To Our Dearly Beloved Family-In-CHRIST
COMFORT DESPITE DIFFICULTIES
2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 “We ought to thank GOD always for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your FAITH FLOURISHES more and more and the love of each one of you all for one another is even greater. v4-As a result we ourselves boast about you in the churches of GOD for your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions you are enduring.”
We find here a commendation and hope for those persecuted for their Christian faith. The early church fathers never took the growth and spiritual transformation in the lives of those they ministered to for granted. They never took credit for all their hard and sacrificial work for they recognized that they were simply instruments and tools of grace in the mighty hands of GOD. May the SPIRIT of our GOD guard our own hearts from foolish pride when great numbers turn out and lives are transformed through the works of service we do for our ABBA FATHER.
The words, “your FAITH FLOURISHES more and more and the love of each one of you all for one another is even greater,” ought to encourage us today as they did for the believers in the days of St. Paul, as we go through the challenges and difficulties of present-day life. We who are the blessed and chosen of GOD in CHRIST JESUS, cannot afford to lose sight of our loving FATHER’s design and purpose, as we keep our selves focused on His very great and precious promises. He Who gives us everything for life and godliness has more than enough to bless us daily with faith, hope, and love for GOD and for each other.
The persecution of fellow believers in CHRIST has taken new proportions unequalled in Christian history. We’re seeing this happen in places like Iran, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Algeria, Nigeria, Libya, Egypt, China, North Korea, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka, and the Philippines. The Bibles reminds us that “there will be terrible days” because of the breakdown of morality, family values, ungodliness in society and government institutions. Persecution will increase even in nations like America. There is no safe place except in the “shelter of the most High.”
Our entire team of volunteers here at Christians In Crisis Ministry want you all to know that we sincerely appreciate your generous financial gifts, enduring support and your unceasing prayers on behalf of the many faceless and nameless Christians who suffer for CHRIST JESUS’ sake.
Faith makes all things possible, Hope makes all things work, Love makes all things beautiful….May you have all three this Christmas. Christmas is a time of year to reflect and remember the goodness and love of our gracious GOD. We take stock of where we came from, and have a moment to think about where we are going, as we pursue the future with faith, hope and love.
May our hearts be lifted in praise this Christmas for the wonderful gift of JESUS and the joy He brings to our lives. May we feel GOD’s presence in the candles that softly spread their glow in this season, and may we all experience the wonder of His abiding love, as He guides us, through each day of the coming year. May our ABBA FATHER’s Blessings of peace and joy be with us all throughout this Christmas season and may He grant us a better and healthier New Year in 2021.
Forever Grateful,
Pastor Wally Magdangal and CIC Family