I just got an e-mail from VOM (voice of the martyrs). It was a prayer request for a young man in Pakistan who got badly beaten for drinking from a common cup. He was working in the heat of the day and went to a well to get a drink. He used a common cup that was attached to the well by a chain. The cup and well were designated for the poor. A muslim man saw him and began to attack him, smashing the cup and calling others over to beat him as well. "A Christian dog polluted our cup" was their cry. By the grace of God he survived.

What does that have to do with us you say? Well, here's another story I recently read. A mother of 12 was arrested in Germany while her husband and children ran for the hills. Their crime? Homeschooling. Germany has had an anti-homeschooling law on the books since the days of Hitler, it was gathering dust until someone utilized it to persecute Christians.

Well, you say, that's Europe. We have the constitution and freedom here. Not for long. Many profesors around our country are teaching the next generation of politicians, lawyers, doctors, and teachers that it is very important to have tolerance unless you are speaking about Christianity. A professor at the Pennsylvania State University has said on his blog that we essentially need to go back to the days of the lions dens to rid ourselves of these nasty, closeminded Christians.

So when the day comes, will American Christians be able to stand? I'm afraid that many will fall. Persecution just does not fit with the "feel-good, purpose driven, your best life now, gospel" coming out of the vast majority of America's pulpits today.

Lord,

Open our eyes and give us discernment. Help us to follow after you and not our own lusts. Guide us into all truth, your Word is truth. When the time of persecution comes give us the stregnth to stand.  

In Jesus Holy name

Amen