Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Psalm 111 - Rosebud Day 10

Lakota Christians face special pressures. There are many Indians, wounded by White destruction of their culture, who have turned to irreligion or traditional spirits and are overtly hostile to those who embrace the Gospel ("the White man's God").

A couple of examples:
  • A girl on one of the reservations gratefully received a Bible from a missionary team, but also told them, "I am going to have my friend keep it at her house. People will be angry if I bring it home."
  • A prison minister was approached by an Indian inmate who said, "I am a Christian, but the others here from my tribe want me to participate in the traditional ceremonies."

I found these touching words at the White Eagle Christian Academy site:

...please pray that our school will continue to grow, to thrive, and to become not a sheltered oasis but a veritable force of God...

Psalm 111 rejoices in the gathering of the faithful, but also in the blessing and truth that come only with obedience to God's Covenant. Let us pray that Christian Indians will have both the joyful shelter of their church gatherings and the "open door" to bring the New Covenant through opposition, to do a great work on the Rosebud (I Corinthians 16:9). Jesus, we ask in your Name!

Psalm 111 (NLT)

1 Praise the Lord!
I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people.

2 How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them.

3 Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails.

4 He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord!

5 He gives food to those who fear him; he always remembers his covenant.

6 He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations.

7 All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy.

8 They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.

9 He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!

10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!

1 comment:

TLF+ said...

Ouch - just noticed verse 6 again... that's a kind of verse that causes real discomfort among Indians. Too close to "Manifest Destiny" and the destruction of their culture. Please have this in mind as you pray. It presents a real stumbling block.