July 1st, 2015

 

Dear Friends,

 

     As the summer months begin and we enjoy a time of rest and family fun, let us receive a blessing in the remembrance that the seasons are a testimony to God’s faithfulness to His promise to “no longer curse the ground for man’s sake.” (Genesis 8:21)  God has said, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”  (Genesis 8:22)  When we think on God’s faithfulness, the expression of His unchanging love for His creation, it fills our hearts with thanksgiving and worship.  God demonstrates His love to us day after day, season after season!

     Let us also give ourselves to intercession this summer for our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who are enduring persecution.  Every Christian enduring persecution needs to be assured of the Presence and love of Christ in the midst of their ordeal.  The Apostle Paul recognized this and encouraged his “young son in the faith”, Timothy.  He prepares him saying, “Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)  Timothy and the believers he ministered among were “warm” and alive toward God.  They were warned to expect persecution.  Paul later encourages Timothy from his experience.  “What persecutions I endured, but out of them all the Lord delivered me.” (2 Timothy 3:11)  As we live in Christ, quickened by His Spirit, warm to Him in relationship, worship, and obedience, we are to be aware that the enemy will fight against us.  We should not be disillusioned when we see or experience such opposition.  Persecution creates the illusion that God’s people and His Kingdom are being destroyed.  History, however, bears record that the opposite is true.  Christians grow strong and God’s Kingdom always advances in the face of attack.  We can be confident that God will deliver us, not just once or twice, but out of all persecutions.

     We thank you for your prayer for Ceaseless Love Ministries up here in the Pacific Northwest.  We can also testify of determined opposition of the enemy, but much more of the advancement of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in our family and in the lives of those we minister to. Pray for the spiritual growth and maturity of the men and women we disciple.  It is a joy to hear these Christians recently tell us of how God has drawn them, by a love for His Son and His Word, into a mature relationship with Him and a fulfilled life.  For every individual and situation we need wisdom.  We need courage to speak His words boldly and faithfully.  And we need strength to love ceaselessly!

     We wish you a beautiful and blessed summer.  May you hear God’s Word to you, “Fear not, …I am your shield and your exceeding great reward.” (Genesis 15:1)

      In the grace of Christ,

                    

      Dan and Marie Thomson