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It's
that strange time of year when the spooky things of halloween are on shelves in
shops along with the warm 'feel-good' Christmas stuff... what an odd
mixture. One festival to celebrate death and evil, followed by
Christmas to celebrate new life in Christ. No wonder people take
neither seriously!
The
story here of Bounthai is an incredible one. It shows how there
are powers at work that only God can overcome.
Julie
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Bounthai lives in Laos. He used to be a Buddhist medium.
His father had been one, too, and Bounthai was chosen to inherit
'the power'. Consulting clairvoyants is quite a common practice among
Buddhists. When asked what he got out of being a medium, Bounthai
used to answer, rather mysteriously, "The spirit showed me the
power." But he knew this power to be controlling and destructive.
Though others knew him as a powerful medium, he knew his strength
really came from a place of evil.
'What God is this?'
One day, his two-year old son, who had been attending
church, came home saying "Amen! Amen!" Bounthai was
puzzled. "What kind of God is this?" he asked. But even when
his wife received Christ, Bounthai did not see the need to believe for
himself. Instead, he remained sceptical and distant.
Borrowed book
But he began to find himself mysteriously drawn to the
book his wife had borrowed from church. What he found in it seemed
strange to him, but he understood straightaway that Buddha could not
help him. One sleepless night, Bounthai picked up the Bible again.
After reading it some more, he put it down and announced to his
wife that next Sunday they would all go to church-- as a
family!.
On returning home after the service, Bounthai threw out every idol
in the house. After 40 years of idol worship and many years of
practising as a medium, Bounthai has found a new freedom in Christ. He
knows that the Bible speaks to him and is the truth that sets him free.
As he animatedly describes his life as a Christian, his joy is
infectious. These days, he can be found leading Bible study and sharing
the good news with those around him. Bounthai now knows a
different power in his life - the power of God.
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Stand firm in GOD'S power
Have a look at the amazing 'armour' that God equips
us with to help us stand firm against attack.
Lots of things come our way in
life that make us feel like we are battling & struggling, but the
most important battles we will fight are spiritual battles.
No-one knows more than Bounthai
of the Spiritual battles that are raging in this world. Not all
spiritual battles are as big as that though. Attack can come in lots of
niggly little ways too. Trust God, stand firm with the full
armour on and He will strengthen you.
Look up the passage and see
what images are used for the following...
3. readiness of the gospel
What a suit of armour! It
protects your whole being.
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