 Legit persecution is part of the Believer’s life. Persecution tests us and reveals what our faith is made of. God’s Church actually thrives on persecution. Honestly, if you’re not being persecuted, to some degree, you’re probably doing something wrong. (Read “ABC’s of Persecution!”) I’m typically not an overt “doom-and-gloom” preacher. Seriously, I do lean towards keeping it positive and encouraging. Nevertheless, I have to share another unsettling, frightening dream I had. A little while back, I awoke from an alarming, vivid, and prophetic dream. My heart was pounding in my chest! I dreamed it was the end-times and there was an intense, palpable hostility towards Christians. Those in power were wicked and anti-god. They spread hate and lies that the Christians were the intolerant and close-minded ones, and that Christians were the source of society’s problems. The masses agreed. So now, it was legal to capture Christians, round them up, and put them in encampments to await execution by guillotine. Many Christians had been captured, including me and my family. It was execution day and our hands were tied behind our backs. Because the authorities knew I was a Pastor, they singled me and my family out, to make an example of me, and to broadcast it for the masses to see. As a leader, the authorities had an increased hatred for me, so their intention was to publicly hurt me as much as possible, humiliate me, and break me. Quite honestly, I feared more for my wife and children than I did for myself. A part of me was willing to fight, but with very few options I knew in my spirit that we were all going to be executed. They took my youngest daughter first. Right before my eyes, they began escorting Brianné to the guillotine. She was visibly shaking, crying, and afraid. Our eyes locked and she was desperately looking to me for rescue. I knew I couldn’t save her. Sandy and our two other daughters were weeping deeply. I felt so helpless and my entire insides were in turmoil. I was on the brink of falling apart. It was all happening so fast. I knew the only thing I could do was try to be strong for her. I began crying and yelling, “Brianné, I love you! Be brave! It doesn’t end here! This will be over in a moment. Jesus is real and he’s waiting for you. Just hold on!” Inside, I was a mess. I could feel her fear and mine. In a flash, her execution was over. Immediately, the guards came for Danielle. I did not think it was possible, but blinding pain and fear multiplied in me. It was crushing me inside. Simply for their amusement, the guards made sure that I could see Danielle also. We looked at each other, both of us in tears, and again I just tried to be strong for her, even though it was all I could do to stand. I yelled, “Danielle, I love you! It’s going to be okay! It doesn’t end here! This will be over in a moment. Jesus is real and he’s waiting for you. Just hold on!” A few moments later, my second daughter was gone. Arianna was next, then Sandy. I was so emotionally drained, but I did my best to encourage them and remain strong for them. I was dying inside. One by one, I watched in horror as my entire family was executed. Then they came for me. I was so numb and emotionally depleted, yet fear still gripped me. I just prayed to Jesus to receive me. Flash! It was over. Moments after the flash, everything I had known was changed. I had a sudden, acute awareness that all pain and brokenness was gone, and I also knew in that same instant that I was enveloped in complete love and security. I then became aware that I was standing right in front of Jesus! He was right there, and I knew it was him. Sandy and the girls were on both sides of him, safe and secure. Jesus grabbed me by the shoulders, smiled and said, “Nick, you did it!” Without a second thought, I fell to his feet and began to sob uncontrollably. The only words that came out of my mouth were, “I am so sorry, Jesus. I was so afraid. I was so afraid. I was so afraid. Please forgive me. I am so sorry.” Jesus gently picked me up and said, “It’s okay now, Nick. It’s over. Your faith was genuine. Well done.” I surrendered and melted in his arms. I woke up from the dream, honestly shaken more by the executions than Jesus’ embrace. It was all so vivid, so real. The burning message I felt from the Lord was that Believers must examine their faith, test their faith, to ensure that it’s genuine. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you — unless, of course, you fail the test?” (NIV) Will your faith pass the test? Seriously, are you doing things to test and examine your faith now? Don’t wait ’til judgment day to find out. That may be too late. God has given each of us the opportunity to exercise our faith daily to accomplish His good works.
Understand that “Faith + Works” can attest to the genuineness and quality of your faith. Your works are evidence that your faith is alive and authentic, and your faith-works get recorded on your Christian resumé, of sorts. To-date, what’s on your Christian resumé? Examine your faith, now, for the glory of God! |
Agree with Us in Prayer: I started ministry in this Brig almost twenty years ago – October 2000. So many souls have been discipled here. (Read “Finding ‘God’ Four Times in the Brig”) a. For the Brig/Prison: We’ve resumed the Friday classes – Sxxual Integrity. However, the Wednesday night bible study has been canceled because of a jealous and insecure person. I’ve been conducting this bible study for almost twenty years, and this immature person complains, gets his way, the class is canceled, and now that night is a void. He’s not even filling that evening. So pray that the mid-week prison bible study would open back up asap, so the prisoners can receive that much needed “1-2 Punch!” Also, I continue to ask God for all the souls in the Brig — the inmates, the guards, and their families. Bind up spirits of bitterness, unforgiveness, shame, condemnation, and pride. And loose a spirit of salvation, discipleship, forgiveness, exposure, healing, deliverance, peace, and restoration! b. For continued increase at ZCDC (Churchplant) as we are in massive regathering because of the COVID lockdown. There are so many new souls on Camp Schwab, and I feel the sheep are scattered and the goats need to be converted. Schwab has an extreme operational tempo and high turnover rate, so “re-building” is the order of the day. It’s a very unique area, not for every missionary, but it’s what we do. Also, Government opposition and resistance is high. It’s shameful and ungodly. So, pray for mature, Qualified Families and Permanent Personnel to co-labor with us in this northern-most, remote area of Okinawa. c. For Zebulun Worship Team. We need Leaders, Singers, and Musicians. d. For our Believers, that they walk in increased discernment, wisdom, maturity, power, and works, that they are properly discipled, and that they bear much Kingdom fruit! e. Pray against retaliatory, unclean spirits from On-Base and Off-Base. Bind up demonic spirits of control, division, envy, strife, competition, lust, and fear. And loose a spirit of unity, peace, love, maturity, discipleship, and faith among Believers. f. For our current schedule (finances, resources, wisdom, strategies, and strength):
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In closing… Years ago, at a major life crossroad, I wholeheartedly sought God for direction. God spoke to me in a remarkable, unforgettable way. (Read “Nick, what do you want to do?”) Saints, we continue to covet your prayers. Your prayers are vital to our success, here. As I’ve mentioned before, Sandy and I have faced so much opposition and resistance. As we’ve increased in maturity, responsibility, and revelation, the attacks are coming from new and greater realms. Oft times, we wrestle with feelings of depression, discouragement, powerlessness, and even insignificance. I’ve heard the phrase “New Levels, New Devils.” Regardless, we press on because surrender and hopelessness are not options. We serve the Truth! We serve the God of all creation! And we believe, so we continue to speak (2Cor 4:13)! You know we’re in the business of making disciples, but being full-time missionaries in Japan is exhausting and expensive. Sandy and I have forsaken everything for the calling of Christ on our lives. You can help. Please consider partnering with us through your monetary gifts and contributions. Donations can be made online at Christians In Action. Or, you can mail contributions to the address listed below. I declare that people glorify God because of you! (Gal 1:24) Contributions can be sent to: ▪ Please ensure Acct #426 is annotated on your contribution so the funds can be allocated correctly. |
— Our Mission & Vision —“Gather Sheep & Convert Goats!”“Catch, Clean, & Release!” |
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