“Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.” 2 Thessalonians 1:4
July 27, 2023
Conspiracies can be very attractive. They have a way of explaining the inexplicable. Be careful. They can be loaded with deceptions that distract from what is the mother of all conspiracies, namely, the deceptions of the devil in order to establish his own kingdom and sabotage God’s kingdom in his hatred of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross. Christians are to respond to persecution in a Christ exalting way. It is because of Christ that we draw the fire of the evil one. The Thessalonian believers are a good example of courage under fire for speaking and living out the gospel while facing threatening abuse. Keep fellow believers in Christ in Afghanistan in your prayers. Open Doors reminds us that “leaving Islam is considered shameful and punishable by death under Islamic law, converts risk devastating consequences at the hands of the authorities or even their own family, tribe or clan if discovered.” Pray for God’s protection and presence to surround secret believers, that the Holy Spirit will soften the hearts of the Taliban leaders towards women and religious minorities (credit to Open Doors for providing these prayer requests). Persecution comes in a variety of ways. Stay alert to what our brothers and sisters in Christ are enduring.
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“Blessed are those who worship in secret, Who whisper their songs, Hide their Bibles. Forgive those who do them wrong.”