Daily Topic for June 25, 2008
Is the prize, the upward calling, the focus of our lives? If so, then let us pursue the goal. What is this goal which God has established and which Paul describes? It is an increasingly intimate knowledge of Himself in which we experience “the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings” (v. 10). Such an experiential knowledge of God will inevitably lead us into sacrificial service for the peoples of the earth-the men and women for whom Jesus died.
Lord, lead us into a sweeter knowledge of Jesus and His love.
They are earnest seekers, zealously striving to interpret dreams, soliciting the help of monks and nuns, even consulting spirit mediums. Unfortunately, the Tai Pao people, like many in Laos, are not seeking God or even wisdom. They are after something they consider much more valuable: lucky numbers. The lottery has captured their collective attention, motivating them to spend their energy and money trying to “get rich quick.”
Though the Tai Paos are largely Buddhists, they mix a liberal amount of Animism into their religious practices. Superstitions about lucky numbers lead them in the wrong direction, and Buddhism does not show them a better way. At present, there are no known believers among them, according to Buddhist Peoples of the World. To them, the very idea of professing faith in Christ is out of the question. They believe that to do so would be to betray their culture and heritage.
Learn more at joshuaproject.netPray for God to display His saving love to the Tai Paos in ways that will be relevant and attractive to them, of even more value than a lucky number jackpot. Ask Him to send workers who will communicate to them the unsurpassing greatness and supremacy of God and His Son. Pray for the eyes and hearts of the Tai Paos to be turned away from superficial wealth and opened toward the glorious, eternal riches of Christ Jesus.-CL