Counted Worthy by Leah E. Good

~Saturday Stories~

Typical Heather: "I clenched the Bible until my hands ached. These pages held the words of life, but how many would have to die to preserve them?"

Heather's dad just got arrested. The government had tracked the Bible to their house. Now alone, Heather struggles to know what God wants of her. Should she try to help her dad, and how can she when the government has the general population tricked? But with the underground Church and friends that never leave, Heather is about to learn about God's amazing power. And she might not be the only one.

Counted Worthy, though set in the future, reminds of the drastic reality of persecution many people face today. Their faith is illegal. A Bible, if found, could get them killed. In times like this, the people can only call out to the One who has delivered others before. Never sure of their present deliverance, they can know that their Savior has died for them and will be waiting for them on the other side of death.

Though a little slow at the beginning, the story picks up and causes one to turn pages later on. A story reminding of a difficult truth, Counted Worthy will help you value God's Word.

For more on Leah E. Good, visit her website, Facebook page, and Twitter account.

Love, pray, greet

~Friday for Friends~

"“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."" Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV)

Which part of that can you accomplish today with God's strength?

God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew with John and Elizabeth Sherrill

~Saturday Stories~

As a boy, Brother Andrew had always dreamed of "adventure", but little did he know just how adventurous God's plans for him were. The Iron Curtain that held so many out could not hold him when he was smuggling Bibles and encouraging the Church. God closed the eyes of the officers at checkpoints, God let rain fall so no one would see them unpacking Bibles in the car, God provided enough money just when it was needed. And so, so much more...  

I don't read much non-fiction, but this was ABSOLUTELY GREAT! I could almost imagine the places he was describing, I would worry about how they were going to get out of this one. But God always provided. Fast-paced and insightful, this book is a true life story like not many other. I recommend everyone over twelve read it. 

The Iron Curtain isn't there anymore, but God's Smuggler ends with a call - to the growing world of Islam. Here is Open Door's website for more info on how YOU can help the persecuted Christians out there. 

Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die.  Revelation 3:2a (NIV)

Trials

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2-3

 Do we do that? Do we consider trials a joy? Do we say "Yes! Just what I wanted" when hard times come? Are we glad that we get a chance to develop our perseverance?

Uh, no. Not me, at least. I whine and complain about a billion things, and those can hardly be considered real trials. They are mostly just inconveniences, small everyday problems.

But there are countries out there where Christians are experiencing real trials. Real persecution for their faith. Real danger. And I can hardly take inconveniences. :( I need to ask God to help me work on that. Do you?

Let's pray that God gives us the strength -and the joy- with which to overcome trials when they do come. Because I'm guessing, they'll come to everyone. We just need to trust Him to help us though it. And He will.