The King's River

Sunday Evening 012912

Tim A. — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:55:33 +0000

Just a note: On Sunday evening we will be devoting the entire evening service to prayer. There may be one song of praise, but then we will be praying specifically for the needs of our church, each individual in the church; the needs of our Nation [USA], our sister churches – locally, State wide, nationally and world wide; and our Missions out reach.

If you cannot join us with your presence, then join us in the Spirit of Christ where ever you find yourself.

-Tim A. Blankenship

VOM Prayer for South Sudan, India, and Laos

Tim A. — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:31:30 +0000

These are posted so Christians who come here may join us in praying for our brethren around the world who are faithful to Christ and suffering for it.

VOM-USA Prayer Update for January 27, 2012

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Hebrews 13:3

SOUTH SUDAN—Gunmen Attack Village
Source: VOM Contacts

Job 5:10–12

He gives rain on the earth,
And sends waters on the fields.
He sets on high those who are lowly,
those who mourn are lifted to safety.
He frustrates the devices of the crafty,
So that their hands cannot carry out their plans.

Gunmen shot and killed a number of people in a South Sudan village last week, exposing VOM workers to potential danger. On Jan. 17, a VOM worker reported that gunmen had killed a man named Godana, who had gone to fetch water for his family. “Godana was the watchman at the compound for more than 20 years,” the worker said. “I knew him well.” The town is small, and residents walk between shops and the market, making them vulnerable to attack. “I’m very concerned about our staff and their families,” the worker said. Pray for the safety of our staff in the region and for other Christians during this dangerous period.

India—Hindu Nationalists Attack Prayer Meeting
Sources: Global Council of Indian Christians, Asia News

2 Corinthians 2:8–10

Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ,

Hindu radicals invaded a pastor’s home on Jan. 9, severely beating several of the 20 believers who had gathered at the home near Bangalore for a prayer service. At about 10:30 p.m., a group of Hindu nationalists rushed in with clubs and iron rods and began to beat the Christians. The attackers, who accused the Christians of forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity, disappeared after the attack. Pastor Shanthakumar, 39, lost a finger on his left hand during the attack, a young man received a serious injury to his leg, and a woman received head injuries and suffered nerve damage in her right hand. All those admitted to the hospital were released two days later. Police are searching for the attackers, but no arrests have been made. Pray that the faith of these believers will remain strong and that they will be obedient to God. Pray also for Pastor Shanthakumar, who oversees two churches that he founded in the area.

Laos—Christian Leaders Released
Source: Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom

1 Corinthians 9:24

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

Seven Christian leaders who were arrested during a Christmas service nearly one month ago in Boukham village, Laos, were unconditionally released on Jan. 12. The village chief ordered authorities to raid the service on Dec. 16, 2011, and the seven leaders were held without charge until Dec. 30. Freedom of religion is guaranteed in the Lao constitution, so authorities were unable to charge the pastors with violating a religion law. Instead, the leaders were eventually charged with violating the village’s customs and beliefs known as hiit, and they were fined the equivalent of $1,425, about 35 times the average monthly wage. International organizations pressured authorities to release the Christians, and they received their unconditional release three days after their families filed complaints against Boukham village authorities. Praise God for the release of these Christian leaders, and pray for them as they return to their families and churches.

Thanks for your prayers.

-posted by Tim A. Blankenship

Verse of the Day 012712

carrlanebaptist1988 — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:59:42 +0000

“Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: and they saw the God of Israel: and there was under His feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in His clearness. And upon the nobles of the children of Israel He laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.” Exodus 24:9-11 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Exodus 24 – 25

Verse of the Day 012612

carrlanebaptist1988 — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:26:24 +0000

“Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.” Exodus 23:1-3 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Verses -

Exodus 21 – 23

Wednesday Bible Study 012512

Tim A. — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:32:10 +0000

GRACE: NOT BY MAN

Enemies Because of the Truth – Galations 4:12-20

Verse 12 - Though Paul has been very stern with them; rebuking them for their departure from the truth of the gospel he still is calling them “brethren”.

“Beseech” is a word which means to “beg”, “petition” or “requests”, thus Paul is begging the people to get back to the gospel, away from the condemnation of the law which the Judaizers have deceived them.

Paul assures them that they have caused him no harm. Paul’s interest is far greater than any personal harm.

Verses 13 – 14 - The Christians of Galatia had accepted Paul when he was there and received the message of the gospel of Christ. The “Infirmity of the flesh” he speaks of could be either a physical weakness of his own; or a weakness on their part. Which ever it is the gospel was preached by Paul and received by the Galation – Gentiles.

The “Temptation” the apostle writes of could be the weak eyes he is often noted for, the trials of persecution he has experienced or the peril of his life through storms on board ships. Paul commends them for accepting him as they would an angel of God or Christ Himself.

Veses 15 – 16 - Upon the receiving of the gospel of Christ is the possible understanding of “Where is then the blessedness ye spake of?” They had professed blessing and joy and peace in receiving Christ, but now; where is it. When an individual or a whole community of believers leaves the gospel of Christ and puts themselves under the law; they lose the “blessedness” of the gospel.

The enemy loves to cause enmity between brethren; but that is not of God (Psalm 133:1-3). Because Paul is challenging these believers, trying to convince them of the danger they are in; there are some who evidently are making him an enemy. The truth is hated by the enemy.

Verses 17 – 18 - The Judaizers had a zeal for what they taught. Some of what the legalizers wanted was to isolate – “they would exclude you”; which seems to be the aim of any cult; ancient or modern; to hold on to their labors.

It is good to be “zealous” in good things “always”. That zeal for God and the gospel needs to be present in one’s everyday life; not just when the apostle or pastor is present.

Verses 19 – 20 - “My little children” Paul referring to the Gentiles as his spiritual children whom he has fed milk; and now they are needing some meat (Hebrews 5:12-14). The apostle finds their departure from the gospel painful; comparing it even to a mother in labor of childbirth; as to birth them again.

Paul desires to be with the Galations, however, impossible. He finds himself “to be at wits end” or “Stand in doubt of you”. He is greatly perplexed by their backsliden condition. As Christians of all ages should be about legalism.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Verse of the Day 012512

carrlanebaptist1988 — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:34:07 +0000

“And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, ‘Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.’ And Moses said unto the people, ‘Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that His fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.’ And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.’” Exodus 20:18-21 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Exodus 17 – 20

Verse of the Day 012412

carrlanebaptist1988 — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:49:51 +0000

“Who is like unto Thee, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou stretchedst out Thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Thou in Thy mercy hast led forth the people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength unto Thy holy habitation.” Exodus 15:11-13 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Exodus 14 – 16

Verse of the Day 012312

Tim A. — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:57:09 +0000

“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, ‘Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:’ but God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, ‘God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.’” Exodus 13:17-19 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Exodus 11 – 13

Verse of the Day 012212

carrlanebaptist1988 — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:17:45 +0000

“And the LORD said unto Moses, ‘Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, ‘Thus saith the LORD, ‘Let My people go, that they may serve Me. Else, if thou wilt not let My people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are. And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth. And I will put a division between My people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be.’ And the LORD did so; and there came a grievous swarm of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants’ houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm of flies.” Exodus 8:20-24 (KJV)

Today’s Bible Reading -

Exodus 8 – 10

VOM Prayer for Pakistan, Israel, and Comoros

Tim A. — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:05:29 +0000

VOM-USA Prayer Update for January 20, 2012

The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Pakistan—Evicted Couple Stands Strong
Source: VOM Contacts

Micah 5:2: “ But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting.”

A Pakistani couple who have endured several years of persecution from villagers and local authorities remain strong in faith even after losing their home and possessions. Arif, 35, used to spend evenings in his small village visiting friends and neighbors, sharing the gospel and praying. But in 2009, several men began to harass Arif, trying to compel him to deny Christ. He was beaten seven times, and police continued the beatings for 13 days after arresting him on Sept. 27, 2009. When Arif refused to return to Islam, he was imprisoned on false robbery charges. Arif was released four months later when his wife paid his bail. But that same evening, the village leader confiscated their livestock and home and told them to leave. They left with $2 in their pockets. Last month, a VOM staff member met with the couple for several days to pray through the events with them. Arif prayed, “O God, we thank you because you have not left us. … But [now] we have seen and experienced that you never leave us. … Lord, we are ready to obey you.” Praise God for the testimony of Arif and his wife.

Israel—University Forbids Contact with Messianic Jews
Sources: VOM Contacts, Ariel University of Samaria, IsraelNationalNews.com

John 15:13: Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

One of the largest universities in Israel has made it clear that Christian students will have their visas revoked if they work with or fellowship with Messianic Jews, according to VOM contacts. Many Christian students have submitted to Ariel University’s stipulations. “Believers allow their God-given freedom of choice and worship to be taken away in order to spare themselves,” wrote a VOM contact. Ariel University of Samaria, which serves more than 11,000 students, is located in the West Bank city of Ariel. Every student at the university is required to take classes in Judaism, Jewish heritage or Land of Israel studies. The VOM contact continued, “May God give us the strength when the time comes to cling to the words of Yeshua, ‘Greater love has no man, than to lay down his life [or his self-interest or his ministry] for his brother.’” Pray for the body of Christ in Israel.

Comoros—Believer Imprisoned for Faith
Source: Compass Direct News

2 Corinthians 5:20: Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

The simple act of reporting a burglary cost a Comoros man his family and eight months in jail. After Musta Kim reported a burglary at his home, police officers investigating the burglary discovered a Bible and a copy of the “JESUS” film at his home. Police then arrested Musta for practicing a forbidden religion and locked him in jail. After being held eight months without a trial, Musta appealed for his freedom. He was finally granted his freedom, but his family rejected him and he could not return to his home. Musta now suffers from a skin disease that he contracted in prison. Pray for Musta and other Christians in Comoros who suffer for practicing a “forbidden” religion. May they be ambassadors for Christ in these tiny islands.

-posted by Tim A. Blankenship