Do we realize how richly we are blessed? As I sit here on the back porch studying the book of James, I hear the song birds as they serenade God with their various tunes. I see the brilliance of the early morning sun as it illuminates the trees. I take in the cool, fresh air as it passes my nostrils and graces my olfactory with a myriad of scents. I sit here with my feet propped up and a warm, fluffy blanket shielding me from the cold.

I think about our brothers and sisters from across the world and utter another prayer asking God to protect them. The world they awaken to today is far different from my own.

Heartache and tragedy are at the door. Men who have lost all sense of humanity, let alone godliness, seek to destroy them, their homes, their spouses and their children. Indeed, the fact that they are formed in the semblance of Christ enrages these evil men. They use the only tool they know to turn to; terror. Yet even as they provoke fear they cannot attain their ultimate goal. They cannot cause these faithful followers of Christ to deny Him.

Blood is spilled and it cries out from the ground. It cries out for justice. It cries out beseeching the LORD for peace. It cries out that none further should be brutalized by such evil.

Thank God for the many blessings He has poured out upon you. Remember that you have known these things and despite all that is coming, the faithful of God have seen only the foreshadowing of the blessings to come when they enter into glory.

Do not forget those who are being martyred for their faith. Remember them in your thoughts and in your prayers. Intercede on their behalf just as you would want them to intercede for you in your darkest hour.

Pray for peace in Jerusalem and for the restoration of God’s holy people.

God bless you all, my brothers and sisters in Christ!

“Blessed are they who have been persecuted for righteousness sake! For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven” Matthew 5:10.

Mitch Salmon is a follower of Jesus Christ and proclaimer of the good news!