I read an important book last week called “A House in the Sky”.  It’s the true story of Canadian Amanda Lindhout and Australian Nigel Brennan who were kidnapped in Somalia while on assignment as photojournalists. They were both held captive and tortured physically and psychologically for 460 days.

What compels someone to kidnap another human being and then rape them, starve them, beat them, torture them and terrorize them?

I mention this book because I believe Amanda was very courageous in sharing the horrifying details of her time in captivity.  Amanda’s book “A House in the Sky” is a testimony of courage and forgiveness. Through the grace of God, she has chosen to forgive her Muslim kidnappers and she has also tried to have compassion on them. This book is heart breaking because no human being should have to endure what Amanda and Nigel did!

It is God’s will that we love and respect one another NOT hurt, terrorize and kill one another!  The day will come when all crimes will be avenged by God. “For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” Hebrews 10:30

Let no one be deceived, God will not turn a blind eye to the violence that continues to grow in the world. The devil wants people to use violence to accomplish their goals but God DOES NOT!  These are the Words of God: “The Lord tests the righteous,
 but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.” Psalm 11:5

Let’s pray for people all over the world who are being oppressed, whose human rights are being denied and who are victims of violence and terror. Let us pray also for those who oppress, who violate, who rape, who torture and kill, may Our Holy Lord have mercy on them, convert them and put them on a pathway of peace and justice where all people will be treated with kindness, justice and respect.

Jesus said, “Put your sword back in its place, for all who live by the sword will die by the sword.” Matthew 26:52

Jesus, Our Saviour, true God and true Man, has created a place in heaven for each soul that is ready to repent and embrace His Gospel of love and peace, mercy and forgiveness. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7

Let’s strive to live as Our Lord Jesus taught us: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

There is a “house in the sky”, it is God’s house and the only way to get there is to “turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” 1 Peter 3:11

I encourage you to say a prayer today for all who are oppressed in the world. Say a prayer too for those who are oppressing them. May the mercy and infinite compassion of Our Lord Jesus bring forth many spiritual conversions so we can one day unite in God’s house in the sky in Paradise!

Every day at 3pm (in your local time zone) take a moment to stop and pray for the mercy of Our Lord Jesus upon all souls.  Three o’clock is the time Jesus died for us on the Cross.  At this time meditate on the Passion of Christ.  Jesus suffered so much for us so that we could live in peace.  We can destroy the power of evil in the world, if we pray and embrace God’s message of love!

Meet you at the foot of the Cross, my fellow Christians, every day at 3pm as we pray for all souls that we may be one, united by the love, compassion, mercy annd justice of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

May the peace of Our Lord Jesus be with you today and always!