Day 4

 
ABANDONED DEVOTION:

Creative Praise:

In response to the following Scripture, sing a song of praise to Jesus, draw Him a picture, or write Him a poem.  

Praise the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as Peter did, that “in His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” … and that in this inheritance you can rejoice “though now for a little while you have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” (1 Peter 1:3-8)

3-Stage Bible Study:  Read the Q—Analyze the Verse—Write Your Response

What are some things you can do when waiting on God?[i]

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:19)

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2)

Prayer Journal Questions: Listen to the Lord as you meditate on the following verses. 

What are sins that God is showing you that need to be confessed in your life and in your generation? 

“You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart — These, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:16-17)

What are ways you can pray for and pursue revival on your campus?

“And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple,” (Malachi 3:1) 

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind.” (Acts 2:2)

GLOBAL PROCLAMATION:

Forgotten People Group: The Central Khmer of Cambodia

The Central Khmer inhabit the western and central portions of Cambodia, and make up 90% of the country’s total population. The Central Khmer speak an Eastern Mon-Khmer language called Khmer, or Cambodian. It is the national language of Cambodia.

The Khmer Empire, which flourished between the ninth and thirteenth centuries, encompassed present-day Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and southern Vietnam. Its power declined after being conquered by the Thai and the Vietnamese.

In 1969, Cambodia suffered bombings by the U.S. and invasions by the Vietnamese; events that threw the country into turmoil. In addition, a civil war broke out between the Cambodian government and Communist rebels known as the Khmer Rouge. Possibly three million Central Khmer died between 1975 and 1979, while the Khmer Rouge ruled. Since then, peace talks with the Khmer Rouge have failed, coups continue, and the Central Khmer still live in fear.

What Are Their Beliefs?
The former Khmer Empire was influenced by India, from which it adopted Hinduism and Buddhism. Today, 94% of the Central Khmer are Buddhist, although relics of ethnic religions such as ancestor worship (praying to deceased ancestors) and spirit worship are very important to them.

The Buddhist Khmer also seek the middle path to nirvana, or ultimate peace through gaining merit in this life. Merit may be gained through supporting the construction of Buddhist temples, giving food to monks, and studying in the monastery.

What Are Their Needs?
Although the Bible and other Christian resources are available to the Central Khmer, less than 1% of their population has turned to Christ. They remain a war-torn people in need of true, inner peace. Prayer is the key to reaching them with the Gospel.

Prayer Points

• Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to go to Cambodia and share Christ with the Central Khmer.
• Pray that God will grant wisdom and favor to the missions agencies that are currently working among the Central Khmer.
• Ask the Lord to begin revealing Himself to these precious people through dreams and visions.
• Pray that God will encourage and protect the Central Khmer who have accepted Jesus.
• Ask God to use these new converts to reach out and share the love of Christ with their own people.
• Take authority over the spiritual principalities and powers that are keeping the Khmer bound.

Promise from Scripture:

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10

Generational Barrier:

A Persevering and Patient Demeanor – We like things quick today. We want them done yesterday. In the midst of this God is seeking to teach His people patience and committed perseverance in ministry over the long haul, without giving up. Ask God to consume young hearts with a vision of their lives marked with patient perseverance as we wait upon God. This is not an idle waiting but an active and proactive “waiting” as we are faithful with what God has revealed to us.

Prayer Journaling Response:

Take a few moments to record thoughts, prayers, and any insight. Also, it is often helpful to record how the Lord led in prayer – Scriptures, mental pictures, or a word or thought. Practice not only praying but also listening to the Lord. As we understand how the Lord is leading us, we can more quickly tune into the Lord’s voice when we have major decisions facing us or in times when the Lord feels far from us.