Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 01

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 01

  Sunday, April 9, 2017 at 2:55 PM    Darren Lo

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Day 01: It is Finished.

John 19:28-30
After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, "I am thirsty." A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

After enduring the kind of grueling pain no man has ever experienced as He was beaten, tortured, humiliated, and nailed to a cross, Jesus came to the end of His earthly life. He had taken the full weight of mankind’s sin on his spirit and body so every one of us could find eternal freedom from sin. John 19:28-30 describes the final seconds of Jesus’ life. After taking a drink on a sponge, Jesus spoke His final words, “It is finished.” He bowed His head and died. It was done. Everything Jesus was sent by God to do was done. History had been changed. Not only were numerous prophecies fulfilled in that moment, the debt of sin was also paid in full on the cross.

The good news was Jesus’ work was finished. The bad news is that you haven’t finished. If you’re reading this, that means you have unfinished business. There’s more God wants to do in you and through you. We all have unfinished business. Paul describes life in 2 Timothy 4:7 as a race. We all have a lot to do before we finish our race. Jesus finished His race and bought our salvation as a result. Now it’s our turn to focus and take care of our unfinished business.

(excerpted from https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/914-read-letter-day/day/10)

We've made it! 40 days of prayer focused on the refugee crisis plaguing our world today. We hope that you've been well informed and prayerful in this desperate time. May we continue to pray even though this campaign has come to an end. But we also know that the work in us and in the lives of the struggling refugees is not over. Pray that God would finish the work started in the lives of those displaced, those that have just started to flee, and those that have stayed in the country of Syria. Pray that God's work would also be finished in the ministries and Christians working toward resolution and aid in Syria. And pray that God would finish the work started through this prayer campaign--that we would continue to unite with the hearts of the lost. Pray that God's saving work will be accomplished through our prayers.

Even though this Lift Off! prayer challenge is over, take a moment the rest of this week to review the past days and continue to pray. There's still a week before Easter Sunday, so let's continue the work of prayer that has been started these 40 days to keep praying this week and even beyond. Thanks for praying!

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 02

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 02

  Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 9:49 AM    Darren Lo

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Day 02: Goodness and forgiveness

Luke 23:35-43
And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One." The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!" Now there was also an inscription above Him, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."

One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

When Jesus was crucified on the cross, two criminals were placed on both sides of Him and were also crucified. These two men were likely the lowest of the low, as crucifixion was typically reserved as punishment for what was considered the bottom of society such as slaves. In one of the most powerful moments of the crucifixion, one of the criminals asks Jesus to remember him when he comes into His kingdom. Jesus responds, “I tell you the truth you will be with me in paradise.” This moment illustrates one of the most important truths in life and corrects one of the biggest misunderstandings in the world today, which is that only good people go to heaven. This story shows us good people don’t go to heaven, but forgiven people go to heaven. The Bible tells us that none of us are good people. Only God is good, and all of us fall short of His goodness.

(excerpted from https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/914-read-letter-day/day/9)

Praise God for His goodness and forgiveness. In light of all the information presented about suffering refugees, forgiveness may be tough to ask for. But we must hold to the truth that forgiveness is available for all people and in God's sovereignty, He will bring His people to Himself for His glory. Pray that in the midst of turmoil, pain, and suffering, that God would still be glorified through His goodness and forgiveness. Pray that true healing would come to all parties involved in this disastrous time in Syria. And pray that true forgiveness would reign in the hearts of all those involved.

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 03

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 03

  Friday, April 7, 2017 at 10:02 AM    Darren Lo

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Day 03: Satisfied in Christ

John 4:13
Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."

Read John 4:1-16

When Jesus said, “I am thirsty,” in the final moments of His earthly life, His words were so much more than just an expression of physical need. He was expressing our need—a thirst that only Jesus can satisfy. Jesus desires us to not only satisfy our thirst with Him, but He also desires to grow us until we respond to the needs of others. Jesus wants you to be a life-giver and help meet the needs of those who thirst.


A perfect example of this is in John 4, when Jesus encountered a Samaritan woman at a well. Jesus didn’t reveal who He was to many people, but He did to this woman, and it teaches us something about thirst. Jesus’ thirst is that we would receive His life, and then in turn, we would become life-giving people. He desires us to give life to others just as He did to the Samaritan woman. Love becomes the centerpiece of our lives when we go from being the needy to the needed.

(excerpted from https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/914-read-letter-day/day/8)

Pray that satisfaction would be found in Christ to those that are longing for a home. As we think about the refugees, pray that they would not only find their way to a place of settlement, but that their spiritual desire would be met in Jesus. Pray that opportunities would abound in their search not just for a place of comfort, but to satisfy their spiritual thirst with salvation in Jesus. Pray that you would also be a living testimony of this satisfaction to others--especially in this season of thinking about the cross.

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 04

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 04

  Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 10:14 AM    Darren Lo

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Day 04: City of Khan Sheikhoun

We pause this day from our previously-planned prayer campaign to lift up a concerned prayer for the country of Syria. This is what we know so far:

• At least 70 people have been killed in a suspected chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in north-western Syria.
• Hundreds suffered symptoms consistent with reaction to a nerve agent after what the opposition and Western powers said was a Syrian government air strike on the area on Tuesday morning.
• The Syrian military denied using any chemical agents, while its ally Russia said an air strike hit a rebel depot full of chemical munitions.

What happened?

• Activists and witnesses say warplanes attacked Khan Sheikhoun, about 50km (30 miles) south of the city of Idlib, early on Tuesday, when many people were asleep.
• Mariam Abu Khalil, a 14-year-old resident who was awake, told the New York Times that she had seen an aircraft drop a bomb on a one-storey building. 
• The explosion sent a yellow mushroom cloud into the air that stung her eyes. "It was like a winter fog," she said. She sheltered in her home, but recalled that when people started arriving to help the wounded, "they inhaled the gas and died".
• Victims experienced symptoms including redness of the eyes, foaming from the mouth, constricted pupils, blue facial skin and lips, severe shortness of breath and asphyxiation, it added.
• The opposition-run health directorate in Idlib province, which is almost entirely controlled by rebel fighters and al-Qaeda-linked jihadists, says at least 70 people were killed, while the Syrian Observatory put the death toll at 72, including 20 children and 17 women.

(from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39500947)

Take a moment today to pray for the people, the city, and the country of those affected. Many have fled the country already, but these stories of families and children devastated by the attacks are real and shows us that many are still trying to survive in the country. Pray for the victims and their families, that they would be comforted by God's peace. Pray for the leaders of the country that they would cease their attacks on the rebel forces and on innocent people. Pray for outside help to come and bring aid to the fallen city and the people who decide to stay. Pray for yourself and how you might be able to help through prayer and giving. This is an example of the pain and suffering going on in the country for quite a while now. Continue to be fervent in prayer and support for this great tragedy.

Further information can be found here: (Be mindful that there are graphic images of those affected.)

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39500947

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-35806229

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39496149

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 05

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 05

  Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 10:02 AM    Darren Lo

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Day 05: Thirsting

John 19:28-30
After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, "I am thirsty." A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

John 19:28 says that in Jesus’ final moments, He said, “I am thirsty.” While drawing His last breaths, Jesus was intentional with what He said. In fact, the Bible shows us that everything Jesus did and said throughout His life was intentional. Knowing that, what else could He have meant when He said He was thirsty? He was fulfilling the prophecy from the Old Testament to let everyone know that He truly was the Son of God—the only one who can satisfy our longings.

Matthew 5:6 tells us the Kingdom of Heaven is about craving a relationship with God. Without Christ, you’re hungry and thirsty. But after you meet Him and accept Him as your Savior, He quenches your inner hunger and thirst. Jesus thirsts, to connect with us—to share in our human sufferings and longings for our Creator. When Jesus said He was thirsty, it was more about reminding us what He could give us, than what He actually needed.

(excerpted from https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/914-read-letter-day/day/7)

Pray that our satisfaction and longings in this world would be fulfilled solely in Jesus Christ. It's so easy to let circumstances, events, and disasters to distract us from desiring only Jesus. May He be our purpose and will--to please Him and live for Him. Pray also that the great yearnings for answers and peace of the refugees would also be found in Christ. As they seek for a home, may they also seek and find a Savior who will satisfy their spiritual needs.

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 06

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 06

  Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 9:55 AM    Darren Lo

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Day 06: Forgiveness

Matthew 5:38-42
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

“Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Yesterday, we began to reflect on those words Jesus spoke, recorded in Luke 23:34. They were actually the first words He spoke while on the cross. Our response would have likely been one of anger and hate, but Jesus’ was of love and grace. This prayer is a model of how we should treat others—even those who may have hurt us and inflicted incredible pain.

We all have someone we need to forgive. We all have someone we have an offense with. While we all need to receive God’s forgiveness, we also need to bestow that same forgiveness to others. These words changed everything when it comes to forgiveness. Matthew 5:38 explains the customary response to being offended by another was basically, “You owe me; justice is mine.” But the response modeled by Jesus’ words on the cross is, “God forgave me, so I’ll forgive you.” Jesus took forgiveness to a new level. Forgiveness is not just something we receive; it’s also something we give. Forgiveness is the central focus of the cross. These were not just words Jesus spoke. He was setting the stage to tell His disciples forgiveness is where it starts.

(excerpted from https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/914-read-letter-day/day/5)

We have discussed all that the refugees have endured at the hands of many others around them--government, enemies, and leaders. Yet, we must also pray for these "enemies" of the innocent as well. If Jesus, on the cross, was able to ask God for their forgiveness, let us also pray on behalf of these people as well. Pray that they would ask for forgiveness to the one who can grant them grace. And pray that we would not take our own justices and judgements in life, but leave that up to God. Let us forgive because we have been forgiven. Pray that we would also forgive those that have been difficult to forgive in our own lives as well.

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 07

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 07

  Monday, April 3, 2017 at 9:58 AM    Darren Lo

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Day 07: God is Good

Romans 8:31-39
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Just as it is written, "For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

During those dark times of life when you cry out like Jesus did on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” there are three very important things you must tell yourself: God is good, God is for me, and God is with me. The storms of life at times seem unbearable. We have to take ourselves from a place where it feels like God is nowhere to be found in this darkness, to truly believing these three things. We get to this place by holding on to a God that is unchangeable. The question you need to ask yourself today—especially if you’re in the midst of a dark time in your life—is do you truly trust God?

(excerpted from https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/914-read-letter-day/day/3)

Praise God that He is good. He does not leave us during our most darkest of days. Even though it may seem that God is not near you or for those that are going through unbelievable circumstances, like the refugees we've been praying for, let's cling to the promise that God is still there. Pray that those around the world trying to find their way to a permanent home, would find satisfaction, courage, and hope in a God that is good.

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 08

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 08

  Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 3:10 PM    Darren Lo

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Day 08: His Timing

1 Corinthians 13:9-13
For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Those were some of the last words Jesus cried out on the cross during the moment of pure agony when God’s presence left Him. It’s also a question you’ve likely asked at some point in your life during some of your darkest moments. In those moments it can be hard to understand the why behind the storm that’s unfolding around you. The truth is, we’re not always going to understand because we only see part of the story. We simply can’t understand everything from God’s perspective. Paul states this very fact in 1 Corinthians 13:12. Our minds are incapable of understanding God and His divine purpose—especially in the midst of our pain.


Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. We only see part of the story. Sometimes God gives insight to His part of the story, but other times we may not see it. In the case of Jesus’ death on the cross, God did reveal His part of the story through Scripture. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says the Father forsook Jesus because He became sin for us. 1 Peter 2:24 also says Jesus was forsaken so we could be forgiven. Remember that God is good. We may not understand His ways all the time, but God will never forsake you. His love is greater for you than you can ever comprehend.
(excerpted from https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/914-read-letter-day/day/2)


Pray that God knows the perfect plan of His people. Whether it's those that have been displaced from their country, home, and possessions or you're going through dark times in life, God knows and is aware. Pray knowing that we can trust in God in these times and for those going through difficult situations. Pray that trust would be handed over to Him despite the circumstances and that God will one day reveal all things in His perfect timing.

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 09

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 09

  Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 3:01 PM    Darren Lo

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Day 09: His Sacrifice

We transition our prayer campaign focus from refugees to that of Jesus--His humility, His sacrifice, and His love. Jesus, throughout His teaching, ministered to the lowly, poor, and sinners. Those that needed Him the most. We can't help but think about refugees who need His kind of truth, hope, and love--they need Him desperately. As we consider the life of Jesus, let's also keep in mind the desire of the weak and poor. The refugees who have lost considerable parts of their life. Read the following suffering of Christ on the cross and pray that those who have lost so much, look to the cross for their hope and salvation. Pray that there is a Savior who understands their suffering, because He paid the ultimate price in His own suffering.

Matthew 27:32-56
As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull, they gave Him wine to drink mixed with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink. And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots. And sitting down, they began to keep watch over Him there. And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, "THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
At that time two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross." In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, "He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God; let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.'" The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words.
Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, began saying, "This man is calling for Elijah." Immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. But the rest of them said, "Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him." And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"
Many women were there looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while ministering to Him. Among them was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 10

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 10

  Friday, March 31, 2017 at 5:08 PM    Darren Lo

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Day 10: Let's Give!

Philippians 1:3-6
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Today we're going to take an active step in our Lift Off! campaign. Let's take the information and prayers we've been doing and turn them into give sacrificially to the cause. We'll be using an IMB (International Mission Board) project that gives directly in support of the refugee crisis in Syria. This page gives some information on the giving opportunity. The IMB is a Southern Baptist (our church's denomination) ministry devoted to helping, sending, and working in missions throughout the world. This chance to partner with them in this way makes it an easy, safe, and trustworthy opportunity.

We hope you've been considering giving sacrificially throughout this prayer campaign. Our goal is for each individual to give $40 ($1/day during this campaign), but please feel free to give as God leads you. We'll only be counting our giving from today until April 15, so don't delay!

Here are a few steps to take in giving:

1. Visit this page for direct giving to IMB.
2. Fill out this form so we can keep track of our giving right here!
3. Continue to pray.

May God use our financial sacrifice to mobilize the work on the ground, stabilize the turmoil in the nation, and glorify our Heavenly Father through the work of salvation. Pray that people will see God's love and hope through this giving and that the efforts through our support will bring great change in the hearts of many people!

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 11

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 11

  Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 11:41 AM    Darren Lo

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Day 11: Reaching Out Tip #4

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Passionately share this culture in the church. Be one who celebrates and shares a culture of outreach to refugees through efforts in the church. Be a person who maintains information and shares it with others so that the church may be able to work together in support of this cause. Create even more opportunities for prayer and information to be displayed and announced to the congregation in order to maintain a connection with refugees around the world. Lastly, create efforts to continue the work of giving, praying, and supporting refugees continually--through short announcements, social media, and perhaps even in the missions field.

Pray that we don't stop praying for refugees after these 40 days. That our church would consider taken a larger role in supporting refugees as a church-wide effort. Pray that God would raise up individuals who would champion a heart for refugees, to lead these causes, and to stir a heart for support beyond this simple campaign.

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 12

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 12

  Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 10:04 AM    Darren Lo

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Day 12: Reaching Out Tip #3

Luke 10:36-37
Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?" And he said, "The one who showed mercy toward him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do the same."

Find a useful pathway for relationships. The needs that come with resettling in a drastically new place can be debilitating, so it isn’t difficult to identify service opportunities that lead naturally into relationships. Medicine can be a good option. We have a number of folks with medical training in our church, and we try to funnel them as volunteers to a medical clinic in our community that assists newly arrived refugees.

Other opportunities promise even more sustainable relationships. Our first avenue was forming playgroups between some moms in our church and moms in an immigrant community. It’s amazing what kids can do to diffuse cross-cultural awkwardness. And who doesn’t love a good playdate?

English-language learning is another huge opportunity. Helping someone with conversational English is a perfect pathway into relationship, and it only requires setting aside regular time to meet and talk.

These service opportunities are not pretexts; they’re legitimate ways to meet needs and show love. But what you’re aiming for is meaningful, life-integrated friendships. (tgc.org)

What has God given to you that can be used to create relationships both inside and outside of the church? Pray that you would be open to using your strengths to create such pathways and opportunities. Perhaps your career interest or major in school can be used to leverage such communication. You never know how God might use you with the simplest connect. Be available to His calling to connect with others as well as the chance to create ministries that lead into relationships beyond the church. Pray that God would simply use you as you are to create connectivity in communication and relationship.

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 13

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 13

  Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 10:06 AM    Darren Lo

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Day 13: Reaching Out Tip #2

Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;

Find a person or a team to coordinate volunteers from your church. If you’re a [church leader], given the diversity of your responsibilities, this outreach culture isn’t likely to get very far if it’s solely on you to recruit volunteers and connect them to ministry opportunities. You need a quarterback. You want someone who understands and embraces the vision to own responsibility for recruiting, training, and connecting those who step up. (tgc.org)

If this is something you're passion about, let a church leader/pastor know! Leaders are always looking for ministries--especially an outreach type--like this for the church. We'll help point you in the right direction, or work personally through an opportunity like this to inform, encourage, and point people toward this area of great need.

Pray for yourself. Maybe through this prayer campaign, God has been moving in you to start a ministry around support refugees. Or even an area of support that the church lacks. How would you begin to see if this is where God is leading you? Take a moment to pray for opportunities to open in the church as well as God moving more in the hearts of the people to create more outreach ministries that support refugees and others in need.

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 14

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 14

  Monday, March 27, 2017 at 10:10 AM    Darren Lo

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Day 14: Reaching Out Tip #1

Matthew 2:13-14
Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him." So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt.

Identify faithful ministries already doing good work among the foreign-born in your city. Especially if your church is small, there’s no reason to reinvent the wheel if there are already ministries that can facilitate the kind of relational engagement you’re aiming for. Chances are these ministries exist in your city and they need volunteers. You’re looking for an individual or team already embedded in an immigrant community who wants to hand off some of their relationships. You might start by checking out organizations like World Relief, InterFACE Ministries, and the North American Mission Board. (tgc.org)

Take a moment to do some research on a ministry that cares for refugees. Learn about them and their major concerns and efforts. Then build your prayer based on those needs of the ministry. Pray on behalf of these organizations so that they can minister in the best way possible. Pray that God would watch over these ministries to great work for Him.

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 15

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 15

  Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 2:57 PM    Darren Lo

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Day 15: God's Grace

Malachi 3:5
"Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me," says the Lord of hosts.

So why do we have a book of the Bible named after a Moabite woman (Ruth)? Here’s at least one of the answers to that question: Because we have a God who wants us to know how much he cares for the outcasts and the oppressed, the strangers and the refugees. In one of the key phrases in the book, Boaz pronounces a blessing on the otherwise forbidden Moabite woman: “A full reward will be given to you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge” (Ruth 2:12).

There is refuge, the book of Ruth shows us, under the wings of God. And we know Boaz isn’t merely a model of goodwill. He’s a mirror of God. He’s the agent God uses to show how he seeks out the oppressed and shelters them under the shadow of his wings; how he serves the outcast at his table and showers the needy with his grace; and ultimately, how he is faithful to care for the forbidden foreigner.

And so, we’re compelled to do the same. We’re compelled to reflect our Redeemer.

- David Platt

The way God works and how He enacts His plans can come in strange forms and through surprising people. God uses many people to reveal His great purpose of grace and peace in so many differing ways. How can we question? May this stir us to pray in hope for the people who are lost. That God would send His agents of grace and truth into their lives so that they may sense His presence, provision, and peace. Pray that we would surrender to God's perfect purpose in the midst of a difficult situation like the refugee crisis. Lastly, praise God that He works in these mysterious ways and that He will continue to work out His plan no matter what happens.

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 16

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 16

  Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 9:51 AM    Darren Lo

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Day 16: Church Provision

Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

What Paul writes in Galatians 6:10 is obviously not saying we shouldn’t care for all people. But we can’t deny the priority of provision here and elsewhere in Scripture for those who are of the household of faith.

Again, this care doesn’t totally exclude those who aren’t part of the church. We love all our neighbors, even our enemies, as we love ourselves.

It is altogether right, then, for the church to consider how to care specifically for our brothers and sisters in Christ in the middle of this refugee crisis. Not only is such care for refugees right; it’s required. Why? Because of the character of God.

- David Platt

Pray for the church at large--that we would be a representation of the love and hope of Christ to those who are greatly in need, especially the refugees. Pray that we would respond with the opportunities given to use to show support, solidarity, and provision as the body of Christ. Pray that FCBC would also consider how we might take part in this crisis around the world. Pray that God would show us as a church how we might inform our church, pray for the displaced people, and give sacrificially.

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 17

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 17

  Friday, March 24, 2017 at 10:01 AM    Darren Lo

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Day 17: Government Protection

Ezekiel 22:6-7
Behold, the rulers of Israel, each according to his power, have been in you for the purpose of shedding blood. They have treated father and mother lightly within you. The alien they have oppressed in your midst; the fatherless and the widow they have wronged in you.

Governments exist under God’s authority to promote good and restrain evil. In God’s design, the primary purpose of government is to protect people. I mention this point since any serious thought about the refugee crisis must take into account the role of government under God.

So, yes, according to God’s design, responding to the refugee crisis leads to political discussions. But as followers of Christ, we must maintain biblical foundations in these discussions, for through our our elected officials we shape our own laws, and we must hold these officials accountable to do good as we pursue the good ourselves.

- David Platt

Read Romans 13:1-4 and pray that even though governments are lead by people that God has put in authority, they are human and sinners. But pray know that God is in ultimate authority--He knew these appointed and knows the good and bad decisions that can affect many more people. God realizes the difficulty of the refugees that are enduring because of decisions made from those in higher authority. So pray that those around the world who are displaced would put their trust in a God who holds all things together--even the appointed officials.

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 18

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 18

  Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 12:38 PM    Darren Lo

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Day 18: God Oversees

Acts 17:26-27
He made one man. From one man, every nation of mankind that live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.

In his goodness, our God turns even the tragedy of forced migration into the triumph of future salvation.

So when we see the migration of peoples for a multiplicity of reasons, we must recognize that every bit is occurring under the governance of God. In Acts 17 Paul says that God is doing it all for a reason, that people might seek him and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Much more could be said on this point, but we must remind ourselves: The Lord will make no mistake. Our God aims to be sought, found, known, and enjoyed by all the peoples of the world, and he oversees their travels to that end. In his goodness, our God turns even the tragedy of forced migration into the triumph of future salvation.

-David Platt

Pray and remind yourself that God has a plan and purpose far above what we can imagine or fathom even though there is crisis, pain, and turmoil in the world. Even in the difficulties the refugees are enduring, it is for God to dictate and discern for His purposes. He is aware and knows their tragedies, but He also has control for greater things. Pray that we would trust in His timing and knowledge, not in just what we see with the information given to us. Pray that this would all lead to salvation even in the midst of confusion and disappointment. May they find their hope in Christ.

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 19

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 19

  Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 12:16 PM    Darren Lo

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Day 19: God's Sovereignty

Jeremiah 22:3
Thus says the Lord, "Do justice and righteousness, and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor. Also do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the orphan, or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood in this place.

As we look around at all that’s going on in the world, we must remember for ourselves and we must remind the church that God is sovereign over it all. Every day, the wind only blows at his bidding. The light of the sun only shines according to his command. Not a speck of dust on the planet exists apart from the sovereignty of our God.


He’s sovereign over nature, yet we know he’s also sovereign over nations. Our God charts the course of countries. He holds the rulers of the earth in the palm of his hand—and this is really good news. It’s good news to know that Assad in Syria is not sovereign over all. It’s good news to know that ISIS is not sovereign. It’s good news that Vladimir Putin is not sovereign, and neither is Donald Trump.

When Job is afflicted, God is in control. When Joseph is sold into slavery, God is in control. When evil kings act in wretched ways toward Israel, God is in control. When religious leaders and Roman officials sentence Jesus to death and crucify him on a cross, God is in control. When Christians today preach the gospel to the nations and are killed in the process, God is in control. When we get to the end of the Bible and we see the cosmic battle for the souls of men and women throughout history, God is in control. He’s in control on every page of Scripture and on every page of history—including the refugee crisis that currently surrounds us.

-David Platt

Spend your time praising and praying for God's sovereignty. Thank God He is in control over all the small things of this world, the difficult things, and the big things. Praise Him for ordering your day as He sees fit, but also watching over and caring for the great needs of those refugees in need of one who is in control. Pray that we would hold to that promise in our own lives and in the lives of those who don't know Him yet, especially in light of the refugee crisis. May they see a greater God is in control despite huge hurtles and bumps along their trip. 

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Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 20

Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 20

  Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 10:06 AM    Darren Lo

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Day 20: A Response

Jeremiah 22:3
Thus says the Lord, "Do justice and righteousness, and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor. Also do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the orphan, or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood in this place.

Over the next 10 days, we will be praying in response to the refugee crisis. To see this as an opportunity to pray, give, and trust in a God who sees and knows the suffering of people in this situation. But let us also consider how we might respond in challenging ways. To be fervent in prayer, generous in giving, and relying on God's sufficiency in His people over all.

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The scope of today’s refugee crisis is truly unprecedented, affecting nearly 60 million people. Never before have so many been displaced, put in danger, and forced from their homes. In Syria alone, more than half of 22 million people have either been displaced or killed. More than 4 million have fled to neighboring countries. I share these numbers to remind us of the sheer enormity of this crisis.

Much of our response to the refugee crisis seems to come from a foundation of fear, not faith. Much of it seems to flow from a view of the world that is far more American than biblical, far more concerned with the preservation of our country than the accomplishment of the Great Commission. 
-David Platt

Let's open this section of prayer by hoping in God's salvation for His people--but also for people in great desperation, such as refugees. In their great search for a home, may they find a place of comfort, peace, and hope in the God of salvation. May we be ready, willing, and open to how God may call us to the great commission, whether to work with people of great need, or to our neighbors right next door.

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