I was recently asked the question who is responsible for the earthquake in Haiti:  God, Satan, or Nature.  Since I was given those three options let me share with my answer as well as a Biblical response to making sense of the tragedy in Haiti, while I admit it will never fully make sense.  After hearing Pat Robertson’s response, Whoopi’s famous rants on the subject and a few other self-proclaimed pop Christian writers my own heart was needing ‘Truth’ and seeking a Biblical response.  So here is my two cents on a story that even today still breaks my heart.

Who is responsible for the earthquake in Haiti:  God, Satan, or Nature?  Nature does not have a will of its own, Satan nowhere in Scripture has authority over earthquakes. So I only have one option left.

I confess even in my own heart at times I struggle with God being responsible for an earthquake. In regards to Haiti I prayed, Why God that big of an earthquake and why take so many people at once? It does break my heart.

But at the same time why when faced with this question do believers struggle to answer the ‘obvious’ on this one.

It is my belief that God is responsible for earthquakes to remind myself of a few essential eternal and biblical truths:

1) To repent and at the same time reminding us that ‘our day is coming’ as well.(Rev. 6:16)

2)To remind us that return of Christ is even closer now than before. (Matt. 24:7-8)

3)To remind all of us that life is a precious gift from God.(Luke 12:20)

It is a precious gift but God has the right to take it back because God owes me nothing.

4)It stirs within me to be fearful of the Living God. God desires to bring me to this place because this is where ‘wisdom’ begins. (Psalm 111:10)

The truth is the answer is ‘completely obvious’ but it does not fit the world’s 21st century post-evangelical understanding of God. Through each new disaster the multitude of hearts are becoming more and more hardened like Pharaoh’s towards God. The contemporary mindset is that God has no right to tell me what to do and not even God has any right to judge me is the core issue at hand.

Those that hold the view that God’s ultimate desire is for us to be happy therefore God can only do and give us good and wonderful things turns Jesus Christ into a supernatural Santa Clause.  In fact it says something deeper.  When we hold the mindset that we expect God to only do happy and good things in our lives and anything outside that framework must not be from God it says this:  That the love of God that was displayed for us on the Cross for the forgiveness for our sins through Jesus Christ is not sufficient.  We are saying that God did not do enough for us on the cross.

When our theology says that God ‘must’ continue to only do good and wonderful things in our lives and that we live ‘expecting’ God to do more and more because God only wants us to be happy we are saying and living out a core belief that God did not love us enough through the sacrifice of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ.

As Scripture reminds us in Romans that when God is good and loving may we rejoice with those who rejoice but when God acts otherwise we are called as well to weep with those who weep.

It is always my heart’s desire and prayer that God will bring me to places that continually allows me to learn that His grace is sufficient, that Jesus is all I need, and that while through this difficult tragedy the words of the prophet Zephaniah are true, “He is mighty to save.”

May the Christian’s response overwhelmingly continue to include the huge compassion and desire to help and minister to the people of Haiti and those serving there but also may it include understanding.

May we all keep praying for Haiti in the days ahead as well as actively supporting relief efforts.

Here is a list of a few Charities that are collecting donations for the Earthquake Relief effort now underway in Haiti.  Please give if you have not already.

1. Compassion International
2. Feed My Starving Children
3. Food for the Hungry
4. World Vision
5. World Relief
6. Samaritan’s Purse
7. Love a Child
8. Northwest Haiti Christian Mission
9. Compassion Weavers
10. Mennonite Central Committee
11. Water Missions International

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Haiti Needs Your Immediate Help – Now!

A massive, 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, January 12th. The damage to buildings is extensive and the number of injured or dead is estimated to be in the hundreds, even thousands.

Daily Jesus is asking our entire family to help with the immediate and long-term Earthquake Disaster Relief now underway in devastated country.  Please prayerfully consider what you can do to help those who need immediate basic food and water, medical attention, and other survival needs.

4 Practical Ways To Help Now

1.   Just Send A Text – For those interesting in helping immediately, simply text “HAITI” to “90999″ and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill.

2.  Red Cross – International Response Fund

The American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help with the recent Earthquake in Haiti.

3.  World Vision – Haiti Earthquake Relief

4.  Northwest Haiti Christian Mission – An on the ground Christ-centered missions organization in Port-au-Prince ready to receive money to give it directly to those in need.  They are literally on the frontlines in the Capital city.  Donate Now!

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Patrick Fung, president of Overseas Mission Fellowship (OMF), is interviewed by Urbana 09’s emcee. Greg Jao. He calls the church to humble service to God.

Interview with Patrick Fung from Urbana 09 on Vimeo.

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We want to invite and encourage our Daily Jesus Family to feel free to post a prayer concern or a praise as a comment below this post.  It is our desire for our growing Daily Jesus Family to minister to one another through the power of prayer.

We do ask that if you post a prayer not to give ‘detailed personal information’ about yourself.  We also would simply ask that you would prayer for the other requests that are posted here as well.

Please feel free during the week to give us all an update in regards to your prayer request that was posted.  Also please feel free to write out a prayer for someone that posted a request.

Let’s pray for the body of Christ online together.

We look forward to praying with you in the days ahead.

Free Daily Jesus Gift To You – Till He Comes by Charles Spurgeon – Download Now!

Leave Your Prayer Concern or Praise in the comment section below!

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RUSSIA — Pastors Fined for Worship — Forum 18 News

Recently, two Baptist pastors in Russia’s Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad were fined 2,200 rubles (US $75) after their church members “sang psalms and spoke about Christ” on the street, according to Forum 18 News Service. Kaliningrad police told Forum 18 News that the pastors did not get permission in advance to sing, as required by law. Asked why permission is necessary, a police official replied, “That’s the law in Russia!” Aleksandr Legotin, one of the two Baptist pastors, insisted that the Baptists held a religious service and not a demonstration, so the legal requirement to notify the authorities in advance should not have applied. “We follow the law very carefully,” he told Forum 18 News. “And under the Universal Declaration [of Human Rights], we have the right to freedom of conscience. The law should be … protecting us from such arbitrariness.” At last report, the pastors had not decided whether they would appeal the fine. The Voice of the Martyrs encourages you to pray for believers in Kaliningrad and other countries in Europe where their freedom to worship freely is coming under attack. Ask God to encourage and protect them.

Romans 8:34–36

PHILIPPINES — Elderly Priest Kidnapped in the Philippines

On Oct. 10, Father Michael Sinnott, a 79-year-old priest from Ireland, was abducted by six armed men while he was conducting prayers at his home in the city of Pagadian, near Zamboanga (Mindanao), Philippines, according to VOM Canada. No one has taken responsibility, but the Islamic extremist group Moro Islamic Liberation Front is suspected in the kidnapping. Father Sinnott is known to have health problems, which increases concern about his well-being. According to reports, Filipino military informants spotted the religious leader and his captors on Oct. 12 in Lanao del Sur province, about 70 kilometers from where he was abducted, and again in another location the following day. Father Sinnott has been serving in the Philippines for the past 40 years. Pray that Father Sinnott’s captors will release him unharmed, and pray for his health during this time of trial.

Psalm 91:1–6

IRAN — UPDATE: Further Charges Brought Against Iranian Prisoners

On Oct. 7, Maryam and Marzieh were unexpectedly taken back to court, where they faced charges of anti-state activity, propagation of Christianity and apostasy. The judge acquitted them of the charge of anti-state activity, and the other charges will be considered by a general court. Continue to pray for Maryam and Marzieh, who remain in prison awaiting their next hearing. Pray for their health, as they have been denied proper medical treatment.

Romans 8:34–36

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On Oct. 7, Sandul Bibi and her father, Gulsher Masih, appeared in court in Faisalabad, Pakistan, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The investigating officer in their case, Anayat Ullah Rahmani, did not appear in court. As a result, the judge set another court date for Oct. 17. Sandul and Gulsher have been in prison for more than six months on false blasphemy charges. Pray that Gulsher and Sandul will be released from prison. Praise God for their faithfulness and witness in prison, and ask God to strengthen their family.

2 Timothy 3:10–12

SOMALIA—Christian Leader Killed—Compass Direct News

On Sept. 28, an Islamic extremist shot and killed Mariam Muhina Hussein, an underground church leader, after discovering six Bibles in her possession, according to Compass Direct News.
The day before the shooting, a leader of the Islamic extremist group al Shabaab reportedly sent his wife to visit Hussein’s home in Marerey village. She pretended she was interested in learning about Christianity. During the visit, Hussein read passages of the Bible and told the woman that she could visit regularly to discuss God’s Word, according to Compass. The following day, the al Shabaab leader, identified as Sheikh Arbow, went to Hussein’s house with several other men and requested a Bible. When Hussein gave one to him, he revealed that he was looking for “Christians who have defiled the Islamic religion” and ordered her to show him the other Bibles that she owned. When she handed them over, Arbow shot her three times, killing her instantly. In recent weeks, several Christians in Somalia have been killed because of their faith in Christ. The Voice of the Martyrs rejoices in the life of Mariam Muhina Hussein. Praise God for her faithfulness. VOM encourages you to pray that those who mourn for her will draw near to Christ for comfort. Pray that God will grant Somali Christians encouragement and strength as they face trials for their Christian witness. Also pray that God will draw persecutors into fellowship with him.

Matthew 5:43–48

INDIA—Pastor Attacked

On Oct. 4, Pastor Prakash was attacked by 25 Bajrang Dal extremists while he was ministering in Kaiwara village, Bangalore Rural District, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. The extremists assaulted the pastor and accused him of cheating people. After the attack, the pastor was questioned and held on complaints of “illegal activity.” Fortunately, other believers provided evidence that the pastor had not broken any laws but had visited their homes for prayer. At last report he was still in custody. Pastor Prakash has been in ministry for more than 10 years and pastors a church of 80 members. Recently, he had expanded his ministry to Kaiwara village, where 15 believers had been meeting for prayer on Sundays evenings. The Voice of the Martyrs actively supports persecuted believers by providing legal assistance to Christians like Pastor Prakash who have been arrested for their faith. VOM encourages you to pray for Pastor Prakash’s immediate release. Pray for the safety of his family and other believers in the area.

Revelation 2:10

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Each week we ask the family of Daily Jesus to lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ around the globe being persecuted for their faith and work in the Lord.

INDIA – Church Damaged in Attack

On Sept. 9, St. Francis De Sales Church in Bangalore, India, was attacked by more than 15 Hindu extremists, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Extremists armed with weapons broke into the church, damaged window panes and statues inside the church. A house behind the church was damaged. The church has about 3,000 members who attend services conducted in different languages such as Tamil, Malayalam and English. Following the attack, the church priests, Father Aloysius and Father Selvaraj, filed a complaint with the police. The Voice of the Martyrs supports and assists persecuted believers in India. VOM ministers to persecuted believers by providing emergency medical treatment and ministry resources like motorbikes for pastors. Ask God to encourage the leaders and members of this church. Ask God to protect and encourage Christians in India as they share the Good News of Jesus.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

PAKISTAN – Teenager Abducted by Muslims

On Sept. 16, The Voice of the Martyrs received reports that Sidra, a Christian teenage girl, was abducted by Muslims in Pakistan. The Voice of the Martyrs contacts reported she was with family members when 16 Muslims isolated her and her brother, and then beat him badly and abducted her. Sidra’s father and mother are frantic and are requesting prayer for their daughter’s safe return. This is the second time Sidra has been abducted by Muslims. In February 2008, she was abducted while getting ready for school and was held in captivity for eight months. While being held Sidra was violated and Muslims attempted to force her to deny Christ, but she refused. Recently the family was holding prayer meetings in their neighborhood and praying for Muslims in their home. They believe this upset local Muslims and led to the abduction.

Psalm 91:1-5

CHINA – Believers Assaulted, Church Destroyed – China Aid Association

On Sept. 13, a mob of more than 400 people, including Chinese officials, barged into the Good News Cloth Shoes Factory on the site of the Fushan Church building in Linfin City, Shanxi province, according to China Aid Association. The officials used two construction vehicles to tear the building’s foundation and also attacked church members who were sleeping on the site. Believers were assaulted with bricks and other blunt objects. The attackers smashed windows, doors and appliances, and looted church members’ money, cell phones, clothes and books. They also stole the factory’s business license. At least ten church members were severely injured in the violence. Several were taken to the emergency room for treatment. However, the hospital was told by unidentified authorities to withhold medical treatment, including blood transfusions, from the injured church members. The factory’s electricity, water supply and telephone have been terminated and guards have been placed on-site to monitor the supply lines. The Voice of the Martyrs has supported persecuted believers in China for more than 30 years. Pray that the Lord will strengthen members of the Fushan Church in their hearts, minds and bodies as they face opposition for their faith. Pray that they will demonstrate Christ’s love and compassion to their persecutors.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-5

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Prayer For The Nations

2 Kings 22:13

Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

This week See You At The Pole is a time when millions of students across the United States will gather around the flag pole at their school to pray for their country.

I want to take this time during our Daily Jesus Prayer Wall to lift up and pray for our nations and leaders.  One prayer that I will pray this week can be found in 2 Kings 22:13 and simply pray that Lord, bring our nations and our leaders to conviction, to repent and to desire to obey the words found in God’s Word, The Holy Bible.

I want to ask that Daily Jesus Family and guests to please below write out your prayer for the area and country that you live and may we lift up the nations in prayer this week along with our leaders.

Will you take a moment to pray for your country and leaders, we ask that you would share that prayer with us and let us know which country you are from.

Thank You – Daily Jesus Team

We look forward to praying with you in the days ahead.

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MIDDLE EAST – Pray for Muslims – VOM Sources

On Sept. 1, The Voice of the Martyrs received a letter from the wife of one of many Christians being held in prison in an Islamic country. In her letter, she shared how her 3-year-old daughter struggles with her husband’s imprisonment and asked for continued prayers. The letter highlights the challenges Christian families are facing in Islamic countries. Many believers are being held in prisons because they refuse to recant their faith. VOM encourages you to pray for this family and many others who are asking God for their loved ones’ release. Pray for the children who do not understand where their parents are. Ask God to comfort them with the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:4-6

UZBEKISTAN – Believers Arrested – Forum 18 News

On Aug. 23, seven church members belonging to the registered Donam Protestant church were arrested and Christian literature confiscated when more than 20 police officers raided a church service in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, according to Forum 18 News. Members of the Anti-Terror Police claimed the service was “unauthorized” and although three men were released on the same day, four, including the pastor, Vladimir Tyo, were sentenced to 15 days in prison. They have been charged with “violation of the procedure for organizing and conducting meetings.” The judge ordered the confiscated literature be destroyed. This is the latest of many raids on both registered and unregistered religious communities in Uzbekistan. The Voice of the Martyrs supports persecuted believers in Uzbekistan by encouraging them and providing resources to courageous believers. VOM encourages you to pray for the imprisoned believers and their families. Ask God to protect and encourage them and other believers living under heavy scrutiny from the government.

James 1:2-4

INDIA – Hindus Falsely Accuse Christians of Murder – Compass Direct News

Hindus in Madhya Pradesh have accused Pastor Kamlesh Tahed and three other Christians of murdering a young man who was killed in a fight between two locals, according to Compass Direct News. On Aug. 8, Roop Singh Baria was killed during violence between the Baria and Tahed clans regarding 1,000 rupees (US $20), which had been borrowed by one of the Tahed family members. When members of the Baria clan filed a report with the police about the incident, they implicated Pastor Tahed, Kasna Tahed, and two other believers, Ramesh Tahed and Vasna Tahed, in the murder. The four men and other locals insist that the Christians were not present when the murder took place. Commenting on the situation, Pastor Tahed said, “I once was one of them, but in the 20 years since I became a Christian, they have been dragging me into false cases and hate me for my work of evangelism.” In 2001, Pastor Tahed was jailed for 20 days on false charges of “forcible conversion“ and released only after a costly court battle to prove his innocence. At last report, he was in hiding and the three other accused believers were in police custody. Pray that the truth will come out in this situation and that true justice will reign. Pray for strength of faith for the accused Christians. Ask God to protect and encourage Christians in India as they share the Good News of Jesus.

Amos 5:24

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• GABBUR VILLAGE – On Aug. 9, Hindu extremists barged into a worship service in Gabbur village and assaulted Pastor James dragging him out of the building. He escaped the attackers and filed a report with police. Later that night, the extremists attacked Pastor James again at his home and chased his family out of the village. At last report the family has not returned to their home.
• ANNIGERE VILLAGE – On Aug. 11, 80 Christians were attacked by Hindu extremists while attending a training camp for teachers. Extremists accused the Christians of being involved in forcible conversion. They confiscated cell phones, Bibles and assaulted the pastors. One pastor escaped and sought help from the police. Police arrived on the scene but, according to media reports, they watched as Bibles were collected and burned. Eight pastors were arrested later and charged with unlawful assembly, rioting, criminal conspiracy and “acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religion or religious beliefs.” The names and addresses of the other Christians were recorded by police before they were sent home. The detained pastors were released on bail on Aug. 18.
• PADMANABHANAGAR VILLAGE – On Aug. 16, Pastor John Quadros was attacked and harassed by Hindu extremists while visiting a home to pray for a sick believer. The pastor was accused of forcible conversion, questioned and told to inform officials of any future prayer activities. The extremists threatened to attack him if they heard of further prayer meetings.

Pray that increased persecution in India will result in increased boldness among Christians. Ask God to work in the hearts and lives of Hindu extremists so that they will turn to Him. Pray believers will remain faithful and courageous.

Acts 4:29-31

CHINA – Chinese church banned, Christians arrested – China Aid Association

On Aug. 13, Li Guangren and Zheng Xincai, two members of the Laojie Christian Church in Henan province were arrested two days after authorities officially banned their church for a second time, according to China Aid Association. The Bureau of Religious and Ethnic Affairs in Xiayi County officially banned the Laojie Christian Church, declaring it “an illegal site for religious activities.” An earlier statement abolishing the church had been issued on June 27. The church’s ban follows a recent proposal made to them by the Village Party Committee of Sangdong to exchange their church property for another only half the size. When the Christians asked for a more equitable replacement, the committee threatened to demolish the church building. Ask God to protect and sustain Guangren and Xincai during their detention. Pray for courage for Chinese believers as they continue to serve the Lord despite harassment and arrest.

Psalm 5:10-12

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