Issue No.054 August 31, 2008 Thought Management;Persecution in Orissa

#1 · August 31, 2008, 6:00 am

Quote from Forum Archives on August 31, 2008, 6:00 am
Posted by: gracepeaceu <gracepeaceu@...>
"Grace & Peace" is an e-periodical for spiritual enlightenment,
edification and encouragement.
Issue No.054 August 31, 2008 “Grace to you and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”. 1 Corinthians 1:3

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In this issue:-

Perspective:- Thought Management
Brief Article:- Abounding in the Work of the Lord
Out line: - Christian Mind
Anecdote: - Full Pardon Refused
Matters for Prayer & Praise:- 1 Persecution in Orissa, India
Matters for Prayer & Praise:-2 Ministry in Albania

Perspective:-

Thought Management

NTK


We are familiar with ‘time management’, ‘money management’ etc. But seldom have we heard about managing our thoughts. When we realize the potential of our thoughts, we will come to know how important it is to control our thought life.

        As a matter of fact we do nothing with out thinking upon it first. Before any action we imagine about it and those thoughts lead to an appropriate action in the appropriate time. The wise man says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs.23:7. With full of evil thought with in us, we can not pretend to be spiritual and with thoughts of failure we can not be happy. When our mind is filled with negative thoughts our response also will be negative. Positive thought does lead to positive outlook. Similarly divine thoughts will lead to divine action and devilish ideas will definitely lead to diabolic activities. That’s why Solomon says in another proverb, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs.4:23.

        Notice what he says about the heart of man - the seat of our emotion, will and reasoning - ‘out of it spring issues of life.’ The Lord Jesus Christ endorsed this truth in the gospels, “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew.12:34. “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.” Matthew.15:18. (cp. Mark.7:21; Luke.6:45)

        Often we judge people on the basis of their actions. We condemn them when their action is wrong. But do not forget God judges according to our thoughts, for He knows well what is going on in our innermost mind. He counts it as if we have done what we thought about! It is in this perspective the Lord Jesus Christ said, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew. 5:28. Whether it is an outburst of anger or an immoral action, all born out of thoughts that one cherished in secret. (Matthew.5:22).

        It is foolishness to hope that we can be pure and decent at the same time enjoy wicked thoughts and dream against the will of God. Also, we must also be aware; Satan is trying his best to take of hold of the mind of the people of God. John.13:2, 27, 30; 1Chronicles.21:1. Romans.1:21 etc. Yes mind is a battle field. We can not just allow our mind to be open for everything that we see around. As Paul says, we need to arrest the thoughts that exalt against the knowledge of God. 2Corinthians.10:5.

        Now, I must clarify one thing, does it mean by merely filling our mind with positive things we can be holy and alright? No, that is not my point. The heart of man is naturally wicked and tends to go after wicked things. Jeremiah.17:9. It needs complete transformation by the wonderful operation of the Holy Spirit on the basis of the work of Christ on the cross of Calvary. 2Corithins.5:17.

        A regenerate heart then must be filled with the word of God. Divine thoughts must fill the heart of a Christian. Carelessly allowing thoughts against God’s desire will harm us in the course of time. So, consider to manage our mind – guard with all diligence.

Brief Article:- Abounding in the Work of the Lord
George Sturm Pogradec, Albania
           “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, in as much you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

        This is a wonderful verse that has encouraged many Christians throughout the centuries. First of all, it promises us that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. We must receive this verse by faith since there are moments where we see no obvious fruit and we think that "all has been in vain." But this is not true. Sooner or later, perhaps in eternity, we will see that all that we have done for the Lord Jesus bore fruit.

        Secondly, this verse exhorts us to be always "abounding in the work of the Lord."
I think of the old Keith Green song where he said, "Jesus rose from the dead, but you cannot get out of bed." So many, especially among young people, wish to be great missionaries, great orators, great this, great that, but ask them if they have regular time of personal devotions with God each day. So often the answer is that they barely make it out of bed in time to get to work before 8:00!

        Dear saints, Jesus rose from the dead and we need to "get out of bed" and abound in the work of the Lord. Beyond our personal walk with the Lord, it also involves our service for Him in the family, in the local church, and in prayer, evangelism and discipleship. Let us not forget that to Jesus, the exalted Lord and Savior, all authority has been given in heaven and on earth (Mat 28:18). His final command to us was: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . ." (Mat 28:19).

Out line: -

Christian Mind

Right Mind Luke.8:35
Sound Mind 2Timothy.1:7
Pure Mind 2Peter 3:1
Spiritual Mind Romans.8:6
Girded Mind 1Peter. 1:13
Garrisoned Mind Philippians. 4:7
Renewed Mind Romans.12:2
United Mind Romans.15:5

Anecdote: -

Full Pardon Refused

        In the early 1800’s, one George Wilson was sentenced to be hanged till death for some serious crime. His relatives approached President Andrew Jackson with a mercy petition and subsequently he issued a full pardon to the criminal. But arrogant Wilson refused presidential pardon.
The jail authorities were confused, what to do, to hang him or not. The matter reached the Supreme Court. Justice John Marshall declared, “The value of the pardon depends upon its acceptance. If it is refused, it is no pardon. George Wilson must be hanged.” And Wilson was hanged.

Matters for Prayer & Praise:1

Persecution in Orissa, India

        Once again Christians in Orissa are going through severe persecution from Hindu fanatics. It was here Australian missionary Graham Stains and two sons were burnt alive more that a decade ago. Number of Christian believers and missionaries were murdered in these years by these same people.

        But the latest attack and arson began as a backlash to the murder of a Hindu priest in Kandhamal district. The deceased Swami Laxmanananda has been working tin the tribal villages of Orissa for more than 40 years and conducted many re-conversion drives to bring back tribal Christians to Hinduism.

        According to the government authorities the killing of the seer is the work of the Naxalite (Maoists) terrorists, but Hindus do not take it. They just unleashed unprecedented attack against Christians all over the state. They have burnt their houses, churches and institutions. The official number of death is only around 14 but according to unofficial report the death toll will go up to 1500, including Hindus and policemen.

        In one place when the rioters approached an orphan home the inmates closed the door, attackers locked it from outside and burnt the home killing three inmates. Many villagers have fled from their houses to forests to escape from the Hindu mobs. The attackers numbering 60—100 destroy the entire village. The authorities fail to stop the arson as these villages are in remote places.

        In the cities churches do get protection from the authorities yet they live under constant fear. Please pray for these helpless Christians for strength to face it. Let us also pray for those who instigate the mob their folly.

        Evangelist C.S. Thomas in Orissa will be able to give you more details and also about the state of the brethren assemblies and evangelists there. Mobile: - +91 9437 35 8364

Matters for Prayer & Praise:2

Ministry in Albania

        Albania is a beautiful country with picturesque white beaches, high mountain tops and untouched ancient historical sites. The bordering countries are Kosovo in the north, Macedonia on the East and Greece in the south. Fifty years of communist rule made Albania as a remote country. Christians as well as Muslims faced severe persecution, their leaders were killed. Religious places were converted to cultural centers to promote communism and atheism.

        Praise God, the Lord of Heaven worked; along with many other communist governments the regime here also fell and as a result once again Albania was open for missionaries. It must be mentioned for the glory of God that, part of the house of the communist dictator of Albania is now owned by an Evangelical Christian Church. The very room where many decisions were made to ban religion is now used as room for prayer and Bible teaching.

        In 1991 the Brethren from Italy began assembly work here. In 1992 and 93 American missionaries started to come. The country was in a terrible mess in the beginning years - real poverty, but people were hungry to hear the Gospel. Many assemblies were planted during those early years. Currently there are about 20 or so assemblies, one of the strongest evangelical works in all of Albania.

        Though Albania is predominantly Muslim, it is of the nominal type. So the people are very open, hospitable and friendly. Many are very superstitious, they follow their horoscopes daily. Because of the influence of the Italian TV modern fashion also is affecting the young generation. Late Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India hails from Albania and they consider her as a national hero.

        There is virtually no restriction for missionary work today. Apart from evangelistic work, Islamic propagation also is very much active. During the past 15 years a million Qur’ans have been handed out and over 1000 mosques were built or renovated.

        In 1993 Mr. George Sturm while working as a university professor in the United States left his job and moved to Albania with his wife Nancy. They started ministry in the city of Elbasan where an assembly was started. In 1999 they moved to Pogradec where another assembly was started, and also one in Korce.

        By means of a radio station they broadcast the Gospel over a wide area including the neighboring country of Macedonia. Now they are planning to expand the Radio Logos to double the listening area. Their daughter Sarah Sturm had several months of training on all aspects of radio work in USA and returned to Albania recently.

        Their newest project for the evangelization of Albania is a Christian University called Nehemiah University. After a considerable investment of time and prayer, they have just received their official operating license. God willing they will commence this university in September 2008. Their desire is to establish a quality university where Christ and His Word are honored, where the Christian world-view is taught in all courses by Christian professors, and where creationism instead of evolution is proclaimed. Their hope is that upon graduation students will, first of all, be saved, and, secondly, to go out into society as true Christians, as the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

        They earnestly seek the prayers of the saints for these efforts in Albania. If any body can help them in the work of Nehemiah University in teaching and administration they are welcome. For more details visit their website:- www.asamblejabiblike.com

Worthy Quotes:-

Mind

“It is riches of the mind only that make man rich and happy.”                                                                                  ---------Thomas Fuller “Choose to have a vigorous mind rather than a vigorous body”                                                                                                     ----------Pythagoras “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”                                                                                                      ---------Paul ( Phil.2:5)

'Grace & Peace' is an electronic periodical, sent out monthly, aiming the overall spiritual growth of the Christian Believers.
Feel free to forward it to the potential subscribers and encourage them to subscribe directly by sending a blank message to
gracepeace-subscribe@welovegod.org               To unsubscribe send any mail to
gracepeace-unsubscribe@welovegod.org              For further details contact:- gracepeaceu AT gmail.com
Edited and posted by NTK for the Glory of God & the Joy of the saints.
Visit:- www.gracepeace.net

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.."2 Peter1:2

Posted by: gracepeaceu <gracepeaceu@...>

"Grace & Peace" is an e-periodical for spiritual enlightenment,
edification and encouragement.
Issue No.054 August 31, 2008 “Grace to you and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”. 1 Corinthians 1:3

Subscription details Home Archives

In this issue:-

Perspective:- Thought Management
Brief Article:- Abounding in the Work of the Lord
Out line: - Christian Mind
Anecdote: - Full Pardon Refused
Matters for Prayer & Praise:- 1 Persecution in Orissa, India

Matters for Prayer & Praise:-2 Ministry in Albania

Perspective:-

Thought Management

NTK

We are familiar with ‘time management’, ‘money management’ etc. But seldom have we heard about managing our thoughts. When we realize the potential of our thoughts, we will come to know how important it is to control our thought life.

As a matter of fact we do nothing with out thinking upon it first. Before any action we imagine about it and those thoughts lead to an appropriate action in the appropriate time. The wise man says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs.23:7. With full of evil thought with in us, we can not pretend to be spiritual and with thoughts of failure we can not be happy. When our mind is filled with negative thoughts our response also will be negative. Positive thought does lead to positive outlook. Similarly divine thoughts will lead to divine action and devilish ideas will definitely lead to diabolic activities. That’s why Solomon says in another proverb, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs.4:23.

Notice what he says about the heart of man - the seat of our emotion, will and reasoning - ‘out of it spring issues of life.’ The Lord Jesus Christ endorsed this truth in the gospels, “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew.12:34. “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.” Matthew.15:18. (cp. Mark.7:21; Luke.6:45)

Often we judge people on the basis of their actions. We condemn them when their action is wrong. But do not forget God judges according to our thoughts, for He knows well what is going on in our innermost mind. He counts it as if we have done what we thought about! It is in this perspective the Lord Jesus Christ said, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew. 5:28. Whether it is an outburst of anger or an immoral action, all born out of thoughts that one cherished in secret. (Matthew.5:22).

It is foolishness to hope that we can be pure and decent at the same time enjoy wicked thoughts and dream against the will of God. Also, we must also be aware; Satan is trying his best to take of hold of the mind of the people of God. John.13:2, 27, 30; 1Chronicles.21:1. Romans.1:21 etc. Yes mind is a battle field. We can not just allow our mind to be open for everything that we see around. As Paul says, we need to arrest the thoughts that exalt against the knowledge of God. 2Corinthians.10:5.

Now, I must clarify one thing, does it mean by merely filling our mind with positive things we can be holy and alright? No, that is not my point. The heart of man is naturally wicked and tends to go after wicked things. Jeremiah.17:9. It needs complete transformation by the wonderful operation of the Holy Spirit on the basis of the work of Christ on the cross of Calvary. 2Corithins.5:17.

A regenerate heart then must be filled with the word of God. Divine thoughts must fill the heart of a Christian. Carelessly allowing thoughts against God’s desire will harm us in the course of time. So, consider to manage our mind – guard with all diligence.

Brief Article:- Abounding in the Work of the Lord

George Sturm Pogradec, Albania
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, in as much you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

This is a wonderful verse that has encouraged many Christians throughout the centuries. First of all, it promises us that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. We must receive this verse by faith since there are moments where we see no obvious fruit and we think that "all has been in vain." But this is not true. Sooner or later, perhaps in eternity, we will see that all that we have done for the Lord Jesus bore fruit.

Secondly, this verse exhorts us to be always "abounding in the work of the Lord."
I think of the old Keith Green song where he said, "Jesus rose from the dead, but you cannot get out of bed." So many, especially among young people, wish to be great missionaries, great orators, great this, great that, but ask them if they have regular time of personal devotions with God each day. So often the answer is that they barely make it out of bed in time to get to work before 8:00!

Dear saints, Jesus rose from the dead and we need to "get out of bed" and abound in the work of the Lord. Beyond our personal walk with the Lord, it also involves our service for Him in the family, in the local church, and in prayer, evangelism and discipleship. Let us not forget that to Jesus, the exalted Lord and Savior, all authority has been given in heaven and on earth (Mat 28:18). His final command to us was: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . ." (Mat 28:19).

Out line: -

Christian Mind

Right Mind Luke.8:35
Sound Mind 2Timothy.1:7
Pure Mind 2Peter 3:1
Spiritual Mind Romans.8:6
Girded Mind 1Peter. 1:13
Garrisoned Mind Philippians. 4:7
Renewed Mind Romans.12:2
United Mind Romans.15:5

Anecdote: -

Full Pardon Refused

        In the early 1800’s, one George Wilson was sentenced to be hanged till death for some serious crime. His relatives approached President Andrew Jackson with a mercy petition and subsequently he issued a full pardon to the criminal. But arrogant Wilson refused presidential pardon.
The jail authorities were confused, what to do, to hang him or not. The matter reached the Supreme Court. Justice John Marshall declared, “The value of the pardon depends upon its acceptance. If it is refused, it is no pardon. George Wilson must be hanged.” And Wilson was hanged.

Matters for Prayer & Praise:1

Persecution in Orissa, India

        Once again Christians in Orissa are going through severe persecution from Hindu fanatics. It was here Australian missionary Graham Stains and two sons were burnt alive more that a decade ago. Number of Christian believers and missionaries were murdered in these years by these same people.

        But the latest attack and arson began as a backlash to the murder of a Hindu priest in Kandhamal district. The deceased Swami Laxmanananda has been working tin the tribal villages of Orissa for more than 40 years and conducted many re-conversion drives to bring back tribal Christians to Hinduism.

        According to the government authorities the killing of the seer is the work of the Naxalite (Maoists) terrorists, but Hindus do not take it. They just unleashed unprecedented attack against Christians all over the state. They have burnt their houses, churches and institutions. The official number of death is only around 14 but according to unofficial report the death toll will go up to 1500, including Hindus and policemen.

        In one place when the rioters approached an orphan home the inmates closed the door, attackers locked it from outside and burnt the home killing three inmates. Many villagers have fled from their houses to forests to escape from the Hindu mobs. The attackers numbering 60—100 destroy the entire village. The authorities fail to stop the arson as these villages are in remote places.

        In the cities churches do get protection from the authorities yet they live under constant fear. Please pray for these helpless Christians for strength to face it. Let us also pray for those who instigate the mob their folly.

        Evangelist C.S. Thomas in Orissa will be able to give you more details and also about the state of the brethren assemblies and evangelists there. Mobile: - +91 9437 35 8364

Matters for Prayer & Praise:2

Ministry in Albania

        Albania is a beautiful country with picturesque white beaches, high mountain tops and untouched ancient historical sites. The bordering countries are Kosovo in the north, Macedonia on the East and Greece in the south. Fifty years of communist rule made Albania as a remote country. Christians as well as Muslims faced severe persecution, their leaders were killed. Religious places were converted to cultural centers to promote communism and atheism.

        Praise God, the Lord of Heaven worked; along with many other communist governments the regime here also fell and as a result once again Albania was open for missionaries. It must be mentioned for the glory of God that, part of the house of the communist dictator of Albania is now owned by an Evangelical Christian Church. The very room where many decisions were made to ban religion is now used as room for prayer and Bible teaching.

        In 1991 the Brethren from Italy began assembly work here. In 1992 and 93 American missionaries started to come. The country was in a terrible mess in the beginning years - real poverty, but people were hungry to hear the Gospel. Many assemblies were planted during those early years. Currently there are about 20 or so assemblies, one of the strongest evangelical works in all of Albania.

        Though Albania is predominantly Muslim, it is of the nominal type. So the people are very open, hospitable and friendly. Many are very superstitious, they follow their horoscopes daily. Because of the influence of the Italian TV modern fashion also is affecting the young generation. Late Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India hails from Albania and they consider her as a national hero.

        There is virtually no restriction for missionary work today. Apart from evangelistic work, Islamic propagation also is very much active. During the past 15 years a million Qur’ans have been handed out and over 1000 mosques were built or renovated.

        In 1993 Mr. George Sturm while working as a university professor in the United States left his job and moved to Albania with his wife Nancy. They started ministry in the city of Elbasan where an assembly was started. In 1999 they moved to Pogradec where another assembly was started, and also one in Korce.

        By means of a radio station they broadcast the Gospel over a wide area including the neighboring country of Macedonia. Now they are planning to expand the Radio Logos to double the listening area. Their daughter Sarah Sturm had several months of training on all aspects of radio work in USA and returned to Albania recently.

        Their newest project for the evangelization of Albania is a Christian University called Nehemiah University. After a considerable investment of time and prayer, they have just received their official operating license. God willing they will commence this university in September 2008. Their desire is to establish a quality university where Christ and His Word are honored, where the Christian world-view is taught in all courses by Christian professors, and where creationism instead of evolution is proclaimed. Their hope is that upon graduation students will, first of all, be saved, and, secondly, to go out into society as true Christians, as the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

        They earnestly seek the prayers of the saints for these efforts in Albania. If any body can help them in the work of Nehemiah University in teaching and administration they are welcome. For more details visit their website:- http://www.asamblejabiblike.com

Worthy Quotes:-

Mind

“It is riches of the mind only that make man rich and happy.”                                                                                  ---------Thomas Fuller “Choose to have a vigorous mind rather than a vigorous body”                                                                                                     ----------Pythagoras “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”                                                                                                      ---------Paul ( Phil.2:5)

'Grace & Peace' is an electronic periodical, sent out monthly, aiming the overall spiritual growth of the Christian Believers.
Feel free to forward it to the potential subscribers and encourage them to subscribe directly by sending a blank message to
gracepeace-subscribe@welovegod.org To unsubscribe send any mail to
gracepeace-unsubscribe@welovegod.org For further details contact:- gracepeaceu AT gmail.com
Edited and posted by NTK for the Glory of God & the Joy of the saints.
Visit:- http://www.gracepeace.net

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.."2 Peter1:2