LIVING LIVES WORTHY OF GOD Wednesday – July 7, 2010

LIVING LIVES WORTHY OF GOD Wednesday – July 7, 2010

“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,
encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

In early 2007, the Christian band “Casting Crowns” was invited to participate in North Korea’s 25th Annual April Spring Art Festival. The message of the Art Festival is one of friendship and cooperation. This was a surprising invitation since the North Korean government is known for having arguably the worst human rights record in the world. The majority of its people are cut off and isolated from the rest of the world, dependent on the dictatorship for their needs.
The band played at three standing-room-only shows on April 11-13, 2007, incorporating both their own popular music and some Korean favorites. The song Amazing Grace—for which Casting Crowns received a festival award—was particularly well received.
Two years later, Casting Crowns was invited back to perform at the festival and again they played before a packed audience. The North Korean government then gave the band a standing invitation to perform any time in their country.
Mark Hall, the lead singer of Casting Crowns, said he believes the Christian band's concerts in North Korea are a God-given opportunity to sow peace in a hostile nation.

Live your life worthy of Jesus Christ. When you do, the Lord will bless you with greater opportunities. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the wonderful news of the Gospel and be encouraged to let Jesus shine through in all that you do.

“There is nothing better than the encouragement of a good friend.” – Katharine Butler Hathaway

God’s Word: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11