One thing in common

What do the Christians in Israel and Afghanistan have in common? Give up? According to YouVersion, a popular Bible app, Zechariah 14:9 was the most highlighted, bookmarked, and shared bible verse in these two countries, which otherwise have very little in common. Zechariah 14:9 states, "And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day the LORD will be one and his name one." This shows the common hope we have in Christ despite our cultural, political, or national differences. The hope that Jesus will be King over all the earth -- not just in Israel and Afghanistan. This global perspective is what you and I need as we worship and serve God in America. With the freedom and comfort of our nation, it is too easy to forget about everyone else around the world. We must be involved in missions. One tangible thing we can do is pray for those who are serving God around the world. David Platt, pastor and president of International Mission Board said, "Today, our prayers remain the greatest way we can support (our missionaries)." Brothers and sisters, let us, therefore, remember our friends and co-laborers in Christ around the world today in our prayers. Let us pray that God will use them mightily; that they will not lose heart in their service; that God would physically, spiritually, and emotionally protect them; and that they would be confident in God's Word. Oh, and in case you were wondering, the world's favorite Bible verse in 2016, which was also America's favorite verse, was Romans 8:28 -- "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."