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I was reminded of this song last week. It was sung by the Imperials and I was taken back to my college days once again. The music, the lyrics, the truth. It seems these words are appropriate today.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Christianity has always been disliked. From the beginning, persecution seemed to follow believers of Christ. And it hasn\u2019t changed. Why? Because the father of lies still roams this earth \u201clike a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.\u201d<\/em> (1 Peter 5:8 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But for those of us who believe the Father of Light, the God of creation, the Savior of the world, we too have a promise to hold to. \u201cFor the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.\u201d<\/em> (1 Peter 3:12 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I spoke with a few persecuted Christians in SE Asia a few years ago. Their faith was remarkable. Their joy was amazing. Their praise was continuous. What an encouragement they were to me. An American Christian who has never been oppressed for my faith. So why is it that my faith and joy and praise seem to diminish in light of my little world?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I believe my prayer today must be for Jesus to \u201cincrease my faith!\u201d <\/em>(Luke 17:5)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I don\u2019t know how or when the horrors in Iraq will end. But I would encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ that the Lord\u2019s eyes are upon them. His ears hear their prayers and the multitude of prayers being lifted on their behalf by believers around the world. Be strong and courageous, the Lord is on your side and He is with you in every situation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Perhaps it seems odd that the music I\u2019ve chosen today speaks of praising God when we face difficult situations, but when our faith is consistent through the good times and bad times, we really are able to praise God in all circumstances.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPraise the Lord\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When you’re up against a struggle that shatters all your dreams Now Satan is a liar and he wants to make us think, that we are paupers (Chorus)[i]<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n To listen to the Imperials version of this song, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Donna<\/p>\n![\"?\"](\"https:\/\/fullmeasureofjoy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/zoo2.jpg\")
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\nAnd your hopes have been cruelly crushed by Satan’s manifested schemes
\nAnd you feel the urge within you to submit to earthly fears
\nDon’t let the faith you’re standing in, seem to disappear
\nChorus:
\nPraise the Lord, He can work through those who praise Him
\nPraise the Lord, for our God inhabits praise
\nPraise the Lord, for the chains that seems to bind you
\nServe only to remind you that they drop powerless behind you
\nWhen you praise Him<\/p>\n
\nWhen he knows himself we’re children of the King
\nSo lift up the mighty shield of faith for the battle must be won
\nWe know that Jesus Christ has risen so the work’s already done<\/p>\n