In this world you will have tribulations...Jesus -John 16:33

Convert or die. ISIS militants are crucifying victims because to them crucifixion is especially humiliating due to its Christian implications
Its heart wrenching to hear about the persecution the Christians are going through in Iraq and in that region. Children are being killed at gun point, women are raped mercilessly, other crucified for their faith. Thousands forced out of their homeland to live as refugees or face instant death
A child is photographed, waiting to be killed by militants.
I am reminded of the verse in the Bible wehere our forefathers also went through a similar plight. Hebrews 11:35-38 - There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection, some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.

When we hear things like things, what should we do?

Don't take life for granted.   Its a reminder that we are sojourners (Heb 11:13-16).  This world is not our home. What we have is given to us as a lease by God. Time is also short. Glorify God, live for Him and fulfill His purpose for our lives. Be nit just a good steward but the best steward.

Pray for the tormentors; pray for the victims.    We need to pray that God will melt the heat of the tormentors.. Pray that the atrocities will stop. That these people too find find Jesus as the Way to God. We know the spiritual forces that are behind all these activities. Its time like this that intercessors should arise. Pray against the powers of darkness. How I wish that we will cancel all our leisure activities, all our outings with friends but gather in homes and churches and pray for the victims, many of who are Christians. Wouldn't we have done this if it was our family members or our own children? Nehemiah fasted and prayed for four months when he heard that the walls of Jerusalem have been ruined. Where are the Nehemiahs today? 

Remember it can happen to us.   Jesus already warned us in John 16:33. If it does, will we be faithful? Will we be willing to be crucified for our Lord or will be deny Him?
Those who die without Christ are lost in eternity.   The world needs to hear the name of Jesus. The church has heard it enough.

Could a mariner sit idle if he heard the drowning cry? Could a doctor sit in comfort and just let his patients die? Could a fireman sit idle, let men burn and give no hand? Can you sit at ease in Zion with the world around you damned? - Leonard Ravenhill

Pictures source - www.catholic.org

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