Daily Topic for November 17, 2004
Have you ever tried to justify a sin by citing “spiritual” reasons? That was Saul’s tactic. He had been commanded to kill all the Amalekites and all their flocks, but in disobedience Saul saved a few of the best of each. When questioned by Samuel, he insisted that he had disobeyed with the best of motives-“to sacrifice to the Lord.” How do we today often seek to evade the clarity of the Great Commission? By citing family obligations? personal ambitions? the absence of a “call”?
Dear Lord, You have been so good to us. Forgive our rationalizations for not obeying You fully, and lead us into service to unreached peoples.
“We have been a country of decaying industrial cities. Why? We have rich sources of minerals, oil, farm produce, cotton, and much more.” Karablin, a Kazakh in Kazakhstan was reporting to visiting Western businessmen who were pondering what opportunities they might have in this former Soviet republic.
Karablin continued, “However, these resources have done us little good because the refineries for our natural resources are in neighboring countries. Russia saw to that. Also, the instability of our government has caused industries to shut down.”
“But things are finally beginning to change. How? Look at this pipeline. When it is finished, Kazakhstan will have a new market to sell its rich oil reserves. Yes, this pipeline will take oil to China! And companies from the west want to buy oil that has been found in our giant oilfield of Kashagan.”
The people of Kazakhstan number about 16.8 million, nearly half of which are ethnic Kazakhs. The legacy of the Soviet years has left them impoverished, but they are starting to see hope for a brighter day primarily due to their emerging oil industry.
Kazakhs primarily practice folk Islam, though some have found Christ since Kazakhstan became an independent nation.
Learn more at joshuaproject.netPray that as the Kazakhs face tomorrow’s challenges, they will find God’s truth, power, and guidance so they can enjoy the greatest wealth of all in knowing Jesus.-PD
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