Henriet's Blog

Pray for the release of Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani and for other persecuted Christians

On February 23, Reverend Franklin Graham appeared on Greta Van Susteren's On The Record to discuss the plight of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani and to urge people to pray for his release. 

Pastor Nadarkhani, 34, leads a church network in Rasht, Iran. He is being held and now has been sentenced to death by hanging because he refuses to recant his Christian faith. He was arrested in October 2009 because he protested the Iranian government's decision to force all children to be taught about Islam. He did not want his own (or other) Christian children to be subjected to that. He has been in prison ever since. Over time the charges against him were changed to apostasy (falling away from Islam) and evangelism (from Islam to Christianity). In September 2010, he was convicted and sentenced to death. The sentence for apostasy is hanging. Appeals to the Supreme Court of Iran failed. The court said his death sentence could be annulled if he recanted his faith. Nardakhani never was a Muslim but because his parents were Muslim, he is considered a national Muslim and required to recant his Christian faith. This past week he refused to disavow his faith four times, the final one being on Wednesday. Now many fear his death is imminent. Pastor Nadarkhani's wife, Fatema Pasindedih, and his two sons, Daniel (9) and Yoel (7) wait to learn further news on Pastor Youcef's fate.

According to the Christian Post, the White House and the U.S. State Department issued statements to demand Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani's immediate release on February 23, 2012. 

This story has grabbed international attention and has highlighted the plight of many Christians who suffer because of their faith. The killing of Christians started very soon after Jesus' death and resurrection. Stephen was stoned for his faith as recorded in Acts 7.

I cannot relate to that level of suffering. Sure, I have had some tough times but I have never faced death because I believe in Jesus. During Lent, as I "sacrifice" eating sugar and refined carbs, I am painfully aware how shallow this is compared to what my brothers and sisters in Christ around the world face on a daily basis. Will you join me in praying for Pastor Nadarkhani, his family, and all the other Christians who are suffering for their faith? An organization dedicated to supporting persecuted Christians is The Voice of the Martyrs. Do you know of other stories of people suffering for their faith that we could support in prayer? Let's really make this time of Lent count by praying for suffering Christians!

Lent is about following Jesus and sacrifice

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”   Jesus in Mark 8:34-38, NLT

I need to be reminded all the time to keep my focus on Jesus and not try to do things my way. Jesus' message is paradoxical...to keep my life and truly live I need to let go of my (old) life. It's a daily walk, a daily choice. What better time to practice following Jesus than these weeks as we prepare for Easter? I definitely do not want him to be ashamed of me!

Lent: A Time to Prepare for Easter

Today is Ash Wednesday. It is the beginning of Lent, a 40-day preparation for Easter. Ash Wednesday actually occurs 46 days before Easter but Sundays are exempt from this time of repentance and abstinence. Sundays are set aside for worship and celebration. The other 40 days of Lent are a time for self-denial as we focus on Jesus and his road to the cross. Many Christians choose to give things up during Lent. I've given up sugar, coffee, TV and other things in previous years. I think sacrificing something during this season is a great discipline that helps me think about what it cost Jesus to go to the cross to secure our salvation.

The Center for Biblical and Theological Education at Seattle Pacific University put together a free study plan that can be used as a resource during Lent. I highly recommend this resource.

This year, I plan to give up sugar and refined carbs. I also plan to work through this study. What are your plans for Lent? Will you give something up as you prepare for Easter?

Great Calm Amidst Great Fear

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them,“Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them,“Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”  

Mark 4:35-41, ESV

Great fear

The disciples were in a huge storm that frightened them greatly. Yet, after the storm ceased, it was Jesus who they truly feared. They were in awe of him. 

Jesus is the one I need to fear. There is nothing in this world I need to be afraid of because Jesus has overcome the world and is greater than any issue or circumstance I can ever face. 

He could sleep in the midst of a raging storm because he knew that the storm really was in the "teacup of the world." In the true reality, the spiritual dimension beyond our visible reality, all was calm. Great calm! 

He asked the disciples why they were so afraid. They feared becaue they looked at the circumstances instead of at the author of life and the rule of all things. Lack of faith causes fear. Faith leads to peace on earth and fear (awe) of God. Perfect love casts out fear. Jesus is perfect love.

Great calm

This passage challenges me not to look at the weather forcast or the weather. Instead I need to look beyond the earth's atmosphere to God's reality for true peace and great calm...in the midst of circumstances.

Easter: Hope restored; Jesus has risen indeed!

"…the angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said…'"  

Matthew 28:5-6, ESV

He has risen!

Very early on Sunday, some of the women, including Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body. When they arrived, they saw that the large stone had been rolled back and the tomb was open. What had happened? Then an angel spoke to them:

"He said to them, 'Do not be alarmed, You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'" Mark 16:6-7, ESV

The women told the disciples who could not believe the news. Later that day, Jesus appeared to them all (except Thomas). He showed him his hands and feet. He asked for something to eat. He proved he was real. They were so overjoyed they could barely accept it was true, but they believed because they saw him. (Thomas believed when he saw him a week later, declaring "My Lord and my God!")

When he showed himself to his disciples, Jesus opened their minds so they could understand everything that had been written about him in the Old Testament. He said to them,

"…it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem." Luke 24: 46-47, ESV

New life

This day, Easter, we celebrate new life because Jesus rose from the dead. Everyone who believes in him can have this new life, eternal life! It's not about bunnies, chicks or Easter eggs. Easter is about the Son of God who humbled himself and died a sinner's death but rose to reclaim his rightful place in heaven as the Savior, Lord and King.

In some church traditions, people greet each other on Easter morning with, "He is risen!" The response to this wonderful greeting is, "He is risen indeed!" The first time someone said to me, "He is risen," I said, "Yes, he is." I did not know the special Easter greeting. Then I heard how others responded. I loved it. How very cool!

For followers of Jesus, Easter is the pinnacle of the year. I would encourage all of us to greet each other with a declaration that is ultimately the basis for our faith, "He is risen!" And then respond with, "He is risen indeed!" That's our hope. That's the basis for our new life with God. It's not the cross that gives us life. The cross was required to pay the penalty of sin. It is Jesus' resurrection that conquers death and brings us new life…for everyone who believes!

Have you received the gift of this new life? If not, why not do it today?! He is risen.

The suffering has ended. The wait is over. Hope is restored.

Jesus is risen! Happy Easter!

Passion Week: Good Friday and the tragedy of the cross

"It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!' And having said this he breathed his last."

Luke 23:44-46, ESV

We call it Good Friday

Let's recap the events of the night before. On Thursday night, Jesus spent time with his disciples, had his last supper and then went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. After he finished praying, the soldiers arrived with Judas. Jesus was betrayed by a kiss and then arrested. The disciples all abandoned him.

After his arrest, Jesus was brought before the High Priest Caiaphas and the entire Jewish Council. They held a mock trial at which they tried to bring accusations that would stick. They had nothing to convict him on. In the end, Jesus gave them the ammunition they needed to seek his death. As soon as they charged him with blasphemy they beat and mocked him.

Early in the morning on Friday, the Jewish leaders brought him bound to Pilate. They needed him to condemn him to death. Pilate found no reason to execute him. He sent him to King Herod who sent Jesus back. Pilate tried to set him free, but the crowds led by the Jewish leaders chose the release of Barabbas, a notorious prisoner. Pilate washed his hands of the situation then delivered Jesus up to be scourged and crucified.

The soldiers beat Jesus mercilessly. They mocked him and put a crown of thorns on his head. They made him carry his own cross. Then they crucified him. He was nailed to the cross in the morning. From noon to 3 p.m. darkness came over the land. At 3 p.m. Jesus cried out to God and then died.

The disciples were crushed. Their rabbi, the one they thought was the Messiah, died. All hope seemed lost. The one who said he was the Son of God, was tortured and died like a criminal.

Before night fall, Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish Council, asked Pilate for Jesus' body. He laid his body in his own tomb and had the large, heavy stone rolled into place. The Pharisees had Pilate post a guard. This seemed to be the end.

So how do we respond?

Why do we call it Good Friday? It is the day that the innocent, sinless man Jesus was condemned to death and executed. The Son of God who become a human being to bring salvation and reconciliation was killed by his own creation. Good Friday is about the tragedy of the cross. It was a horrible Friday for Jesus…he experienced the entirety of sin and with it total separation from God.

This Good Friday, I will commemorate Jesus' sacrifice by fasting from Thursday night through Sunday morning…during the time that he suffered, died and laid in the tomb. I am choosing to deny myself food and drink to actively remember what Jesus endured for me. This Friday, I will be reminded every time I get hungry — at 6am when he was led to Pilate, at noon when he was on the cross, and at night when he was buried — that Jesus gave up much more than a meal to provide me with the possibility of salvation.

It is Good Friday for us, because on that day Jesus nailed all sin to the cross. Salvation is now ours, available to everyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God who died, simply by accepting Jesus' payment for all our sin. But, I'm getting ahead of myself. Today, on Good Friday, the only thing we know for sure is that Jesus died. That is not the Good News. Stay tuned because Easter is coming!

Passion Week: A meal and a prayer

“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Matthew 26:42, NLT

What a Thursday!

The Thursday of Passion Week is called Maundy Thursday in Christian tradition. On this day we remember that Jesus ate the Passover meal with his disciples the Thursday before his death.

On this Thursday, he really shook their world with his words and actions. During the meal, he got up and washed his disciples' feet. Lords and masters did not wash their followers feet. That was a job for a lowly servant, not for the leader. Yet, Jesus washed their feet and told them to behave in the same way. He modeled servant leadership and expected them to humble themselves by serving each other and those who would follow them. (See John 13:1-17.)

Toward the end of this famous meal Jesus broke the bread and told his disciples it was his body, broken for them. He took the cup and told them it was his blood shed for them. Then he commanded them to keep this tradition to remember him. They did not understand.

He also revealed that one of them would betray him. Apparently they all thought it could be them because they asked John to find out which one he meant. How hard to know that one of his followers would sell him out. Of course he also predicted Peter's denial… This was just the beginning of what would be a very tough night.

After the meal, they headed to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus prayed there. He asked his three closest friends and disciples to watch and pray. They could not stay awake. Jesus was deeply troubled, he needed friend and prayer support. Did he experience fear, anxiety and grief? The Bible records that he was anguished and deeply troubled. So much so that he sweat drops of blood! The time in the garden was intense. He asked God to take this assignment away. However, more than wanting to be spared the coming suffering, he wanted to do God's will.

"Not my will, but thine, be done." Luke 22:42, KJV

How do we remember and prepare?

During my small group last night, we shared a meal together. After the meal we read about the last supper. Then we washed each other's feet. The group leaders started it and then we took turns each washing the next person's feet. It was powerful.

After the foot washing, we watched the last hour or so of The Passion of the Christ. It's gruesome. We watched it because we wanted to remind ourselves of what Jesus went through for our salvation. Each lash during his flogging was because of our sins. He experienced the horrific torture to spare us from hell. He allowed himself to be crucified to satisfy God's holy requirement and pay the penalty for all sin.

Finally, we celebrated communion. We celebrated it in silence because we were so moved by Jesus' sacrifice. I confessed to Jesus and asked for forgiveness for whenever I take him or my salvation for granted and for all the times that I complain or don't want to do what he asks me. At the end of our time together, someone prayed, we all sang and someone read Psalm 31, the crucifixion psalm. When the group was over we all just sat silently. No one moved. No one spoke. It had been an intense time of focussing on the cost of our freedom. It reminded us that we will never fully understand the price of our salvation and forgiveness. All we could do was think about Jesus and the price he paid.

"You are not your own; you were bought at a price." 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20a

How about you? How are you preparing to celebrate the resurrection on Sunday? Do you know Jesus? Have you asked him into your life and received his forgiveness? What is your response?

Passion Week: From triumph to turmoil

"Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered…and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him."

Matthew 26:3-4, ESV

Sunday: Hailed as king

On Sunday, which we celebrate as Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem as king, fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. The crowds welcomed him, shouting "Hosanna." In their words and actions they ascribed to him a Messianic title and celebrated him as the King of Israel.

Monday: Seen as a threat

How quickly things changed. The next day, Jesus returned to Jerusalem to clean house. As a result, he quickly went from hero to enemy…at least for most people. He started his day by cleansing the temple. He chased out the people who sold, bought and changed money there. He interfered with this lucrative business. I am sure that made quite a few people pretty angry. They wanted a king to free them not to mess up their businesses.

After cleansing the temple he healed the blind and lame. Children were singing his praises, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" but the religious leaders - the chief priests and scribes - were incensed.

Tuesday: Rejected by the establishment

The following day, he taught the people, mostly by using parables, and he warned them against the religious leaders. He challenged the Sadduccees. He upset the Pharisees. (The Pharisees and Sadduccees made up the ruling counsel of the Jewish people.) And, he insulted the scribes, or the teachers of the law. Basically he taught the people but he made the religious leaders, including the priests, very upset.

Jesus was not the kind of king or savior the Jewish leaders and most of the people were looking for. He challenged their ideas of religious activity. He clearly was not trying to win any popularity contests. Do you think he might have been causing the turmoil to set the events for the rest of the week in motion?

The result of these few days were that the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to get rid of him. They wanted him dead. He threatened to destroy all they had built.

How do we respond?

How do we view Jesus? Have we made him into a nice and friendly Savior who loves us unconditionally without understanding his demand for holiness and truth? Do we accept that Jesus loves us but also challenges our status quo? Do we view him as our Lord and king or as a threat to our comfortable life or our safe religious activities?

As you prepare to celebrate Easter, do you know the real Jesus? Do you understand his love for you AND his demand for holiness and truth if you are one of his followers?

Please share your views or comment about your plans for Passion Week? One of the things I plan to do is read the Passion Week passages in the Gospels. I will write more about the rest of the events of Passion Week and what else I plan to do to remember, prepare and celebrate.

Passion Week: Make it meaningful

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

 “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

 Luke 19:37, 38, NIV2011

The events of Passion Week

Palm Sunday starts this most meaningful week of the Christian year. During these seven days, the church celebrates Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection.

On Palm Sunday we remember how Jesus entered Jerusalem, hailed as a king. The people wanted him to reign and free them from the current oppressors, the Romans. Jesus knew better. He knew that the hearts of the people celebrating his accomplishments and the miracles he had done would soon turn against him.

Some of these same people shouting "Blessed be the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" would be shouting "Crucify him!" Jesus entered as conquering king to fulfill the prophesies in obedience to his Father's leading. That same day as he approached Jerusalem, he grieved for the city, knowing that the people did not understand who he was and why he had come.

What about us?

As we celebrate Palm Sunday in churches today, often with kids holding palm branches singing wonderful songs, do we understand? We make this Sunday and Easter wonderful, celebratory days, as they should be, but do we comprehend the significance and sacrifice of this week?

Will we take time to remember that Jesus came to earth, lived and died to bring hope and life to all who believe in him? Will we do more than wave palm branches, wear pretty new clothes and hunt for Easter eggs? Will we understand what it cost him to give us life?

How will you celebrate Jesus' life and sacrifice this week? Do you have any special plans for Passion Week? Please comment and let me know. I will write more about the events of Passion Week in Jesus' life and what I plan to do to remember the one who loves me and gave his life for me.

Joyful in hope, faithful in prayer

As February rapidly comes to a close, I am surprised at how fast this year is going and how much has happened!

Difficulties everywhere

From the unrest and riots in Egypt, Tunisia, Lybia and other places (including Wisconsin!), to the continued economic difficulties for many people, to the intense weather and natural disasters, to the ongoing tests in my own life - things are not like they used to be.

Sometimes I long for those "good old" days, but not too often. Sure, for me things were easier financially, personally and in ministry work but God has grown me and shown me so much since then…I don't want to go back.

Things learned

Here is what I know:

• God is good
• He is faithful
• Jesus is who he says he is
• He wants a real relationship with each of us
• The Holy Spirit is powerful and active

Hope is real

I have hope in the midst of my circumstances. I know God will provide, protect and bring about his perfect plans for me. Semper Vita will happen (soon!). A few days ago, I found a piece of paper with the following verse on it: 

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12, NIV

When I wrote this verse down it was as a reminder to me to let God keep working on me to become this kind of person. He has allowed trials and affliction in my life since then.

As I read the verse this time, I no longer felt the pang of conviction that I used to feel - that conviction that I had a long way to go before I could honestly read and agree with those words. Over these past years God has grown me to rejoice in hope in the midst of trials, to be patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. My desire is to remain faithful in prayer with my hope in God and my eyes on Jesus.

Who is with me?