Is My Heart Breaking?

Daily Reading: Acts 7

Scripture Focus: Lord, do not hold this sin against them. (Acts 7.60)

Devotional Thought: Stephen, that promising young leader in the Church, became the first Christian martyr.  In his final moments, he prayed for the salvation of his executioners: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them."

Sadly, persecution of Christians is not something of the past; it remains today in many areas of the world.  Americans may enjoy wonderful religious freedoms, but it sometimes feels that the surrounding culture oppresses us and mocks our “religious fanaticism”.  But as a contrast, in some areas even today, Christians are given three options: convert to Islam; leave the area; or face immediate death for your entire family.  Many are leaving the homes that they have had for centuries, but many have died for their faith.

Because of (and in spite of) this, many courageous men and women, along with their children, are being led by the Holy Spirit to go to these places at great personal risk to spread the gospel.  There is a family in my local church who were led to become missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship.  While their exact location cannot be disclosed for safety reasons, they are in a country where over 99% of the population is Muslim.  They have seen bombings, terror, and death all around them.  The Lord has kept their family safe and has also done some miraculous deeds for his glory.  I am so grateful for families such as this one, whose hearts are breaking for all of the lost in these areas.

But, I must ask myself, "Is my heart breaking for the lost?"

Jenny

Prayer: Lord, "break my heart for what breaks yours."  When I see the persecution of Christians, show me not only the plight of my brothers and sisters, but show me also the lost souls for whom you died.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 68.28-35

28 Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us.

29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings shall bear gifts to you.

30 Rebuke the beasts that dwell among the reeds, the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples. Trample underfoot those who lust after tribute; scatter the peoples who delight in war.

31 Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God.

32 O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord, Selah

33 to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.

34 Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies.

35 Awesome is God from hissanctuary; the God of Israel--he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!