Weekend Reading and Prayer

In view of the recent events, I'm skipping the Online Weekend Reading post and recommending that we dwell, instead, on this promise from Jesus, found in John 16:33...

This weekend, I'm spending time in prayer for those affected by the tragic events in Charleston, and for the response of the Church. In this world, we will have trouble. But if we know Jesus as our Savior, we also know the One who has overcome - and we have Hope and Light and Life to share with a world who is searching for answers. This is not a gift you want to keep hidden - be bold!

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Speaking of prayer and those seeking, this week Muslims all over the world entered into the season of Ramadan. My prayer from now through July 17th  is for the Lord to reveal Himself through visions and dreams to those who are seeking Allah. 

If you haven't read, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Dr. Nabeel Qureshi, I would encourage you to pick up a copy and read it during the next month. As you read it, remember to pray for those who are searching and fasting - not as your political or religious enemies, but as souls for whom Christ died, asking God to grant us eternal perspective and a heart for the lost. 

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This week, a "hero of the faith" went home to be with Jesus. Elisabeth Elliot departed her earthly body, entering eternity with her Savior. I'm not sure how Heaven will work - we like to throw around the idea that we'll be reunited with our loved ones, though I have to wonder if, when we find ourselves in the presence of the Creator of the Universe, we will care who else is there! However, if we are given that opportunity, I can only imagine what her reunion with Jim must have been like this week!

As a young teenager, God brought me to a crossroads and Mrs. Elliot's books made a deep impact on me during that time. If you have any young women (or young men) in your life, I'd recommend providing them with copies of Passion and Purity and Quest for Love. A year or so after the crossroads decision had been made (and I was engaged to Peter), I had the privilege of hearing Mrs. Elliot speak at my college just outside of Boston, and I left with a picture for the scrapbook. May we all live in such a way that when God calls us home, people remember His work in our lives, and not our achievements!