Daily Prayer Message, Tuesday, April 14, 2020
I’m Going To Lay Down My Life
Bessie Jones – I Am Going To Lay Down My Life For My Lord
Click video on far left. Short intro before singing starts.
https://www.bing.com/search?q=bessie+jones+i%27m+gonna+lay+down+my+life
Thought I’d open this Daily Prayer Message with some Southern Gospel Blues, sung by Bessie Jones. I first heard this song in the credits of the movie “Just Mercy” which I found moving, though a little painful to watch, a film about a wrongly convicted black man in Alabama some 35 years ago.
Back to the song. When I listen to it I feel inspiration to renew my commitment to Jesus, to make sure I have really laid down my life for my Lord. That I am walking under His Lordship, dedicated fully to Him. It’s good to daily read Romans 12:1-2, a passage that urges us to give ourselves to God daily.
“I urge you brethren, by the mercies of God, to present yourselves a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship. And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed, by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2
Tuesday’s Prayer Focus – there is a surge of severe persecution of Christians in several countries, especially Nigeria and India, but also Iran, North Korea, China, Uganda, Kenya, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Many leaders have been targeted and several martyred, some kidnapped and tortured. On March 9. Abdalla Hamdok, the new prime minister of Sudan, survived a car bomb and a rain of gunfire afterwards, as he has spoken in defense of Christians and Jews. One clear pattern in Islamic countries, is persecuting Christians or anyone else speaking up on behalf of them.
And, of Course: This pandemic will come to a quick end.
Couldn’t pass up this photo of three lads having a good time. Made my heart sing.
Pastor Jay