Tensions between US and N. Korea

I have never heard the war drums beat so loudly as now. In times past, when the U S wanted to display a show of force, one carrier battle group would have been sufficient to get our point across. In the last few days, the United States has convened 3 carrier battle groups off the shores of North Korea. It seems that something is about to go down.

I just read today that the White House has summoned all 100 senators for a White House briefing regarding North Korea. To the best of my knowledge, this has never been done previously. The question occurs to me is why the House was not invited. But nonetheless, something is about to go down. And I sense it is not going to be good.

Supposedly the concern is over North Korea's nuclear development. But whatever the reason may be. The implications of a US confrontation with China and Russia are not out of the picture. I always thought that such a confrontation would come in a place like Syria. I never thought it would be the likes of North Korea. But wherever the geographical location, the confrontation with both superpowers is certainly not good. Particularly when such a confrontation could go nuclear.

But this thought just came to me today. There is a thriving believing group of Christians in North Korea today. Thinking with the mind of Christ, this thought came to me. Could it be that Satan is bringing about this confrontation to destroy the church of North Korea? The history of the North Korean Church has shown yet the enemy hates the followers of Jesus Christ. Through the Japanese and Chinese invasions of North Korea, he has attempted to destroy the believing church there. Through the Kim family and their oppressive policies he has attempted to destroy the church. Is it possible that the enemy is trying to provoke a nuclear confrontation with North Korea to destroy the evangelical believers in that nation and possibly South Korea? Again, this is conjecture on my part.

In the early the early 1900's, a revival took place in Pyongyang. The Holy Spirit fell and many souls were saved. Satan did not like this and counter attacked by the Japanese invasions. And North Korea has continually been assaulted by the enemy against a church that is seeking to grow there.

The North Korean Church has endured. And Jesus will continue to build His church. But let us be in prayer for our brothers and sisters in North and South Korea. Let us also pray that cool heads will prevail and if possible, an armed conflict can be avoided. However, I am aware that Jesus did say that any on time there would be wars and rumors of wars. But then there are some who pray, always Lord Jesus nothing before its intended time.

Brothers and sisters. The end of all things is near. Let us be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

Bro Blaine

In speaking with a sister another thought came regarding the confrontation, between the US and North Korea? Could it be that God might use such a confrontation to free the North Korean brothers and sisters and distribute them throughout the world?

This would certainly be the more optimistic view to take. But at this point I must rest in the fact that Gid us in control in this. And whatever occurs with North Korea will occur because He is directing these events. Ultimately for His glory and eternal purposes.

Bro Blaine

Indeed, brother.. There been brethren who have had visions of a Russian and/or Chinese invasion of America. Whether the tensions in North Korea will give rise to such visions remains to be seen.

But I do agree that the judgments of the Lord are right and true. At this point, I just find myself praying Lord Jesus your will be done in North Korea and America as it is in heaven.

Bro Blaine

Amidst the clamor of the war drums it is easy to forget that there is a persecuted church in N. Korea. Open Doors ranks North Korea as #1 on its World Watch List of persecuted nations.

North Korea is not merely a communist dictatorship but a personality cult. The Kim family demands worship. Portraits of the kim family must be displayed in a correct order in family homes. Failure to do so will land 3 generations of one's family in a death camp. The Kim family believes that they are gods. Thus, they expect to be worshipped as gods.

For Christians, following Christ is not easy in North Korea. if one is found possessing a Bible or praying or if a secret fellowship is found, martyrdom would be the most merciful thing. As a slow death would come from a North Korean death camp.

But Jesus has promised that he would build his church and the gates of hell itself would not prevail against it. For many decades, God has had a remnant in North Korea. These saints in the shadow of the cross endure much for Christ.

Let us always remember the persecuted in our prayers. Certainly let us remember our brothers and sisters in North Korea and keep them in our prayers.

Bro Blaine

Link to BBC article. Looks like the sabre rattling is getting more intense.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39720696

Bro Blaine

I just listened to the 5:30 news. 100 senators were called the White House for a classified briefing regarding North Korea. The House received a classified briefing on the hill.

Though classified some of the Senators spoke to the media, saying that the danger is real regarding North Korea's nuclear weapons. A wide range of options were discussed beginning with diplomacy first. But reserving the right to military action. Should that become necessary.

Of course, there had to be the photo op of the Senators. This suggested by Mitch McConnell, the Senate leader. I can't help but get a little cynical here. The world is looking at the possibilities of nuclear Armageddon. And Mitch McConnell is more concerned about how pretty the Senators look in front of the cameras. One wonders

North Korea has said it is prepared to go to the edge should an armed conflict with the United States arise. Observers take this to mean that North Korea will be prepared to use nuclear weapons.

Again, at the risk of being a little cynical. If mushroom clouds are going up in the sky. Will Mitch McConnell be going to the Senate restroom to see how pretty he looks for a photo op?

In my observation, I do not believe the US Senate nor the Presudent nor the House of Representatives understand the seriousness of the situation that the United States finds itself in. We may very well be on a verge of a nuclear armed conflict. And senators are more concerned about how pretty they look for a photo op.

But again this is a serious situation which requires us to be in prayer and intercession.

Simply, my thoughts on a sobering situation.

Bro Blaine

No, I am not concerned about North Korea striking the US with a missile. I am concerned about the blow back (no pun intended) the US will receive should we decide to take on North Korea militarily.

I believe we're looking at a situation which can very easily spiral out of control. And the US may find itself, not only in a confrontation with North Korea, but possibly with China or Russia.

But again. These are only my thoughts. The situation could very easily change on the blink of an eye.

But I'm reminding us that prayer is definitely needed for this situation.

Bro Blaine

///Are you concerned about n Korea striking the US with a missile?///

The answer to that question is 'no'. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 24:6,

...You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for these things must take place, but that is not yet the end...

My concern should not be mistaken for fear. If anything, I take comfort in the fact of knowing that these things have not taken God by surprise. And that whatever does occur in the North Korean situation will occur because God has directed it for his purposes and glory. In the context of the above verse God will direct the situation in North Korea to bring about the soon return of Jesus Christ.

But I find myself being concerned about those who do not know Jesus Christ. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, those men that Dawson Trotman had discipled in the ministry that we now know as the Navigators found great encouragement to go out and share the gospel with other servicemen who did not know Jesus.

We have men and women serving on aircraft carriers and destroyers out in the North Korean waters. Many of them, perhaps all of them do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Should a missile strike one of those vessels, many of them will probably slip into a Christless eternity.

And then there are those in North Korea, who do not know Christ. If we start dropping the the mother of all bombs on the North Korean Peninsula. Then, for sure we are going to send souls into hell.

If anything, I find myself praying that the gospel will surely go out among our service personnel, but also among the North Koreans that they will come into a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

But I remind us again that there is also a persecuted church in North Korea. They do have the hope of Jesus. But whatever armed conflict does occur between the United States and North Korea, it will surely impact our brothers and sisters in Christ.

But then I take comfort in the fact that God is in control and that all things are being orchestrated, according to His plan.

Please do not mistake my concern for fear. I lead a global prayer conference call where we pray for the persecuted church in different parts of the world. That includes the church in North Korea. Because I am concerned about this area does not mean that I am frightened about what North Korea will do to the United States. Any blow back that may come from our military action in North Korea may be in the form of a judgment against our nation.

But again, my concern is not to be mistaken for fear.

Again, I urge us to be in prayer for this situation, not only in North Korea but around the world. For surely, each day draws us closer as we look up and see that our redemption is drawing near. Let us cry out for the redemption of souls this day. That they too, will find the hope that only Jesus can give them.

Because of the hope that is found in Jesus.

Bro Blaine

Dear Intercessors,

You are invited to join us on Thursday April 27 in a prayer call for the persecuted church.

Time: 9:00 PM EST

          8:00 PM CST+     

          7:00 PM MST

          6:00 PM PST

Call in number: 712 775-7035      

               Code: 281207#

We again will pray for North Korea

North Korea

population:  24,4 million, Christian 200-400.000

WASHINGTON ”” Behind the Trump administration’s sudden urgency in dealing with the North Korean nuclear crisis lies a stark calculus: a growing body of expert studies and classified intelligence reports that conclude the country is capable of producing a nuclear bomb every six or seven weeks.

That acceleration in pace ”” impossible to verify until experts get beyond the limited access to North Korean facilities that ended years ago ”” explains why President Trump and his aides fear they are running out of time. For years, American presidents decided that each incremental improvement in the North’s program ”” another nuclear test, a new variant of a missile ”” was worrisome, but not worth a confrontation that could spill into open conflict.

Now those step-by-step advances have resulted in North Korean warheads that in a few years could reach Seattle. "They’ve learned a lot,” said Siegfried S. Hecker, a Stanford professor who directed the Los Alamos weapons laboratory in New Mexico, the birthplace of the atomic bomb, from 1986 to 1997, and whom the North Koreans have let into their facilities seven times.

North Korea has one ally ”“ China -who provides economic help to Northe Korea. The key to reign in Kim Jong Un is the Chinese premier Xi Jinping.
 
Pray that the Lord will guide our president Trump on how to proceed with North Korea.

Pray that the” grave concerns” that L. Kang, of the Chinese Foreign Office has regarding the actions of North Korea will lead to corrective measure.

Pray that Chinese president XI understands the situation clearly, that he now has neess to reign in the rogue state.

Pray that the Lord will send His spirit on the opposing parties and guide them to a amicable solution.

Pray that The Lord will hold his hand of protection over the neighboring countries, such as, but not limited to Japan and South Korea. Bind the forces of darkness that no harm can come to them.

Raise up a powerful internal opposition in the North Korean military to Kim Yong Un.

Lord we pray that the leaders will not trust on their own understanding but tust in You only.

Lord we pray for deliverance from the blackmail of nuclear threats from North Korea.

Lord we pray that You humble the North Korean leader Kim Yong Un and his team, that you turn what the mean for evil to good.

Lord we lift up all this to You, the soverign ruler of the universe and humbly ask that You take control, as we know without You we can do bothing and we know if you are with us, who can be against us.

Blessings,

Andy