Persecuted Christian Church Communion Meditation

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.Matthew 5:43-45

This is a very difficult command to follow, especially when

Christians are considered the most persecuted faith group in the

world.  For example Since the removal of the Muslim 

Brotherhood and Mohammad Morsi from power in Egypt 

six weeks ago, there has been a backlash against Christians

across the country, there has been the burning of homes, 

churches and murder of even Christian Children.  In Syria, 

civil war has claimed and estimated 100,000 lives.  

Boko Haram, an Islamist terrorist organization which 

wants to spread strict Sharia Law throughout

Nigeria, continues its mayhem in northern Nigeria.  Over the past

few months Boko Haram has directed its attacks on schools,

which has resulted in the death of dozens of innocent

children.

North Korea is the worst place in the world to be a Christian. 

It has been No. 1 on the Open Doors’ World Watch List of 

the worst persecutors of Christians for 11 years in a row. 

And for good reason!

Believers and three generations of their family can be 

put in awful political prison camps for simply being 

caught with a Bible or mentioning the name of Jesus. In 

fact, 50,000 to 70,000 of the estimated 200,000 in the 

gulags are Christians.

This has caused Brother Andrew to Say: “It seems like 

we Christians have lists of people we don’t want to see in 

heaven.” 

But later on he gave insight into how we can start 

practicing loving our enemies. When he said; it always 

starts with prayer.

“If you want to help people, you must first pray that the 

Lord Jesus will open your eyes to His Word; that He will fill 

your heart with compassion and then you must be obedient. 

In Matthew 7:12 it says, ‘So In everything, do to others what 

you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law 

and the Prophets.’

“So go to friend and enemy and treat them as you would 

like to be treated yourself. Actually, enemies do not exist. 

When I'm talking to people who kill others, I don't see a 

terrorist in front of me. I see a man who needs Jesus. 

We have to meet our so-called enemiesat a specific 

place – at the foot of the cross.

Do we Christians actually understand that we are 

the only ones

with a message of hope in any conflict whatsoever? No single

religious belief can do that.”

How do North Koreans respond to persecution? Joo Eun, 38, is a

North Korean refugee who was about to be sold into marriage in

China, but instead escaped and found Jesus while living with a

Christian family. Joo Eun and her group are   praying that Kim

Jong-Un will change and reform North Korea, and he will be an

instrument in God’s hands. “God, save Kim Jong-Un,” she

exclaims.

Let their daily prayer become ours as well. Not only for Kim Jong-

Un but such persecutors as Abuakar Shekau (Boko Haram in

Nigeria), Mullah Omar (Taliban leader in Afghanistan), Isaias

Afewerke (president of Eritrea) and Omar Al-Bashir (president of

Sudan).

We celebrate on a weekly basis the Lord’s supper.  If we partake

of the Lord’s supper in a worthy manner, it means we begin to

love others as Jesus has loved us.  Let us join the persecuted and

pray for our enemies as we partake in the Lord’s supper.

(http://www.religiontoday.com/columnists/guest-commentary/praying-for-persecutors-learn-from-persecuted-christians.html)  Much of this meditation was excerpted from this article.)

IN A HURRY

Snippet

Very little of lasting spiritual value happen in the presence of speed. 

A minute of margin Richard Swenson M.D.

Scripture

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:24-26

Song

I’m in a hurry Alabama

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CICwZ01bT3w

I'm in a hurry to get things done

Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun

All I really gotta do is live and die

But I'm in a hurry and don't know why.

Don't know why

I have to drive so fast

My car has nothing to prove

It's not new

But it'll do 0 to 60 in 5.2.

Oh I'm in a hurry to get things done

Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun

All I really gotta do is live and die

But I'm in a hurry and don't know why.

Can't be late

I leave plenty of time

Shaking hands with the clock

I can't stop

I'm on a roll and I'm ready to rock.

Oh I'm in a hurry to get things done

Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun

All I really gotta do is live and die

But I'm in a hurry and don't know why.

I hear a voice

That say's I'm running behind

I better pick up my pace

It's a race

And there ain't no room

For someone in second place.

I'm in a hurry to get things done

Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun

All I really gotta do is live and die

But I'm in a hurry and don't know why.

I'm in a hurry to get things done

Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun

All I really gotta do is live and die

But I'm in a hurry and don't know why.

I'm in a hurry to get things done

Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun

All I really gotta do is live and die

But I'm in a hurry and don't know why.

I'm in a hurry to get things done

Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun

All I really gotta do is live and die

But I'm in a hurry and don't know why...

Sentence Prayer

Holy Spirit:

Slow me down when I get ahead of you

Help me to keep in step with you

Neither ahead of your timing

Or lagging behind in sloth

But may I walk hand in hand with you

Into the new day.  Amen

PRAYER CONCERT FOR PERSECUTED CHURCH

IDOP SUNDAY NOV 3 2013

1 STORY OF GOD’S GREATNESS IN ANSWERING PRAYER  Roger

Shouting on the Hills by E Bar C

Psalms 102:1, 17,18  Living Bible

Praise for God’s Greatness

Dallas Importance of Praying for Elections

Sing to the King by E Bar C

( Greet one another)

 1 timothy 2:1-8 Cliff Arnell

Prayer for our Countries Elections

We Shall not be Moved by E Bar C

(Children Dismissed)

Victory in Jesus                                                 E Bar C

We are on in the Spirit

Break into groups of four and pray for each other’s needs

Scott Bensburg  Shares about North Korean Persecution

Prayer for Missionaries

Thomas Prayer

(congregational Prayer)

Put your hand,

Thomas

On the crawling head

Of a child

Orphaned

By Aids

Place your finger,

Thomas

On the list of those

Who have disappeared

in Syria

Stroke the cheek,

Thomas,

Of the little girl

Sold in prostitution

In Thailand

Touch, Thomas,

The gaping wounds

Of my world.

Feel, Thomas,

The primal wound

Of my people.

Reach out your hands,

Thomas,

And place them at the side of the poor.

Grasp my hands, Thomas,

And believe. Amen

 Jerry Testimony about Asbury Revival

Jerry  Pray for Revival

Prayer for Revival

Amazing Grace E Bar C

Communion Meditation Roger

Communion

Offering

Prayer

JOY

Snippet

I bear my testimony that there is no joy to be found in all this world like that of sweet communion with Christ. I would barter all else there is of heaven for that.  Indeed, that is heaven. As for the harps of gold and the streets like clear glass and the songs of seraphs and the shouts of the redeemed, one could very well give all these up, counting them as a drop in a bucket, if we might forever live in fellowship and communion with Jesus.  C.H. Spurgeon

Scripture

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Song

Crying in the Chapel Elvis Pressley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00eUebsh68M

You saw me crying in the chapel.

The tears I shed were tears of joy

I know the meaning of contentment

Now I'm happy with the Lord

Just a plain and simple chapel

Where humble people go to pray

I pray the Lord that I'll grow stronger

As I live from day to day

I've searched and I've searched

But I couldn't find

No way on earth

To gain peace of mind

Now I'm happy in the chapel

Where people are of one accord

Yes, we gather in the chapel

Just to sing and praise the Lord

You'll search and you'll search

But you'll never find

No way on earth

To gain peace of mind

Take your troubles to the chapel

Get down on your knees and pray

Then your burdens will be lighter

And you'll surely find the way

Sentence Prayer

Celtic Prayer On Joy

As the hand is made for holding and the eye for seeing,

You have fashioned me for joy.

Share with me the vision that finds that joy everywhere.

In the wild violet’s beauty;

In the lark’s melody;

In the face of a steadfast man;

In a child’s smile;

In a mother’s love;

In the purity of Jesus.

(A Maclean, Hebridean Altars, Moray Press, Edinburgh, 1937 Modified - See more at: http://kathwilliamson.blogspot.com/2010/09/famous-prayers-celtic-prayer-on-joy.html#sthash.HHgVfBh9.dpuf)

ALL HALLOWS EVE

Snippet

On this last day in October, many children in the US will be carrying bags of sweets.  Thinking of them can remind us to ask: What is filling the vessel of my life?  Is it a bitter attitude that leads to foolish disputes and strife, or is it a sweet spirit that leads to righteousness, faith, love and peace? We can hallow today, and every day, by setting ourselves apart for God to be used by him.  (Our Daily Bread 2012 Devotional Collection October 31 Discovery house Publishing.)

Scripture

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 2 Timothy 2:20,21

Song

THANK YOU Ray Boltz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7biTMChHOBM

I dreamed I went to heaven

And you were there with me;

We walked upon the streets of gold

Beside the crystal sea.

We heard the angels singing

Then someone called your name.

We turned and saw a young man running

And he was smiling as he came.

And he said, "Friend you may not know me now."

And then he said, "But wait,

You used to teach my Sunday School

When I was only eight.

And every week you would say a prayer

Before the class would start.

And one day when you said that prayer,

I asked Jesus in my heart."

Thank you for giving to the Lord.

I am a life that was changed.

Thank you for giving to the Lord.

I am so glad you gave.

Then another man stood before you

And said, "Remember the time

A missionary came to your church

And his pictures made you cry.

You didn't have much money,

But you gave it anyway.

Jesus took the gift you gave

And that's why I'm here today."

Thank you for giving to the Lord.

I am a life that was changed.

Thank you for giving to the Lord.

I am so glad you gave.

One by one they came

Far as the eye could see.

Each life somehow touched

By your generosity.

Little things that you had done,

Sacrifices made,

Unnoticed on the earth

In heaven, now proclaimed.

And I know up in heaven

You're not supposed to cry

But I am almost sure

There were tears in your eyes.

As Jesus took your hand

And you stood before the Lord.

He said, "My child, look around you.

Great is your reward."

Thank you for giving to the Lord.

I am a life that was changed.

Thank you for giving to the Lord.

I am so glad you gave.

Thank you for giving to the Lord.

I am a life that was changed.

Thank you for giving to the Lord.

I am so glad you gave.

Sentence Prayer

Lord,

May our lives be set apart

And useful in your hands,

Pursuing righteousness and faith

As we fulfill your plan.  Amen

(Our Daily Bread 2012 Devotional Collection October 31 Discovery house Publishing.)

MAN IN BLACK

Snippet

“We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are.” ― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Scripture

Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,

    only a day for people to humble themselves?

Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed

    and for lying in sackcloth and ashes?

Is that what you call a fast,

    a day acceptable to the Lord?

 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:

to loose the chains of injustice

    and untie the cords of the yoke,

to set the oppressed free

    and break every yoke?

 Is it not to share your food with the hungry

    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—

when you see the naked, to clothe them,

    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Isaiah 58:5-7 NIV

Song 

Man in Black Johnny Cash

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t51MHUENlAQ

Well, you wonder why I always dress in black,

Why you never see bright colors on my back,

And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone.

Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.

I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,

Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town,

I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,

But is there because he's a victim of the times.

I wear the black for those who never read,

Or listened to the words that Jesus said,

About the road to happiness through love and charity,

Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.

Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do suppose,

In our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes,

But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back,

Up front there ought 'a be a Man In Black.

I wear it for the sick and lonely old,

For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold,

I wear the black in mournin' for the lives that could have been,

Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.

And, I wear it for the thousands who have died,

Believen' that the Lord was on their side,

I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died,

Believen' that we all were on their side.

Well, there's things that never will be right I know,

And things need changin' everywhere you go,

But 'til we start to make a move to make a few things right,

You'll never see me wear a suit of white.

Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day,

And tell the world that everything's OK,

But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back,

'Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black.

Sentence Prayer

Jesus,

Shine through this dark vessel

So others may see the light of the world

Amen

WITCHY WOMAN

Snippet

I used to be Snow White, but I drifted.  Mae West

Scripture

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king. 1  Samuel 15:23

Song

Witchy Woman Eagles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d8hZtvRPno

Raven hair and ruby lips

sparks fly from her finger tips

Echoed voices in the night

she's a restless spirit on an endless flight

wooo hooo witchy woman, see how

high she flies

woo hoo witchy woman she got

the moon in her eye

She held me spellbound in the night

dancing shadows and firelight

crazy laughter in another

room and she drove herself to madness

with a silver spoon

woo hoo witchy woman see how high she flies

woo hoo witchy woman she got the moon in her eye

Well I know you want a lover,

let me tell your brother, she's been sleeping

in the Devil's bed.

And there's some rumors going round

someone's underground

she can rock you in the nighttime

'til your skin turns red

woo hoo witchy woman

see how high she flies

woo hoo witchy woman

she got the moon in her eye

Sentence Prayer

Father;

Your Love knows no boundaries

You move heaven and earth

To bring us home

Whether a witchy woman

Or a rebellious son.

You love us all!  Amen

LEGION

Snippet

Living in the woods does strange things to lonely men. — Paul Doiron

Scripture

Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.

 A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. 33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

 When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, 35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. 37 Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:30-39

Song

AMOS MOSES BY JERRY REED

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOdJSN-TWjk

Well Amos Moses was a Cajun,

He lived by himself in the swamp.

He hunted alligators for a livin,

He just knocked 'em in the head with a stump.

The Louisiana law gonna get ya Amos

It ain't legal hunting alligators down in the swamp, boy

Well everybody blames his old man,

For makin' him mean as a snake,

When Amos Moses was a boy

His daddy would use him for alligator bait.

Tie a rope around his neck, and throw him in the swamp,

Alligator bit him in a Louisiana bayou

About 45 minutes southeast of Thibodeaux, Louisiana

Lived a man named Doc Milsap and his pretty wife Hanna

hey raised up a son who could eat up his weight in groceries,

Named him after a man of the cloth,

Called him Amos Moses

Well, the folks around south Louisiana

Said Amos was a hell of a man

He could trap the biggest, the meanest  alligator

And just use one hand

That's all he's got left cause an alligator bit him

Left arm gone clean up to the elbow

Well the sheriff caught wind that Amos

Was in the swamp huntin' alligator skins

So he snuck in the swamp, gonna getcha boy,

But he never come out again.

Well, I wonder where the Louisiana sheriff went to?

You can sure get lost in a Louisiana bayou!

About 45 minutes southeast of Thibodeaux, Louisiana

Lived a man named Doc Milsap and his pretty wife Hanna

They raised a son who could eat up his weight in groceries,

Named him after a man of the cloth,

Called him Amos Moses

Sentence Prayer

Father,

Send me home

To tell the story of

The legions of unclean spirits

Jesus has set me free from

Holy Spirit create a thirst in me

For holiness this freedom brings

Amen

CHAMPION

Snippet

Don’t  we need a God-man Savior?  A just-God Jesus could make us but not understand us.  A Just-man Jesus could love us but never save us.  But a God-man Jesus?  Near enough to touch.  Strong enough to trust.  A next door Savior. 

A Savior found by millions be irrestible.  Nothing compares to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Phil. 3:8 RSV) the reward of Christianity is Christ.  

(Max Lucado Next Door Savior  Co 2003  Pg 5  Word Pub Nashville Tenn)

Scripture

Then Jesus asked them, “And who do you say I am?”

 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

 Jesus answered, “You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah, because no person taught you that. My Father in heaven showed you who I am.  So I tell you, you are Peter. On this rock I will build my church, and the power of death will not be able to defeat it. Matthew 16:15-18 NCV

Song

Champion By Carmen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUzR4HKbi9w

In the vast expanse of a timeless place,

Where silence ruled the outer space,

Ominously, towering it stood,

The symbol of a spirit war

Between the one name Lucifer,

And the Morning Star, The ultimate of good.

Enveloped by a trillion planets,

Clean as lightning and hard as granite,

A cosmic coliseum would host the end

Of the war between the lord of sin and death,

And the Omnipotent Creator of man's first breath,

Who will decide who forever will be the Champion.

The audience for the 'Fight of the Ages' was assembled and in place.

The angels came in splendor from a star.

The saints that had gone before were there: Jeremiah, Enoch, Job.

They were singing the "Song of Zion" on David's harp.

The demons arrived, offensive and vile, cursing and blaspheming God.

Followed by their 'trophies' dead and gone.

Hitler, Napoleon, Pharaoh, Capone,

Tormented and vexed and grieved.

Waiting for their judgment From the Throne.

Then a chill swept through the mammoth crowd and the demons squealed with glee,

as a sordid, vulgar, repulsive essence was felt.

Arrogantly prancing, hands held high, draped in a sparkling shroud

Trolled by demons, Satan ascended from Hell.

Then Satan cringed, the sinners groaned!

The demons reeled in pain as a swell of power like silent thunder rolled

With a surge of light beyond intense, illuminating the universe,

In resplendent glory appeared the Son of God.

Then a Persona, yes, Extraordinaire appeared in center ring.

God the Father will oversee the duel.

Opening the Book of Life, each grandstand hushed in awe as

majestically He said,

"Now here's the rules. He'll be wounded for their transgressions,

bruised for iniquities"

When He said, "By His stripes they're healed," the devil shook!

He screamed, "Sickness is my specialty. I hate that healing junk!"

God said, "You shut your face, I wrote the book!"

Then the Father looked at His only Son and said,

"You know the rules.

Your blood will cleanse their sins and calm their fears."

Then He pointed His finger at Satan and said,

"And I know you know the rules.

You've been twisting them to deceive My people for years."

Satan screamed, "I'll kill you Christ! You'll never win this fight!"

The demons wheezed, "That's right, there ain't no way."

Satan jeered, "You're dead meat, Jesus, I'm gonna bust you UP tonight!"

Jesus said, "Go ahead, make my day!"

The bell rang, the crowd cheered, the fight was on,

And the devil leaped in fury.

With all his evil tricks he came undone.

He threw his jabs of hate and lust.

A stab of pride and envy but the hand that knew no sin blocked every one.

Forty days and nights they fought, and Satan couldn't touch Him.

Now the final blow saved for the final round.

Prophetically Christ's hands came down

And Satan struck in vengeance!

The blow of death felled Jesus to the ground.

The devils roared in victory!

The saints shocked and perplexed as wounds appeared upon His hands and feet.

Then Satan kicked Him in His side, and blood and water flowed.

And they waited for the 10 count of defeat.

God the Father turned His head,

His tears announcing Christ was dead!

The 10 count would proclaim the battle's end.

Then Satan trembled through his sweat in unexpected horror, yet...

As God started to count by saying,

"...10..."

"Hey wait a minute, God..." "...9..." "Stop! You're counting wrong..."

"...8..."

His eyes are moving...

"...7..."

His fingers are twitching...

"...6..."

"Where's all this Light coming from?"

"...5..."

"He's alive!"

"...4..."

"Oh - nooooo!"

"...3..."

"And yet,"

"...2..."

"Oh...Yessssss!

"...1..."

He has won!

He has won!

He's alive forevermore!

He is risen, He is Lord,

He has won!

He has won!

He's alive forevermore,

He is risen!

He is Lord!

Proclaim the news in every tongue,

Through endless ages and beyond

Let it be voiced from mountains loud and strong

Captivity has been set free, salvation bought for you and me

'Cause Satan is defeated,

And Jesus is The Champion

Sentence Prayer

God,

You are out beginning and you will be our end;

We are made in your image and likeness.

We praise and thank you for this day.

This is the day on which you created light

And saw that it was good.

This is the day in whose early morning light.

We discovered the tomb was empty,

And encountered Christ, the world’s true light.

This is the day you have made;

We shall rejoice and be glad in it.  Amen

(A New Zealand Prayer Book  pg 105 W. Collins Pub 1989)