation and deliverance through the power of Jesus Christ. IRAN: Appeal Denied for Three Christian Converts Source: Article18 Left to right: Abbas Soori, Narges Nasri, and Mehran Shamloui. Photos: Article 18 On March 8th, three Christian converts in Iran, including a woman pregnant with her first child, were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for participating in activities relating to their religious beliefs. (More details about the charges against these believers are available at VOMC's previously published report.) The ruling was appealed by all three followers of Jesus, who had each received sentences of over ten years' imprisonment. However, it was announced on April 26th that the appeals court had rejected their petitions, stating that the judicial decisions were made "in view of the scope of [the Christians'] activities, and their harmful effects." Prayerfully remember these detained followers of Jesus as they contend with the recent court decision to not amend the initial sentencing they each received for sharing their faith, nor the consequential lengthy prison terms. Pray that the Lord will provide greatly needed encouragement, strength and comfort to each one of these recently incarcerated believers, along with the many other Christians who are currently being imprisoned in Iran. May God's Holy Spirit work mightily in and through the country's legal system by helping political and judicial officials to realize the great need for reform, justice and tolerance on behalf of our Iranian brothers and sisters in Christ.

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/ https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/lordsprayer MARK 2 12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. 13 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. 15 And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? 17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE I am Matthew, a former tax collector/social outcast and one of the twelve disciples. I was inspired by the Holy Spirit to tell the story of Jesus, it is the longest of the gospels, as I like to be as detailed as possible. Let me tell you the story of the best day of my life. Seven O'clock in the morning and I need to be at my tax point, another busy day taking taxes from this Jewish rabble, I am one of them, but I now work for Rome, so I am now a social outcast, hated by the people and not really trusted by the Romans. My friends are other tax collectors and women of low repute, I have regular debauched parties at my house, indeed tonight, I will be holding one, maybe the Pharisees will show up and start criticizing me, I am not an honest man, I pocket the excess we charge, so I am quite rich, it's ok, they say God sees everything, but I am a good jew, I go to the synagogue every sabbath and give tithes like the law says. This morning is very busy, there is real excitement in Capernaum, as someone says the miracle worker Jesus is here, yes he is here with that motley crowd of disciples, which includes those dumb fisherman brothers Simon and Andrew, John and James, they always try and get out of paying their taxes. It's late morning, I am hungry and want something to eat, it's been a busy morning, business has been good, I have pocketed lots of bribes, my purse is full. A man walks past, hang on, that's the cripple from the street near mine, but he's walking, he always goes on a stretcher, but he's walking. What's happened to him? Oh, Jesus has healed him someone says and he is coming this way. So here he comes accompanied by his disciples, they are such a dumb lot following Jesus, you wouldn't catch me following him, even though He heals people. Anyway, he is now getting in the way of people paying tax, that's all I care about. But instead of walking on, he comes up to my table, what does he want? He seems to just look at me, well say something, he does, two words and I am never the same. FOLLOW ME Something was pulling me out of my seat, I got up and followed him, my fellow tax collectors were shouting, come back Levi, but I just walked off and stood with him. Please come to my house, I will have a celebration for you, it was to be a party, but it will be a celebration, I will invite all my friends, the worst sinners around will be there, I was amazed, when Jesus came. He sat there right in the midst of these people who were publicans, drunkards and sinners, the pharisees were of course shouting saying to his disciples, why is your master doing this? The answer of Jesus was so wise, the whole need no physician or doctor, only those who have illness need a doctor. I am come to call the sinners to repe

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/ https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/tencommandments MARK 2 2 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. 2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. 3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. 4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 6 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? 8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. 12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. THE DAY THE ROOF CAVED IN I was a poor infirm beggar until a few days ago, I had to be carried everywhere, you see, I couldn't walk, my friends had to carry me. That is until last week, when I heard of this miracle teacher Jesus, who had come to our town of Capernaum, he was nearby, so I asked my friends, if we could go see him, maybe he could help me. So, I asked my four friends to lift me onto my stretcher and take me to see Jesus. But as we got near the house where he was, the crowds were enormous, my friends had to push and shove to even move a few yards. Eventually, we got near the door of the house, but we were told, there is no way in, it's impossible to get anywhere near Jesus, but I really need to see him, I'm stuck on this stretcher, I cant move and I've been told he heals people, my last hope is HIM. I told my friends, you must do everything to let me see Jesus, but it's impossible they said. Wait one of them said, what if we uncover the roof and lower you down into the house, sounds dangerous, but let's try it, there were some roof tiles to remove but eventually they made a hole big enough for me to squeeze through. Shouts of hold that man echoed through the house, my friends lowered me gently and my stretcher was held and there I was laid at Jesus feet, so what was this miracle worker going to do, everyone was looking at me and I was hanging on his every word. Jesus was clearly amazed at the faith of my friends; they had done everything to get me to Jesus. But the words out of his mouth surprised me and shocked his audience, SON THEY SINS ARE FORGIVEN YOU. My sins, but that's not my problem I thought, I can't walk. The pharisees were there and Jesus went to talk to them, he exposed their hypocrisy, he knew exactly what they were thinking. Jesus said he had the power to forgive sins, what? Only God can do that, who is this man? He came back to me, take up your bed and walk, I felt something happening in my body, I got up and walked. Everyone was amazed, people were in awe. I walked home for the first time in years, people who knew me, couldn't believe it. The glory of this story is that Jesus has the power to forgive sins, he does this through his sacrificial work on the cross. Jesus is the Saviour; he is the healer. Jesus is t

This Week's Prayer Guide April 27 - This week, pray for individual churches and pastors in Shenzhen, as well as their families. Pray for them to be strengthened in the Lord and for the presence of Christ to be with them. April 28 - Brother DZ asks for prayer to manage both church and family responsibilities. He and his wife are caring for both their fathers, and his father-in-law had serious health issues last year. He says: “I know it's the devil attacking, so I split my efforts. My wife took care of her father, and I couldn't take care of my father while preparing for Bible studies and sermons, so I asked my sister to take care of him. The devil attacked here too, but God's grace was sufficient for us.” April 29 - Pastor L asks: “Please pray for my personal spiritual growth and revival, for more workers to rise up, and for my two children who haven't yet married.” April 30 - Pastor YZ asks for prayer with difficulties in his congregation, particularly with people who are difficult to deal with. He says, “Every pastor probably faces this issue. So, please pray for God's protection over me and that our family, as servants, would maintain an open heart in holy faith, hoping to demonstrate a genuine life of death and resurrection with Christ, a life that is more visible to the congregation.” May 1 - Pastor M asks: “My two sons graduated from college and are working in [another big city]. They serve in their church community, but I hope they'll pursue missions and ministry more. Life in [the big city] is fast-paced, everyone's busy making money. Even going to church is rushed. I don't want my kids caught up in that. I want them to inherit our family's spiritual legacy. I hope at least one of them will become a pastor and study theology. So, please pray for my family, for my two sons, that they'll have a clear calling and be more willing and motivated to participate in the church.” May 2 - Pastor Z asks: “Discipleship is something we really need right now. Training young brothers and sisters to serve, to be more effective in their service. We need to plant churches, and we need pastors. It's so hard to train a pastor these days. Every church location is short-staffed. Finding a pastor who's a good fit for us, or raising one up from within, is difficult.” May 3 - Pastor LL asks: “Please pray that our church won't become a consumer of the gospel, but a church that truly carries the mission of the gospel and proclaims it.”

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/ https://www.johnknoxinstitute.com/qingjiaotu ANHUI PROVINCE LOCATED IN CENTRAL CHINA Next door to my province of Jiangsu is Anhui province, you can tell you are in Anhui by the white houses that predominate every village and small town. Nearly a fifth of the population claim to be Christian, several revivals in the early days of church growth, brought a lot of godly leaders into the church, but now as a new generation starts to take over the leadership of the church, a fresh outpouring of the holy spirit is needed. Please pray for this. Persecution of the church is very active with many leaders being arrested, but also unity amongst church networks is an issue, as many disagreements over small points of doctrine and how church is organized have arisen, leading to many leaving the church The church needs to be trained well, there is a lack of trained leaders, and so many church members are open to error, many pastors have to look after 5-7 churches and are overworked and unappreciated, I heard of a seminary class of 50, now there is one person actively serving God, many go back into the world to seek to earn more money. Please pray for a deep and powerful outpouring of the Holy spirit CHONGQING CITY LOCATED IN SICHUAN PROVINCE Of all the cities, I have been to, this is the most amazing, I visited back in 2024, trains going into houses, railway stations in blocks of houses, subways at 300 metres below ground, this city certainly has the wow factor. Given all these things, there is a growing and vibrant church in this place. Please pray for the church to be strengthened and increased, again blessing in the past, does not mean blessing in the future. The ground must be watered with the prayers of the saints. Many people are flocking to Chongqing, not just for work, but as a tourist must see, please pray that the church would reach out in dynamic power to the people who live in Chongqing and come to visit. Continue to pray for the city, it is becoming strategic for the gospel. Thanks, may many come to faith in both Anhui and Chongqing. SERMON AUDIO https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/122141514431/a?autoplay=1 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/111161640291/a?autoplay=1 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/49121051293/a?autoplay=1 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/623211757548159/a?autoplay=1 PRAYER POWER https://110cities.com/cities/cairo/ https://110cities.com/cities/bishkek/ https://110cities.com/cities/bhopal/ https://110cities.com/cities/beirut/

My daughter sherry had her operation, she is still very sore and needs prayers for a speedy recovery thanks 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/ https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/biblicalmarriage COMMUNING WITH YOUR BELOVED I want to share on a subject that is very difficult for many of us to even talk about, and that is the sexual part of marriage. In the Bible, there is a whole book given over to this subject and this is the Song of Solomon. Now some people think it is an allegory, a picture of Christ's love for the church and yes, it is. This is not a book to be avoided, many Christians say "how can this be in the Bible?", but it is so beautiful. God has graciously placed this book in His Word, there is so much advice from the world about sex, God wants you to go to his word to learn the truth from HIM about sex, why go to the tv and the internet to find out, when you can find out from the author himself! But it is a vivid picture of a healthy and vibrant physical relationship within marriage. Yes, within marriage, any sexual relationship outside of marriage is wrong and sinful, therefore sex before marriage and affairs by either partner outside marriage is wrong, amen. When you read the Song of Solomon, you realise that it is such a tender love poem, between two people who love each other deeply. This is summed up in Chapter 8, in these wonderful words. 6 Set me like a seal upon your heart, like a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, jealousy is as hard and cruel as Sheol (the place of the dead). Its flashes are flashes of fire, a most vehement flame [the very flame of the Lord]! 7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man would offer all the goods of his house for love, he would be utterly scorned and despised. You see how powerful, true and pure sexual love is within marriage, it is a powerful flame BETWEEN two people (one man and one woman), one that has been put there by God. That flame cannot be put out by many waters, usually water can put out flames, but in this case, it can't, that is how powerful true and pure love within marriage is. Sex was created by God, the sex act was created by God, sexual desire and sexual emotions were created by God and the man's and woman's sexual organs were created by God. When he created all things, all things were very good, including sex. Sadly, sin marred all these good things. But he also created the marriage union, he meant all these things to in the unique context of a one-man one-woman marriage covenant. When a married couple have healthy and enjoyable sex within marriage, God says that is very good. He gave it not just for procreation but for excitement and enjoyment for the married couple within a secure marriage covenant, sex outside marriage is strictly prohibited by God. The married couple in the Song of Solomon tell each other that they love each other, they are passionate not just in their affection, but in their words. They also love each other bodies, they focus on every part of their married partners bodies, so tell your wife or husband that she/he is beautiful in every aspect of their appearance. In Proverbs 5, we have some beautiful verses, especially to husbands. 18 Let your fountain [of human life] be blessed [with the rewards of fidelity], and rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant doe [tender, gentle, attractive]—let her bosom satisfy you at all times, and always be transported with delight in her love. Let me say that the sexual relationship outlined in the Song of Songs, this is the model for a passionate and powerful sexual relationship, one that satisfies each partner. It is not a green light to do anything that would trample on your marriage partner, by forcing your needs upon them. Consideration of the othe

新华社供图 经过预赛与半决赛两轮角逐，刘俊茜和秦伟搏携手晋级决赛，这是首次两位中国选手同时出战室内世锦赛男子60米栏决赛。站上了起跑线，刘俊茜向秦伟搏比出 “7”的手势，那是秦伟搏所在的道次。秦伟搏回以“3”的手势，这代表着刘俊茜所在的道次。 刘俊茜起跑并不出色，他迅速调整状态，凭借扎实出色的栏间技术开始赶超，最终超越数名选手后排名第三位。美国名将霍洛维以7秒42获得冠军，法国选手贝洛西安获得亚军。秦伟搏跑出7秒72，位列第八位。 刘俊茜坦言，半决赛跑出7秒51获得小组头名后，就有了冲击领奖台的想法。他对7秒55的成绩不太满意，因为与自己7秒47的个人最好成绩相比仍有差距。“我还是没能将自己的最佳水平完全展现出来。我其实对自己的成绩不是很满意，对于最终收获的这枚铜牌，我还是比较满意的。”刘俊茜说。

My name is keith , I am a Christian devotional writer and online English teacher, living in Nanjing China My devotions are translated into Chinese, but I need more Chinese translators. Can you help or do you know anyone who can help.? They need to be fluent in written and spoken Chinese and be able to translate two-three devotions per month. This is a voluntary role Please share this on Facebook and among your church family My email is keitherichobkirk@... Thanks so much Keith

This Week's Prayer Guide April 20 - This week, we are continuing to pray for the needs of churches in Shenzhen. Pray for the work of ministry and for the gospel to spread. April 21 - A pastor in Shenzhen says, “Many churches weren't established through organized missionary efforts from any particular church. It's more like a grassroots movement of lay Christians driven by the migration wave. So, there are numerous small, scattered churches, very characteristic of Chinese house churches. One rented apartment after another, one worker dormitory after another, formed one small church after another. But the overall connection isn't very strong. Thankfully, in recent years, because of the city's youthful demographics, more and more churches are beginning to pay attention to the gospel needs of Shenzhen.” Pray for Shenzhen churches to foster good connections with each other and pay attention to the gospel needs of the city. April 22 - A Shenzhen pastor says, “Compared to other cities, Shenzhen might be slightly better off, but the economic situation is still quite serious. Church members are all facing pay cuts, potential layoffs, and unemployment. This isn't just a church phenomenon, but a city-wide one. And people have become anxious and worried. In our church, many families, especially the non-believing family members, are experiencing depression and seeking medical help due to excessive worry and anxiety.” Pray for believers struggling with anxiety and depression in the midst of economic strain, for God to provide both financially to those and need and the comfort of his presence. April 23 - One Shenzhen pastor notes, “The number of people in our church hasn't decreased, because as some leave, new people come. As long as we have the capacity to plant churches, a new location quickly fills up. Two or three years ago, we were constantly and rapidly planting churches. In the last two or three years, we've slowed down and are now focusing on deeper cultivation.” Pray for this gospel depth, that these church plants will be cultivated and bear fruit. April 24 - A pastor in Shenzhen says, “Our church was shut down in 2019, meaning we couldn't meet together in one place with a large group of people. So ,we dispersed. Then came the three years of the pandemic, and some churches actually experienced great revival. Our church, after dispersing, experienced 130% growth each year. After the pandemic, the overall situation is much better than five years ago.” Praise God for the revival and growth of some of these churches as they meet in smaller groups. April 25 - A Shenzhen pastor remarks, “We often think it's best and healthiest for husband and wife to serve together. But often, the wife has to work, and only the husband serves. In this case, the pressure is great, and after a long time, some pastors have psychological pressure and a tendency towards depression.” Pray for healthy ministry practices for husband and wives, for an easing of pressure, and for God’s grace and comfort to be with pastors struggling with depression. April 26 - One pastor in Shenzhen comments, “In terms of faith, Shenzhen has everything, all denominations and varieties. Whatever denomination you're looking for, you'll likely find it here. It's fertile ground because it doesn't discriminate or exclude. So, any faith that comes here finds fertile soil.” Praise God for fertile soil, and pray that he will give his church deep roots and draw more people to himself.

my daughter sherry will have an operation on her left breast to clear swelling from under the surface.. this is not cancer, it is swelling that it causing her discomfort thanks 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/ https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/biblicaltheology JAMES 1 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. YOUR TO BLAME! We battle three things every day, the world, the flesh and the devil. Temptation is all around us, can God take that temptation away? Well he could, if you want to live in a monastery or on a desert island by yourself, even in those places you would be tempted in one way or another. No, he doesn't take away these temptations, he gives us the power to defeat them, with the sword of the spirit in our hands and the holy spirit in our hearts. If we overcome temptation, we will receive the crown of life, what a reward that is. God is not the author of temptation; Does he allow us to be tempted? yes, but in those situations, he gives us the strength to overcome it. Temptation starts slowly, it's like this: There is a casino, you have to walk past every day, at first you walk past it, then you gaze into the window, then you go in and look around, then you are gambling, see the progression. Psalm 1 outlines this, we are more and more passive and this leads to sin, bringing forth, not physical death but spiritual death, look at Adam and Eve and look at Samson. We need to be proactive against temptation, lets go back to our casino scenario, what we need to do, is to find another way so that we don't walk past that place of temptation. Many men will say, "oh, I've had an affair, with this woman, it's Gods fault that she came to my office". If you are tempted in this situation, change jobs, don't be inactive but proactive. It's like porn on your computer, many men blame God or their wives, when in reality, it's their lust and fornication, get rid of your computer and be accountable to other men. Confess your faults to one other as it says later in James, stop blaming God and everyone else. These verses in 1 Corinthians 10 sum it up: 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. God will give you a way of escape, but look at verse 14, you have to flee from idolatry, if you are tempted by some women at work, change jobs, if you are addicted to porn, then be accountable to others, don't be inactive but proactive against sin, it may start small, but it will mushroom and it gives birth to only one thing and that is death. Do not err on this point brothers and sisters. Paul said to Timothy: 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Not only must you flee these lusts, but you must you must follow righteousness and seek God in repentance. You will overcome and the prize is a crown of life. God bless you Keith GUEST DEVOTION TRUSTWORTHY HEARTS From: Ron Hawks "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, Who with His hands has fulfilled what He promised with His mouth to my father David… 2 Chronicles 6:3.” Have you received an "E-vite," or any invitation to go somewhere or do something lately? Possibly it's something you are interested in doing, but you are not sure you have the time or the resources to commit to a positive response. So

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/ SHANGHAI The booming centre of China, it is its largest city and port and is a magnet for millions seeking work, pleasure and tourism. Shanghai has many registered churches, not enough for the demand and thousands of unregistered ones, but many need a fresh touch of the holy spirit, what happens spiritually in Shanghai will affect the rest of China. Many foreigners call Shanghai home and there is a thriving church community amongst them, again pray that these foreigners would come into contact with Chinese people. Many of them are professional people such as business owners, lawyers, teachers and doctors, please pray for many opportunities to reach out in love and care. Many in Shanghai are grey, that means they are of an older generation. These older people need loving and careful evangelism to reach out to them. Many are very lonely, there are lots of widows, please pray the church would reach out in compassion. Millions of Chinese come seeking work, many minority people, who can't be reached in their own province come to the city. This is an open door, please pray the church would reach out. There are many universities in the city, please pray for the faithful outreach to the young people in both the universities and schools. It costs to be a Christian at school or university in China. Please pray for the pastors, that they would be focused on the word of God and teach sound doctrine. Please pray for a dynamic revival to take hold of the church in Shanghai and that it may spread throughout China. SERMON CENTRE https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/biblicaltheology https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/714242338215244/a?autoplay=1 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/71424234234876/a?autoplay=1 PRAYER CENTRE https://www.110cities.com/blog/childrens-muslim/ https://www.110cities.com/global-day-of-prayer-for-the-muslim-world/ https://www.110cities.com/blog/cities/addis-ababa/

This Week's Prayer Guide April 13 - This week, pray for the needs of churches in Shenzhen. Pray for churches in Shenzhen to be transformed by the gospel of Christ. April 14 - A pastor in Shenzhen says, “Evangelism has become increasingly difficult in these five years, and the pressure and suppression from above are becoming more apparent.” Another pastor agrees: “Our church isn't very large, only a few dozen people. Sending people out to evangelize might not be feasible right now. What we do is go out to share the gospel every last Sunday afternoon of the month. The results haven't been great these past few years.” Pray for the Holy Spirit to bless evangelism efforts even in the midst of pressure and suppression. April 15 - A Shenzhen pastor says, “My recent feeling is that a consumerist mentality is prevalent in the church. The church is like a religious free market, with believers moving between churches, consuming pastors, and some pastors are happy to be consumed.” Pray for God to give believers in Shenzhen deep roots and a broader vision to see their cities transformed in the gospel. April 16 - “The reason ministry is becoming increasingly difficult,” says one Shenzhen pastor, “is the readily available information and the internet on people. Brothers and sisters are receiving very complex information, which greatly affects their spiritual lives. When I first came to faith, brothers and sisters were very pure and eager for the Bible, eager for spiritual materials. Now, it's clear that they don't have as big of an appetite as before.” Pray for believers in Shenzhen to hunger and thirst for Christ. April 17 - A pastor in Shenzhen shares, “It's difficult to cultivate future leaders for the church, such as assistants and small group leaders, and to train successors, especially pastors. Although some are studying, the time hasn't come yet. The rise of new pastors is relatively slow.” Pray that God will raise up faithful shepherds to serve and teach his people. April 18 - Another pastor in Shenzhen shares, “Thanks to God's grace, our church has sent some brothers and sisters to another city for theological studies. So, there is a pursuit of theology. Initially, more than fifteen people went to study, so there is a desire for it.” Praise God for these brothers and sisters pursuing theological education, and pray for them in their studies. April 19 - A pastor in Shenzhen says, “Communication between churches has decreased. Before the pandemic, five years ago, our church had pastors from other churches preach once a month. This stopped after the pandemic.” Pray for more fellowship between churches in Shenzhen.

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though some- thing strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed." ~ 1 Peter 4:12-13 ESV TOGO: Pastors Targeted by Militant Islamists Source: The Voice of the Martyrs USA Pastor Patrice Kokouvi Photo: VOM USA Multiple pastors in northern Togo have encountered persecution from militant Islamic groups crossing over from neighbouring countries. In April 2024, assailants attacked a village where Pastor Gbendja Félidja had been serving. While the pastor and several villagers were able to flee to safety, five people were killed during the violent raid. The Christian leader eventually returned to the village that summer and resumed his ministry activities in the community. On February 7th, however, armed militants invaded the village once again; this time, they forcefully entered Pastor Gbendja's home. During the invasion, the church leader was tragically shot and then stabbed to death, leaving behind seven adult children. Another pastor in the same region continues to minister despite receiving ongoing threats within his community. For the past three years, Pastor Patrice Kokouvi's crops have been repeatedly destroyed by opposing villagers. When asked if he had reported the damages to the police, Pastor Patrice replied, "If I go to the court system, perhaps [the villagers] will never want to know Jesus." Even though he still faithfully serves the community, this pastor is now residing on the outskirts of the village for the safety of his family. Pray for comfort on behalf of Pastor Gbendja's family, friends and church members as they mourn the tragic loss of this beloved Christian leader. Please also remember Pastor Patrice and his family in your prayers as they minister the love of Christ to those in their village, asking that these faithful believers would be divinely protected and strengthened. In general, pray that God would provide greatly needed protection, wisdom and guidance to Christians throughout Togo who are at threat of violent opposition from militant Islamists as well as practitioners of vodun (commonly referred to as voodoo). PAKISTAN: Christian Man Charged for Alleged Facebook Posts Sources: Pakistan Christian Post, Morning Star News A sweeper in Pakistan. On March 17th, Pakistani federal agents took 24-year-old Arsalan Gill into custody on accusations of blasphemy. The charges allege that the Christian believer was responsible for sharing blasphemous content in Facebook groups. His arrest takes place amid a rising number of cases involving entrapment, whereby organized militant groups specifically target members of the country's religious minorities. Arsalan was arrested when he returned home from his job as a sweeper in Mughalpura, Lahore. The young man's family members were able to speak with him briefly the next day. During one of the conversations, Arsalan explained to his brother Suleman that an unknown person had added him to two Facebook groups without his knowledge, and that he had no idea what type of content was shared on those pages. Religious rights advocates believe that the accused follower of Jesus is most likely another victim of organized groups that are deliberately deceiving Christians in order to have them charged with blasphemy. (More information about this concerning trend is available here.) Pastor Imran Amanat with LEAD Ministries Pakistan has issued a warning to the country's Christian youth, advising them to exercise extreme caution when using social media platforms such as Facebook or WhatsApp. "These platforms have become fertile grounds for malicious individuals to exploit unsuspecting victims, particularly young Christians, and trap them in false blasphemy cases," he cautioned. To review other reports addressing the challenges facing Christians in Pakistan, go to our country profile. Please uphold Arsalan in your prayers as he faces these accusations, asking that this detained young man and

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/ NO ONE EVER GETS PAST ME! I'm a really big stone. I cover the mouths of tombs, no one can move me. There's been a lot of trouble in Jerusalem. Some Jewish fanatic has been crucified today The pharisees hated him. There's a new tomb in this garden, it's owned by one of them. I like this man, he's called Joseph. Hang on, someone's coming. It's Joseph, he's bringing a body. There're women with him and another religious man with him, oh yes I recognise him. It's Nicodemus, isn't he one of them. They say, it's Jesus they are burying. Yes, that's the man. They are laying him in the tomb. And now they are trying to move me, It's taking all their strength. But finally, I'm up against the entrance. No one gets past me. There have all gone now. All is quiet. What's happening? Many soldiers are here? There is much talk, they must seal the stone and guard the tomb. No one gets past me! They say this Jesus is going to rise from the dead.. hahaha. Another day goes by, it's a beautiful day. The first day of a new week. Oh no! An earthquake, suddenly my seal is broken and I'm being rolled away. But there's no one there. How can this happen? Is it the soldiers? No they are too scared. They are running for their lives. A blinding light shines all around me. And I feel someone is sitting on top of me. It can't be: it is: an angel. Someone is stirring in the tomb. I feel the gentle waft of glory as he walks out. He is alive. Here come the women, they see me rolled away. The angel speaks to them. They run off , but in joyful happiness. One lady stays, she's talking to someone. It can't be: it is Jesus. More men come, one very fat and one younger. They are amazed, they go after a while. Next the Pharisees come. They give the soldiers money. Tell the people, the disciples stole him. What are you joking? Remember, nothing ever gets past me. Stones obviously can't talk, but if they could. Maybe they would tell the story of the resurrection like this. Afterall, he was an eye witness! If you have been saved and transformed by Jesus, you are an eye witness, you know for sure that he rose from the dead and lives forever. Praise God, Jesus is alive. Abounding grace! (Albert Simpson, 1843-1919) "Where sin abounded — grace abounded much more!" Romans 5:20 God loves to take the worst of men — and make them into the most magnificent monuments of His redeeming love and grace! He loves to take the victims of Satan's hate and the most fearful examples of his power to destroy — and use them to illustrate His divine mercy. He loves to take the things in our own lives that have been the worst and the most vile — and to transform them so that we shall be the opposites of our former selves. The sweetest spirits — are made from the most stormy and self-willed; the mightiest faith — is created out of the wilderness of doubts and fears; the divinest love — is transformed out of stony hearts of hate and selfishness! The grace of God is equal to the most uncongenial temperaments and to the most unfavorable circumstances. Its glory is to transform a vile sinner into a holy saint, and show to men and angels of ages yet to come, that where sin abounded — grace abounded much more! SERMON AUDIO https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/71624204717929/a?autoplay=1 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/3272503695005/a?autoplay=1 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/331111456445/a?autoplay=1 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/10142420061505/a?autoplay=1 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/11132463582823/a?autoplay=1 https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/1151612390/a?autoplay=1 JOHN KNOX INSTITUTE https://johnknoxinstitute.org/modules/westminstershortercatechism

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/ WHAT HAS HE DONE? Today was an unusual day, I am the middle cross that sits on a hill called Calvary. Let me tell you, what happened to me today. Today was not an ordinary day. I see many men die, every day, men are put to death on me. But this was different. There was a massive crowd, I was carried by a man who was too weak to carry me. They were cursing this man. What had he done? He dropped the cross, someone was called to pick it up. I was dragged up to calvary. I heard the curses of the soldiers. I heard the insults of the pharisees. What were the pharisees doing here? They never come They were taunting this man, they wanted him to come down from the cross. Even the other criminals were insulting this man, what had he done? A sign was placed on the top, this is Jesus King of the Jews. I heard the insults, but I heard things, I had never heard before. This man prayed for the people insulting him, father forgive them. Never had I heard words like this, never had I seen a crucifixion, like this. Women stood by the cross, this man's mother, he had someone take care of her.. what love. But what I heard next shook me to my foundations. MY GOD MY GOD WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME AND IT IS FINISHED. Who was this man? I heard some say, his name was Jesus. Then one of the other criminals was speaking to Jesus, he came to faith. The people were amazed and now the ground is shaking. There is an earthquake, I'm going to fall. Its dark now, for three hours total darkness. But it's midday, what's happening? The soldiers are running, but one stands there and speaks. Surely, this is the son of God. The friends of this man come to take him down. His blood is smeared through my bark. My friends, I am the cross, I saw Jesus' die, his blood runs all down me. I am covered with his blood. My question is this: Are you covered by the blood of Jesus? He is real, he brings life. The answer to the question at the top is this. He has gained salvation through his death on the cross, we can be reconciled to God, but it takes coming to the foot of the cross, in repentance, faith and with a broken and humble spirit. The burden of sin is taken away at Calvary. The Father's justice was satisfied at Calvary, the father's love, mercy and grace were put on full display at Calvary. Calvary is all about Christ. He gave his life for you. The Father will draw you to the cross, the holy spirit will convict you of your sin and the precious blood of Jesus will cleanse you from all your sin. We are not saved by a creed! (J.R. Miller, "Help for the Day") That which makes one a Christian is not . . . the acceptance of Christ's teaching, the uniting with His church, the adoption of His morals, the espousing of His cause — but the receiving of Him as our personal Savior, the entering into a covenant of eternal friendship with Him as our Lord and Master. We are not saved by a creed which gathers up the essence of the truth about Christ's person and work, in a few golden sentences. We must have the Christ Himself, whom the creed holds forth, in His radiant beauty and grace. A good many people think that being a Christian is . . . to pray a few moments morning and evening, to read a daily chapter or two in the Bible, and to attend church on Sundays. These duties are important as means of grace — but they are not vital religion. True religion is living out the principles of Christianity in one's ordinary week-day life. It is getting the Bible and the prayers and the services — into thought and act and character! We must not cut our lives in two and call one part secular, governing it by one set of principles — and regarding the other part as sacred, to be controlled by another set of rules. All of life is to be made religious, in the sense that everything is to be done in such a wa

please pray for my daughter sherry she is 28, she has swelling underneath her left breast, the tubes underneath the skin have some spots aand this is causing them to give her pain, the drs have said to consider surgery, but myself and my wife are praying for complete healing please join us keith and helen parents of sherry please pray as she will get married to her boyfriend peter later this year

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/ WHAT IS TRUTH John 18:38 King James Version 38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. My name is Pontius Pilate and I am a decorated soldier who has risen to the giddy heights of Governor of Israel, when I heard, Caesar was going to give me a governorship, I thought it would be a good province, not this terrible place, only Britain is worse!. Since I have arrived here, it's been rebellion after rebellion, these Jews are restless, constantly seeking some kind of Messiah to free them from oppression, its written in their barely comprehensible law and prophets. Already I've had to put down several rebellions, I don't care how much Jewish blood I spill, my loyalty is to ROME and to the Roman empire. Word has got back to the emperor, that I have done this and he wasn't happy, I've been warned, there are no more second chances. It's that time of year again, not only must I deal with millions of Jews coming to give sacrifices to their God, but deal with the Sanhedrin, let by that obnoxious man Caiphas, he really is a pain in the butt, he insists that I must let one prisoner be released as some type of good will gesture. It's Passover time again, I fear trouble, I hear that there is a new teacher in town, he's already upset the priests by overturning their tables in the temple courts, wish I had thought of that, what an absolute racket! Its the night before Passover, we have to let a prisoner go tomorrow, in our custody is Barabbas, a real trouble maker, him and his two mates will be crucified at Passover, life goes on. It's early morning now, sleep is difficult, thoughts swirl through my mind, my wife is having dreams, about what I do not know and to be honest, I don't care. Oh no, banging on the door, its my senior officer, he says that there is trouble brewing, the Sanhedrin have arrested a teacher from galilee, what's he doing down here? They are bringing his here, they want you to authorize his crucifixion, are they crazy? Well, they have arrested him at midnight and he has admitted that he is the son of God. Oh no, not another nutter, what is it about these Jews? Ok, I'll come, but this better not take long. Sir you have to go to them, they wont enter your palace because they would be unclean. Right, you lot, you have disturbed my sleep, what's all this about, ok Caiphas, you speak, shut this rabble up. He says what, let me examine him, bring him to me. So, who are you., your chief priests say you are a king, well are you? To be honest, his answers amazed me, I stood there open mouthed. Sometime ago, my guards sought to arrest him, they came back amazed at what he said. A question I have always wanted to ask is what is truth? After he has said I am the truth, he didn't answer me, let me go back out and tell these jews, I have examined him and find no fault in him, but that is not enough to shut them up. Sir, Herod is in Jerusalem, oh great, he is from Galilee, send him to Herod, let him deal with him, although I hate Herod, Jesus is his problem. Maybe now I get some sleep, no, after half an hour, I am woken from my drowsiness by the words: Herod has sent him back! The rabble is demanding a result, this isn't going to end well. Ok, I am going to scourge Jesus, maybe that will satisfy them, make sure it's painful, but don't kil him. My wife sends me a message, have nothing to do with this just man, doesn't she understand anything? What a state he's in when he comes back from his scourging, what do I do now? I know I'm allowed to release a prisoner at Passover aren't I. So, I gave them a choice: Barabbas or Jesus, what an easy choice. What, they are screaming to release Barabbas, my plan has backfired, the soldiers look at me