Middle East – The harsh reality for many Christian children in the Middle East is that their lives have been marked by suffering and destruction. This is why it is vital to nurture these children and share with them the transformative love of Christ. To support this mission, ICC has partnered with a local organization to provide Bible study classes for persecuted children and young adults in the region. These classes are designed to deepen their relationship with the Lord, foster a sense of community among fellow believers, and guide them in understanding what it means to transition from childhood to adulthood through a Biblical perspective.

“The Bible study helped us to recognize things that were vague and mysterious in the Bible. For example, God’s union with mankind and how man should be impressed by the image of God’s creation,” one participant said.

The Bible calls us as believers to be united as one body in Christ, sharing in both joys and sufferings. When one part of the body is in pain, the entire body feels it. In places where the church is persecuted, it is our responsibility to respond with support and action. Trainings like this strengthen the suffering church and bring hope to our persecuted brothers and sisters.
Sources:persecution

http://theendtimeradio.com

Most American presidents have a rich history of relying on — or, at the very least, speaking about — the importance of God and prayer.

And with the inauguration upon us, it’s worth looking back at the history of some of these recorded proclamations — the times when presidents throughout the nation’s history unabashedly urged the public to turn to the Lord or to acknowledge His power.

Over the summer, President-elect Donald Trump, speaking just days after the attempted assassination on his life, told supporters he stood before them at the Republican National Convention “only by the grace of Almighty God.”

“There was blood pouring everywhere, and, yet, in a certain way, I felt very safe because I had God on my side,” Trump said, later adding: “We live in a world of miracles. None of us knows God’s plan, or where life’s adventure will take us.”

And Trump is hardly alone in making such proclamations, as other commanders-in-chief have also discussed the hand of God.

Here’s a round-up of some of the most intriguing presidential statements on prayer and faith — proclamations to ponder as the nation welcomes Trump back as the nation’s 47th president:

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President George Washington, June, 8, 1783:

“I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow Citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation.”

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President Thomas Jefferson, Nov. 4, 1820:

“I hold the precepts of Jesus, as delivered by himself, to be the most pure, benevolent, and sublime which have ever been preached to man.”

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President Harry Truman, Dec. 24, 1950:

“But all of — at home, at war, wherever we may be — are within reach of God’s love and power. We all can pray. We all should pray. We should ask the fulfillment of God’s will. We should ask for courage, wisdom, for the quietness of soul which comes alone to them who place their lives in His hands. We should pray for a peace which is the fruit of righteousness.”

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President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Feb. 23, 1936:

“No greater thing could come to our land today than a revival of the spirit of religion — a revival that would sweep through the homes of the Nation and stir the hearts of men and women of all faiths to a reassertion of their belief in God and their dedication to His will for themselves and for their world. I doubt if there is any problem- social, political or economic—that would not melt away before the fire of such a spiritual awakening.”

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President Ronald Reagan, Feb. 9, 1982:

“To preserve our blessed land, we must look to God. And we must look to the hearthstone, because that’s where all hope for America lies. Families are the bedrock of our nation—teachers of cooperation, tolerance, concern, and responsibility. Rebuilding America begins with restoring family strength and preserving family values.”

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President George W. Bush, Oct. 13, 2004:

“First, my faith plays a big part in my life. … I pray for strength. I pray for wisdom. I pray for our troops in harm’s way. I pray for my family. I pray for my little girls. But I’m mindful in a free society that people can worship if they want to or not. You’re equally an American if you choose to worship an Almighty and if you choose not to. If you’re a Christian, Jew or Muslim you’re equally an American. That’s the great thing about America is the right to worship the way you see fit. Prayer and religion sustain me. I receive calmness in the storms of the presidency. I love the fact that people pray for me and my family all around the country.”

Prayer matters — at least to America’s highest office, and our history shows that. Let’s pray today for the nation, our leaders, and for one another.
Sources:faithwire

http://theendtimeradio.com

While most people across the country don’t have off for Inauguration Day, there’s no doubt it’s a big deal. All eyes are on Washington, D.C., as the world watches the most powerful nation in the world peacefully transfer power from one commander-in-chief to the next.

It’s a blessing — regardless of one’s political persuasions — to live in a land devoid of despots and demagogues, where freedom persists as 46 duly elected men have walked in and out of the Oval Office since President George Washington first took the reins in April of 1789.

Even before it has happened, President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration is making history.

The 78-year-old New Yorker is only the second U.S. president to be sworn in for a non-consecutive term (President Grover Cleveland, more than a century ago, was the other). Additionally, the populist Republican will take the oath of office inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda after his inaugural ceremony was moved indoors due to well-below-freezing temperatures, making it the coldest Inauguration Day in 40 years.

With all the pomp and circumstance surrounding Jan. 20, it’s critical, as Christians, to remember it all pales in comparison to the importance of our faith — of the Kingdom of God, on whose authority all earthly kingdoms rise and fall — as a new and returning president is sworn in as commander-in-chief.

As the world watches Trump’s return to the White House, here are five Bible verses to meditate on.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” — Romans 13:1 (ESV)
In this passage, the Apostle Paul reminds us that every governing authority is allowed and established by a sovereign God, who is neither shocked nor surprised by leaders who rise and fall from power.

Human government, though imperfect, is a legitimate authority in this earthly life and, so long as it does not directly contradict morality and biblical authority, believers ought not use their faith as a defense for lawlessness.

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme.” — 1 Peter 2:13 (ESV)
The Apostle Peter reminds believers in this verse that, even upon becoming Christians, believers are not exempt from the authority of their respective governments. In fact, he encouraged Christians to act as good citizens — as those who submit to human authority, so long as it doesn’t contradict Scripture — because it is a reflection of our faith.

As he wrote, it is “for the Lord’s sake” Christians should live upstanding and gracious lives.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
Regardless of who is sitting behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office of the White House, Christians should trust in the total sovereignty of God and His eternal Kingdom.

In this passage, the Apostle Matthew reminds Christians to seek God and purpose to live righteously, in obedience to Scripture, and all our fundamental needs will be met, even in times of uncertainty or when we may be tempted to falsely believe we are fully sufficient at taking care of ourselves.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!” — Psalm 33:12 (ESV)
The Psalmist David rejoices in this passage that Israel’s God was the one true God.

While David is certainly talking about the blessings and prosperity that followed Israel, the principle is a great reminder to center our lives on obedience to the Lord because, from that obedience, flows blessing and perfect provision.

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14
This verse is most certainly a promise to ancient Israel and cannot be perfectly applied to a modern-day country, but the passage is chock full of principles worth meditating on today.

The verse is a great reminder to approach the Lord with humility, to take things to Him in prayer, to turn away from sin, and walk in obedience, confident God will honor those who pursue holiness in their lives.

As the U.S. welcomes its new president on this historic day — whether you voted for Trump or outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris — it is encouraging to remember God’s sovereignty and His promises to be faithful to His Word, no matter who serves as a governing authority on this earth.
Sources:faithwire

http://theendtimeradio.com