Today, and thought this month, for ministry we went to a temple in Nepal and interceded on the behalf of the people there.
Wow is it interesting to see all of the practices and rituals that are being done in the name of Vishnu or Shiva or any one of the 3 million gods and goddesses worshiped in the Hindi and Muslim religion. We see elaborate shrines and rehearsed prayers. We see markings and symbols that are for “protection”. Flags and totems that are prayed to.
All of that gave me an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I am so grateful that I know Jesus. I am so grateful that I get invited into prayer because my Heavenly Father loves me and wants to talk to me. Not in order to please because if I don’t bad things will happen to me. I am overwhelmingly grateful that I get bestowed a spirit of joy and love instead of a spirit of fear. I can’t imagine not knowing the meaning of unconditional love that Jesus has shown me. I am grateful that I am free to worship in any way that connects me to my Father. Grateful that I don’t have to be any specific place or wear any specific thing to be in the presence of the creator of heaven and earth. Grateful that I don’t have to earn Gods grace, mercy, or love. Grateful that in Him I am whole and fulfilled. I am reminded that Christianity is a different kind of religion. That God is the only God who sacrifices Himself for the people. All people!
I am so blessed to grow up in a world that celebrates Christianity instead of persecuting it. I am grateful that I have never had to be afraid of who I am or whose I am!
So, I just thank you Lord and I pray for each person who doesn’t know you or is afraid to proclaim you. God I pray for each of your sons and daughters, even those who don’t know they are sons and daughters yet. I pray that ever heart comes to know you and is blessed by all that you are. I pray specifically for the people of Nepal that they may know that fear does not drive worship. Worship comes from a place of love and joy and relationship. I pray that the people here have courage to step out in Your name. I pray that Your people already living here have the boldness to speak of you wherever they may go. God bless the people of Nepal and allow them to feel your unconditional love!
Amen
