Morocco (MNN) — Morocco’s Islamic council is considering the death penalty for apostasy. Greg Mussleman is a spokesman for the Voice of the Martyrs Canada. He says the mask is off. “It surprises me in one sense, that it has come out, there, that the government is kind of pushing for it. The militants want to eradicate Christianity, or any other religion, and make it 100% Muslim.” Moroccan believers now meet in small groups for fear of persecution. Christians are concerned that if the edict passes, things will be harder for them than they already are. “What happens often is that the more pressure that is put on those pastors, Christians become even more determined in sharing their faith.” Anti-Christian sentiment is growing in the country. “Pray that the church would be strong, that they…
While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus – I surrender myself and all that I have to you. You are the source of every good thing in my life… you own it all. May I offer my gifts to you proportionately as you have blessed me… systematically from the first and best of any increase… and cheerfully as a continuing act of worship. I came into this world with nothing, and I will leave this world with nothing. To God be the glory. Amen.
Ten people are dead following clashes between Muslims and Coptic Christians in Egypt. The people have been killed over the past few weeks which have seen spates of violence between Christians defending their churches and homes from angry Muslims. Few Muslim attackers ever face justice.
CAIRO, EGYPT (Catholic Online) – Clashes between Muslims and Christians have claimed 10 live in Egypt where sectarian violence between the groups has been renewed in the face of Mohammed Morsi’s administration.
Copts in the USA protest the violence their families face in Egypt.
The most recent spate of violence started after children drew crosses on the walls of an Islamic institute in Khosoos, just north of Cairo. That acts of children’s vandalism sparked a bloody retaliation from Muslims in which four Christians and a Muslim were killed.
At the Christian funeral, Muslims struck again, this time carrying on until they reached the Coptic cathedral and damaged the structure. More Christians were murdered.
Note that it’s Muslims who are attacking Christian funeral processions, not the other way around.
Vandalism committed by children, particularly of a religious nature is unacceptable, however the punishment should not include murder. Nor should Muslims carry on the violence to the funerals of the people they murdered.
Pope Tawadros II, leader of Egypt’s Coptic Christians, has openly criticized President Morsi for his failure to stem the violence despite pledges to do so. The Muslim attackers are yet to face any repercussions for their violence.
“Why is it,” he asked, “that the Messiah is said to be the son of David? For David himself wrote in the book of Psalms:
‘The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.’
Since David called the Messiah ‘Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?”
The Archangel Michael defeating Satan Guido Reni (1635)
Then, with the crowds listening, he turned to his disciples and said, “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be severely punished.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus – I pray today for your Church (your Bride)… in all its shapes and forms throughout the world… protect her from the schemes and ploys of Satan. Cleanse her leadership and purify the hearts and minds of all whom you call to serve your people. Guard your flock from the wolves that prowl among your sheep seeking to devour them. And send your guardian angels to defend them in every race, tribe and nation. I ask it for your names’ sake. Amen.
Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees — religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. They posed this question: “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man dies, leaving a wife but no children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name. Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children. So the second brother married the widow, but he also died. Then the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them, who died without children. Finally, the woman also died. So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her!”
Jesus replied, “Marriage is for people here on earth. But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection.
“But now, as to whether the dead will be raised — even Moses proved this when he wrote about the burning bush. Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, he referred to the Lord as ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ So he is the God of the living, not the dead, for they are all alive to him.”
“Well said, Teacher!” remarked some of the teachers of religious law who were standing there. And then no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Prayer: Lord Jesus – What will it be like in heaven… in the presence of the living God? What will it be like in your presence at the throne of grace… to see you face to face? What will it be like to see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob… to see the prophets and apostles… to see the saints and angels… to see my loved ones who loved you? What will it be like to have a new resurrection body… no more pain, no more heartache, no more tears, no more death and dying? What will it be like in a place filled with your Light and Life… filled with unspeakable joy? I can only imagine.
Spiritual Song:“I Can Only Imagine” – Mercy Me & London Symphony Orchestra
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Morocco (MNN) — Morocco’s Islamic council is considering the death penalty for apostasy. Greg Mussleman is a spokesman for the Voice of the Martyrs Canada. He says the mask is off. “It surprises me in one sense, that it has come out, there, that the government is kind of pushing for it. The militants want to eradicate Christianity, or any other religion, and make it 100% Muslim.” Moroccan believers now meet in small groups for fear of persecution. Christians are concerned that if the edict passes, things will be harder for them than they already are. “What happens often is that the more pressure that is put on those pastors, Christians become even more determined in sharing their faith.” Anti-Christian sentiment is growing in the country. “Pray that the church would be strong, that they…
