The First Christian Country

Armenia is a small country in south-west Asia with a population of only 3 million people. But it has a sizable place in spiritual history: most historians believe that in 301 AD, it became the first country in the world to adopt Christianity.

Today, around 95% of Armenians are Christian, and the country’s pious history can be traced back through some of its ancient sites and monuments. Credit: Rodolfo Contreras, BBC

The King

The people were on both sides of the road singing: Hosanna in the highest heaven".
They are praising a King, that came to His city. A King that is so different form all other kings.
A King that came glorious while his hands were not tinted with blood.
A King that didn't leave behind him orphans, widows, burnt towns or even broken hearts.
A King that didn't have enemies except the little people who were enemies of themselves.
A King that came to His city in simplicity; not in a show of power, but a show of love.
A King that knew why he was there for. And knew in the smallest details, the alliance of some people and the devil.
The kill machine they used, hoping to keep the "earthy" system alive, was a blow to that system, and an eternal life to whoever believes in him...

Lazarus

“Didn’t I tell you that if you believe, you would see the glory of God?” John 11:39
Lazarus, a friend/brother. His name means: God has helped.
From the blind man who He made see, to the paralytic who He made walk. Raising from the death after four days, is what is God best at: "creation".
Lots of people believed, and lots were planning in secret to take Jesus down, as he is the eminent enivitable threat to their earthy kingdom.
Lets be the ones who sing in joy tomorrow: "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Our Testimony

"Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true." 1 Samuel 9:6
Our Christian life should be a testimony, and an example to everyone (whoever they are and whatever they believe in) around us. They should love God through our love, behaviors, character and of course our acts.
Please Lord, keep us very close to you, and keep us a light (even if too small) in the corner of this world you put us in...

His Word the Last Word

David McCasland wrote: Dawson Trotman, a dynamic Christian leader of the mid-twentieth century and founder of The Navigators, emphasized the importance of the Bible in the life of every Christian. Trotman ended each day with a practice he called “His Word the last word.” Before going to sleep he meditated on a memorized Bible verse or passage, then prayed about its place and influence in his life. He wanted the last words he thought about each day to be God’s words.

The psalmist David wrote, “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings”  (Ps. 63:6–7). Whether we are in great difficulty or enjoying a time of peace, our last thought at night can ease our minds with the rest and comfort God gives. It may also set the tone for our first thought the next morning.

A friend and his wife conclude each day by reading aloud a Bible passage and daily devotional with their four children. They welcome questions and thoughts from each child and talk about what it means to follow Jesus at home and school. They call it their version of “His Word the last word” for each day.

What better way to end our day!

Thank You Father, for Your Word in our hearts and our minds—our last thought at night as we rest securely in You.

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 63:6–7

A Heart of Compassion

Dave Branon wrote: Seven of us were attending a musical production at a crowded amusement park. Wanting to sit together, we tried to squeeze into one row. But as we did, a woman rushed between us. My wife mentioned to her that we wanted to stay together, but the woman quickly said, “Too bad,” as she and her two companions pushed on into the row.

As three of us sat one row behind the other four, my wife, Sue, noticed that the woman had an adult with her who appeared to have special needs. She had been trying to keep her little group together so she could take care of her friend. Suddenly, our irritation faded. Sue said, “Imagine how tough things are for her in a crowded place like this.” Yes, perhaps the woman did respond rudely. But we could respond with compassion rather than anger.

As we show compassion, we will be pointing others to the One who poured out His heart of grace and compassion on us. Wherever we go, we will encounter people who need compassion. Perhaps these words from the apostle Paul can help us view everyone around us in a different light—as people who need the gentle touch of grace. “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Col. 3:12). He also suggests that we “bear with each other and forgive one another” (v. 13).

Your compassion never fail, Father. May we mirror Your heart by showing compassion to others.

Greatness

He who orders the sea to calm.
He who touched the blind's eyes and made him see.
He who ordered the paralyzed to walk and he did.
He who said: your sins are forgiven.
He who washed his disciples feet.
The same great Lord.
"Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all." Mark 9:35