Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to not “conform to the pattern of this world” when reading about how the Syrian Arabs are being oppressed by a violent regime. It’s very easy to fall into the trap of thinking that violence is the answer. But our Heavenly Father calls us to rise above that and pray for those who are inviting their own judgment by violent oppression. This requires us to be transformed through the renewing of our minds.
Pray that the Lord will transform you and renew your mind as you pray for the unreached Arabs in Syria.
Today’s People Group
“Mahmoud Arabi fled his hometown in southern Syria into neighboring Lebanon wearing only his pajamas. Nearly a month later, he is still wearing the same clothes and has no idea when he and his family will be able to return home.” (http://articles.cnn.com/2011-06-08).
This has been the condition of thousands of Syrian refugees since the upheaval began at home. As of early June, 2011, an estimated 4,000 Syrian refugees have sought protection and safety in Lebanon. In addition, there have also been over 7600 who have crossed into the Yayladagi refugee camp in Turkey, according to news sources. According to the New York Times, during a six-month period last year, the Turkish government spent approximately $15 million providing for Syrians, whom the Turkish government prefers to call “guests” rather than “refugees.” One displaced Syrian was quoted as saying “We love our country, and we are very scared for it.”
Since the so-called “Arab Spring” began, there have been thousands of displaced Syrian Arabs who lost everything in the fighting. This, on top of the reality of unemployment at home, has led to severe frustration and anger. Syria’s president Bashar Assad’s unhelpful response in January was to “strike with an iron fist” those who oppose him. With such as attitude, more bloodshed is the likely result.
Pray that political issues would be resolved wisely and justly in Syria. Pray for the Muslim Syrian refugees to find refuge and spiritual peace in Christ.
Learn more at Joshua Project.
read more
Saharawi Refugees
May 14, 2012 04:00 am
Today’s Devotional
Romans 4:11 “So then [Abraham] is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them.”
Chapter four is an extensive explanation that Abraham’s righteousness came from faith rather than from works, including the work of circumcision. He was counted as righteous before he became circumcised, and so he is able to be called the father of all who truly believe, whether they are circumcised or not. This was a radical statement for Paul to make, but he was explaining to the Gentiles and the Jews in the church at Rome that they both fit into God’s Kingdom on the basis of the obedience of faith from the heart.
Thank the Lord that He has made all the Gentiles potential members of His Kingdom by faith, not by works.
Today’s People Group
If a fire were to destroy your home, you would be forced to spend time living in a shelter, hotel room, or with a relative or friend until your home was restored. The circumstances would be devastating, and the living arrangement, although you’d be grateful for it, would not be your preference.
The Saharawi refugees are a people who know what it means to be forced out of their homes. Since 1976 after the Madrid Accords were signed, they have been driven out of their homeland (previously called the Spanish Sahara) by the terrible violence that followed the agreement. Thousands of these refugees have fled to Algeria and Morocco.
The land which is now called Western Sahara has been the subject of severe disputes. Neighboring Mauritania and Morocco now both claim it as their own. The UN, however, does not recognize either country’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and considers it a “non self governing territory.” There has been a ceasefire in place since 1991, but no true resolution to the issues. The Muslim refugees from the country and those who have remained there have continued their pursuit of independence and better living conditions. However, with circumstances what they are, there is no sign of improvement.
Pray that the daily needs of the Saharawis will be met during these difficult times, and that they will hear about the living and true God who loves them while they are in exile.
Learn more at Joshua Project.
Posted on May 15th, 2012 by bbyrd
Filed under: General | No Comments »