THURSDAY November 18, 2021

Who Do You Have in Your Heart?

...just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:7-8

At this time in Rome in chains under house arrest, Paul could receive visitors and support. Even though he was a prisoner in chains in Rome, he still had great concern for the believers in Philippi. Paul’s prayer was genuinely heartfelt. He held them deep within his heart! He had such a depth of compassion and a complete disregard for his own welfare. That is real Christianity! Paul’s affection for the believers in Philippi was so genuine. The word affection means “kindness or the heart of Jesus.”

The second time Paul was imprisoned in Rome––Nero was now persecuting and killing Christians. God had given Paul a great opportunity; he shared the Gospel with Nero, the Emperor of Rome. What did Nero do? He rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ and executed the Apostle Paul. As Paul was a Roman citizen, it is believed he was not crucified as the Apostle Peter, but it was more likely that he was beheaded. Nero fiercely persecuted the Church of Jesus Christ. He threw Christians to the lions, crucified them, and set them on fire. He brutally killed believers in Christ.

All over the world, many Christians face persecution. Recently, on October 16, in Haiti, a total of 17 missionaries and their Haitian driver were kidnapped. Among them was a mother and her five children. Apparently, a video has emerged showing the 400 Muwoz gang that has abducted the missionaries. They are demanding $1 million per hostage or they will shoot them. They are our brothers and sister in Christ, and we need to pray for them.

How we need to pray for each other! Who do you have in your heart?

I believe it will only be known on the last day how much has been accomplished in overseas missions by the prayers of earnest believers at home.
~James O. Fraser~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!