Without God or hope in the world

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Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
(James 1:27 ESV)

Shan-Tai prayer month 2011, day 13


Remember that you also were once separated from Christ, having no hope and without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12).

Even as Christians we need encouragement to hope in Christ when afflicted rather than resorting to the vain hopes of the world which will splinter, piercing us with further pain and troubles if leaned upon.

How much harder it is for those who have not heard of Jesus to have hope when life is harsh through poverty, displacement or disaster. Sin rises up in times of weakness and turns a man against himself, his family and his community.

So often it is men who spiral into self-destruction, filling themselves with alcohol, inhaling or injecting drugs, breathing out lies, violence and lust. No culture is immune to this – it comes from the sinful core in every man. God hates it.

The cost to communities is huge, women and children bear the brunt of the burden. They are the targets of lust and rage, left destitute by the selfishness of men who are supposed to love them.

Father of the fatherless and protector of widows
is God in his holy habitation.
(Psalm 68:5 ESV)

Pray for

  • Churches to show compassion and active support of neighbouring orphanages and street children (Matthew 10:42).
  • God to be with those broken families who are unwilling or unable to provide for their children (Deuteronomy 10:18).

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Image of Shan Woman carrying huge load: Daniel Julie