Reading about the starving North Koreans, the arrest and persecution of Christians in Iran, war in Syria, turmoil in the Middle East, murder and torture in Mali, I rejoice that I live in America. America, a christian nation, land of the free home of the brave. I am blessed beyond measure. I have a beautiful home, a new car, a great career. I have money in the bank, a savings account and a 401K. Without fear of persecution, I attend a church that welcomes one and all. Embracing our differences I rejoice in the goodness of God.

With grief and sadness we realize this is the mindset of far too many in the church today. Giving no thought to their own relationship with the Creator God, much less Christian' around the world, today' christians give a dollar or two when the offering plate passes, smile and nod as they rush out the door hoping they have not missed the kickoff and feel good having done their 'christian' duty. Persecuted imprisoned Christians across the world, those tortured and murdered for their faith in the LORD the "I" generation know not. 

But then - how many of us His remnant called by His Name are truly burdened for the lost within our own families much less around the world? How much time do we spend daily in prayer for others and for ourselves. How much time is spent in Bible reading? How often do we cry out for God to move in our own hearts, seeking Him to teach and to train us to be more like our Saviour. Do we ask Him to show us our sin, to examine our hearts? Do we repent for the things in our own lives that are not holy before our Holy God?  Do we grieve for those family members whose lives reflect the world and all it offers or pray for the Chinese, Iranian, North Korean Christians who are suffering?

The great commission is not striving for a nicer house, a bigger paycheck or better car. The great commission is a comma after the command then the beginning of faith in action for all Christians.

"go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.."

And the greatest commandment is:

 “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Let us begin planting seeds, watering seeds another has planted so that God can bring the increase. Let us begin making disciples by praying fervently for the lost in our families, our neighborhoods and around the world. Let us lovingly pray for those imprisoned, tortured, starving brothers and sisters in Christ.

Let us begin.... today.!. If we, His remnant, don't - Who will??