Counting The Cost

Random thoughts on walking with Jesus in this turvy-topsy world

Funny quote

It was Charles Spurgeon who gently reminded his hearers of the importance of enthusiasm. He said, "When you speak of heaven, let your face light up, let it be irradiated with heavenly gleam, let your eyes shine with reflected glory. But when you speak of hell, well, then your ordinary face will do."

posted by: Jrobbins at 17:37 | link | comments |
funny quote

A Huge Answer to Prayer!!

About two weeks ago, Compass Direct (see links on this page) ran a story about a group of Christians in India that were threatened with being burned to death if they didn't "reconvert" to Hinduism. The original story can be found here: Hindu Extremists Attack Church in India. I can't even imagine how scary that must have been for them! It was a pretty intense week for me as I checked Compass Direct daily for an update. Finally, on Nov. 21, they posted this:

India - Monday November 21, 2005 

THREAT TO BURN CHRISTIANS TO DEATH DEFUSED 

Extremists had demanded believers take part in ceremony to “reconvert” to Hinduism.November 21 (Compass) – Members of the Believers’ Church in India (BCI) in Himachal Pradesh state met peacefully on Sunday, despite death and arson threats issued by Hindu extremists. On November 4, extremists from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP or World Hindu Council) and its youth wing, Bajrang Dal, assaulted the pastor and threatened to burn him and his 60 church members if they failed to take part in a “reconversion” ceremony on November 20. The planned reconversion ceremony was apparently dropped due to police intervention. “About 20 people came for the service. This was lower than usual as some villagers were facing opposition, but at least we were able to meet without incident,” said Ramesh Masih, son of Pastor Feroz Masih.

Oh, yay!! It is so amazing to see firsthand when the Lord answers prayers. I always feel like major answers to prayer only happen to people like Billy Graham or D.L. Moody or something (silly, I know, but true!). But the Lord Jesus loves all His children and the above story is definitely proof of that!

In other news, check out The Voice of the Martyrs' blog: Persecutionblog.com (also a link). This is an awesome site with tons of news about persecuted Christians around the world. Most recently, three Indonesian Sunday School teachers were sentenced to three years in prison for allowing Muslim children to attend their classes. I am really challenged by this article to pray for these Godly women. Also, I am thrilled to death because my own Sunday School class has decided to start a letter writing program for persecuted Christians. How awesome it will be to share our encouragement with our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for His Name. I think our first project should be these three women suffering in an Indonesian prison. I know that they will appreciate knowing that we are praying for them!

posted by: Jrobbins at 16:14 | link | comments |
prayer answered in india

Let me introduce myself...

Hmmm... How to begin? I think I will start off by posting a funny thing I found while browsing a website run by The Way of the Master organization. This is a neat org. that specializes in evangelism. Anyway, this is just for fun...

Songs of the Lukewarm Church

1. Blest Be the Tie That Doesn't Cramp My Style

2. Pillow of Ages, Fluffed For Me

3. I Surrender Some

4. I'm Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives

5. Sit Up, Sit Up For Jesus

6. Take My Life and Let Me Be

7. What an Acquaintance We Have in Jesus

8. Where He Leads Me, I Will Consider Following

9. He's Quite A Bit to Me

10. Oh, How I Like Jesus 

I get such a kick out of that! Most people think of Christians as hypocritical stuff-shirts. Sometimes it takes a kick in the pants to realize they may be right! On a completely different note, I want to post another little snippet that kind of sums up this blog and (hopefully!) my life. This is how I am TRYING to live my life, anyway! I admire so much this man's dedication to the Lord and also the millions of Christians around the world who give up their lives rather than deny Him. Talk about counting the cost!

A Rwandan Man's Confession by Dr. Bob Mooreland

In 1980 a young man from Rwanda was forced by his tribe to either renounce Christ or face certain death. He refused to renounce Christ and was killed on the spot. The night before he had written the following commitment which was found in his room:

"I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed, the die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made - I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed vision, worldly talking, cheap giving & dwarfed goals. My face is set, my gait fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, , my mission is clear. I won't give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up for the cause of Jesus Christ. I must go until He comes, give till I drop, preach till everyone knows, work till He stops me & when He comes for His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me because my banner will have been clear." 

posted by: Jrobbins at 16:18 | link | comments |
introduction

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