Titus
March 23, 2007 on 1:09 pm | In His First Bible, New Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
“Sai”, a middle-aged Shan Dai man, was selling Dai rice taffy in the market. Eager for business, he offered a Chinese man a sample to taste. Rudely, the man spat it out; not on the ground, which is acceptable behavior in China, but all over the day’s inventory, proclaiming loudly that he did not like it. Sai later mentioned the event while teaching Dai believers. The group was anticipating the story to end in a fight. But Sai said, “Because Jesus has changed me, I did not punch the guy out.” In a very unassuming way, the small Dai church learned the meaning of kindness in action. Paul, in writing to Titus, reminds, “Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled by others and became slaves to many wicked desires and evil pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others, and they hated us. But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:3-5). In a society where rudeness, anger and aggressive behavior rule, kindness needs to be taught, for it just does not naturally happen. We thank God for the godly leadership Sai provides for the Shan Dai in rural southwest China. Father, we all need to remain aware of the ways You have changed us. Lord, may kindness, mercy and compassion become ever-growing traits in Your children, we pray.
2 Timothy
March 23, 2007 on 1:09 pm | In His First Bible, New Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
Bring to mind a person who has influenced your life for good. Imagine that in his last days your mentor writes you a letter. This treasured letter reminds you of his non-compromising lifestyle, words of encouragement, and his challenge to live wise and courageously. Paul invested in the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Just before his death, chained in a Roman prison, he wrote his last letter. It was not to his congressman demanding fair treatment, but to his faithful apprentice. Paul urged Timothy to pass God’s teachings on to reliable men. He gave courage and reminded him of the importance of living in love and self-discipline. He warns that godlessness, although rampant, is not an option for the workman approved by God. Paul’s final written words were about the Scripture that he cherished. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Kingdom of God is the destination, the Bible is the guidebook, and faithful workers are used to connect God’s goodness to others on the path. Father, thank You for Your God-breathed Word. Please guide us to boldly use it to teach in righteousness. Lord, may the Shan Dai have Your Scripture in their language, so they too can be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
1 Timothy
March 23, 2007 on 1:09 pm | In His First Bible, New Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
Back in the days when bookstores were not overflowing with volumes on “How to Live the Christian Life”, Paul wrote to Timothy offering advice, guidelines and prayers for living in God’s family. We pray today for God’s grace to be extended to young Dai pastors, men like Timothy, without years of seminary training, but men who possess a desire for living out and teaching others the essential principles of godly living. Father, as the Shan Dai church is established, we pray for pastors to be able to learn from others how to deal effectively with people both inside and outside the church. Please aid them further by providing the Dai Bible translation of Paul’s instructions from You. The same encouraging words Paul wrote to his dear son in the faith, we pray for Shan Dai pastors: “…run from all evil things, and follow what is right and good. Pursue a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for what we believe. Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses… obey his commands with all purity” (1 Timothy 6:11, 12, 14). In praying for Dai pastors, may God bring your pastor to mind as well. Praise God for the leader He has placed over you. Pray for godly wisdom and strength for your pastor to lead in ways that glorify God and grow His Church to spiritual maturity. When we can earnestly pray for our own headship, God will honor our prayers for pastors in far away places too.
2 Thessalonians
March 23, 2007 on 1:08 pm | In His First Bible, New Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
“Eastern lightning is sweeping across China.” That is not a weather report. It is news of the spiritual disturbances threatening the country. Perhaps the most dangerous cult in recent years, Eastern Lightning, is tragically preying upon thousands of young Christians. Adherents of Eastern Lightning claim that Jesus has already returned as a woman in eastern China. They will stop at nothing to get converts, including: extreme acts of deception, intimidation, and brain washing people while holding them hostage. The stories are so bizarre and dramatic that if it were not for the frequency and wide distribution of the accounts, their activities would be dismissed as a hoax or exaggeration. Cults, although cunning, are not a new concept. Paul addressed the seriousness of false teaching in his second letter to the church in Thessalonica. “And now, brothers and sisters, let us tell you about the coming again of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered together to meet him. Please don’t be so easily shaken and troubled by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Even if they claim to have had a vision, a revelation, or a letter… don’t be fooled by what they say” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a). Father, please protect Your children from the sheep-clothed wolves who seek to lure us away from the cross and the truth of Christ. We pray that we, and the Dai, check new flashy teachings against Your truth. Jesus, You are the true light of the world, may Your light guide both the East and the West.
1 Thessalonians
March 23, 2007 on 1:08 pm | In His First Bible, New Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
How do the Shan Dai believe in Jesus? Basically, the same way the Thessalonians believed, or the North Carolinians, or the Nigerians, or the Brazilians… The gospel comes in word. Someone needs to communicate the good news in their language so that they can hear, trust and obey. Spoken word is used as well as convicting power. In many cases among the Dai, God displays His loving power in miracles. Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit who places us in Christ. It is when we live a life, by making choices out of deep godly convictions, believing God is who He says He is, that we are not swayed by every situation or emotion, but can live steadfastly and with joy. God, we thank You that the Shan Dai have access to You and to life in Your Kingdom here and now. May their work of conforming to Your character and sharing Your good news always be done in faith with love prompting each action. Sooner or later, Christians seeking to live for God’s glory ponder the question: What is God’s will for my life? No matter the continent or the generation, those who trust Jesus as their King, want to know how to live with God’s purposes in mind. God tells us His will through Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. “Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1Thessalonians 5:16-18). Lord, joyfully, prayerfully, thankfully may we press on to completion in You.
Colossians
March 23, 2007 on 1:08 pm | In His First Bible, New Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
There are several dozen minority groups in China. These tribes each have a distinct language, customs and culture; their own unique way of living life. One of the fastest ways for an outsider to distinguish one people group from another is to look at their clothing. Dai ladies are particularly easy to spot. They clothe themselves with a wrap-around style skirt often of brightly colored fabric and a solid color blouse. Dai women cover their hair in a neatly folded towel and are seldom seen without the Dai-style bag (Dai men carry these too). When you know what to look for, not all “Chinese” look alike. God calls those who trust in His Son a chosen people, holy and distinct. God’s “people group” is made up of those from every tribe and nation so how can you tell whose in the group? Easy, by the clothes that they wear. Let’s pray today for Christians around the world to dress in a way that is set apart, so that others can also be drawn into God’s goodness. “…clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:12-14). Christians have a unique calling to live a life of sacrificial love. Father, thank You for teaching us how to get dressed.
Phillippians
March 23, 2007 on 1:08 pm | In His First Bible, New Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now” (Philippians 1:3-5). What an encouragement! Who was on Paul’s mind when he sent this Hallmark greeting card? According to Acts 16, a lady named Lydia, who retailed in fine cloth, was one of many that became the Church of Christ Jesus in Philippi. A river-side prayer meeting that turned into a baptism service began the house church that met at Lydia’s. What a blessing Lydia was to Paul and his companions in the gospel work. We praise God for such a “Lydia” among the Dai. This Lydia, born and raised in Myanmar, was brought up in a God-fearing family. As an adult she moved to where the Dai live in China. She is a wonderful witness of God’s compassion to her husband (despite his times of unfaithfulness) and their young son. This evangelist-seamstress has a zeal for her Lord as she consistently lives out her faith. Whether she is visiting the sick, sharing with the elderly village ladies, working in her small tailor shop, praying with tears over tragic situations, or singing original Dai praise music, she lives without selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility considers others better than herself. Today we pray rejoicing in His faithful Dai servants that live joyfully and purposely among the Shan Dai.
Ephesians
March 23, 2007 on 1:07 pm | In His First Bible, New Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
Before the sun climbs over the mountains of the Shan State in Burma, young and old soldiers alike are engaged in military training. Training is approached with all seriousness, and the Shan State Army strongly desires quality military equipment. God places even greater intensity on what we need to fight the spiritual battle that rages on; a battle that knows no political boundaries, against an enemy that is hungry for captives. Whether we enlist or are drafted, once in the Lord’s Army it is God that gives us the battle plan. We pray for the Shan and for ourselves to wake up early to listen and heed our Commanding Officer’s orders. God makes it clear who to fight against: “…the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Let’s not get tricked into “friendly fire”. We are issued an elite
uniform and top of the line weapons. Let’s use them…daily. God help us to buckle Your truth like a belt around us, protect our hearts with the breastplate of Your righteousness, and may our feet be disciplined to march forward in Your good news peace. Our enemy is skillful with his weapons so we ask for faith in You to be our shield, and may the joy of Your salvation protect our minds like a helmet. The sword of the Lord is the weapon You designed, may we know Your Word like a solider knows his rifle, like our very lives depend upon it.
Galatians
March 23, 2007 on 1:07 pm | In His First Bible, New Testament, PrayerGrams | No CommentsFrom as far back in history as life in the Garden of Eden, choice has been a part of God’s plan. Daily we make choices, and these choices form our habits, and our character largely develops from our habits. In order for godly choices to be made and for growth in Christ-likeness to occur, people need access to God’s truth. Desiring to help the church in Galatia to make wise choices, Paul wrote a brief letter that continues to provide godly insights. Paul saw what was happening; instead of growing in the new life freedom that Jesus made possible by His death for mankind’s sin, the Christian Jews fell back on old habits as they chose the desires of their sinful nature. You reap what you sow; you get what you select and the Shan Dai, as well as all of us living today, have a choice to make. The ultimate question is, “Who is in control of your life?” How can you know? Check out your fruit. The fruit produced by actively following our sinful nature will include: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, and the sin list goes on. “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22, 23). God, we choose You. May Your Holy Spirit be in control as nothing can be more satisfying to us, or pleasing to You, than to live fully in Your good fruit.
2 Corinthians
March 23, 2007 on 1:07 pm | In His First Bible, New Testament, PrayerGrams | No Comments
“For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down—when we die and leave these bodies—we will have a home in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long for the day when we will put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing” (2 Corinthians 5:1-2). Many days of hard physical labor, year after year, can wear a person out. Aging is natural in this world’s system and the Shan Dai that work long in the sun tend to look and feel even older than their years. The aged have experienced the agony of those that they love having died before them. In Dai culture, death is frightening and the dead must rely on the hope that the living will pay off the spirits on their behalf, so they will not roam about like hungry, homeless ghosts. Lord, we pray especially for the elderly Shan Dai today. God, may they hear of You and how You have made preparations for their good through Your Son, Jesus. Father, they know what it means to grow weary. What they need to know is the freshness available when sins are forgiven. You lovingly prepare a home for us in heaven with a new heavenly body; a body perfectly designed by You. Holy Spirit, fill the Dai so the fear of death is cast aside like a discarded rag. May their eager expectations, and joyful anticipation of full life with, You be experienced deeper with each passing day.
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