As we openly rejoice lets pray for the persecuted church

Extremely thankful for being able to rejoice so openly in Christ my Saviour and God. 

It is beautiful to focus our minds on who He is, what He has done for us. Everything! From the simple gifts of friendship, of hearing birds sing, of seeing His creation to the great gift of salvation He paid for me, with His death to bring me, and those who believe in Him peace with the holy abundantly good God! 

Today I am singing this on repeat...

'How can it be, the One who died,
Has borne our sin through sacrifice
To conquer every sting of death?
Sing, sing hallelujah.

For joy awakes as dawning light
When Christ's disciples lift their eyes.
Alive He stands, their Friend and King;
Christ, Christ He is risen.


Christ is risen, He is risen indeed!
Oh, sing hallelujah.
Join the chorus, sing with the redeemed;
Christ is risen, He is risen indeed.'

As we openly rejoice here, lets pray for our brothers and sisters through out the world who do not have the freedom we do. 

• Pray that God would pour out His strength, courage and wisdom onto them. That they would take great hope and strength in Christ's suffering and and that they too would be praising God that He is risen.
• Pray for their protection
• Praise Him for the growth of the church in these countries, countries that are so hostile to God. Lets ask that it would continue, and that it would inspire us to use the opportunities we have and focus us on what is of most importance, and value.

Read of one news story that I didn't hear last month from North Korea, where 33 Christians may have been killed for meeting with a missionary, and wanting to build Christs church. 

http://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/stories/north_korea_140311.php
http://loristanleyroeleveld.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/theyll-be-dead-by-morning-what.html?m=1