Day 169: Extreme Security - Extreme Devotion

Summary4 min read

Extreme Devotion: Day 169 – Extreme Security

Podcast Information:

Title: Extreme Devotion
Host/Author: The Voice of The Martyrs
Description: The Voice of the Martyrs Extreme Devotion
Episode: Day 169: Extreme Security
Release Date: June 18, 2025

Introduction: Standing Firm in Faith

In Day 169 of Extreme Devotion, titled "Extreme Security," The Voice of the Martyrs delves into the harrowing experiences of Ahmed, an Egyptian Christian facing intense persecution for his unwavering faith. The episode opens with a biblical foundation, drawing from James 3:18: "Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness." This scripture sets the tone for Ahmed's profound commitment to his beliefs amidst adversity.

Ahmed’s Unwavering Faith Under Duress

Ahmed's steadfastness is a central theme throughout the episode. Despite repeated interrogations and the threat of imprisonment, he remains resolute in his mission to share the Gospel.

Resistance to Compromise: Ahmed faces questioning from Egyptian security officers who demand that he cease his missionary activities. At [00:45], he asserts, "The security of my children does not come from me; it comes from God." This declaration underscores his reliance on divine protection over personal safety.
Refusal to Betray Fellow Believers: When pressed to divulge information about other Christians and their activities, Ahmed remains silent. He explains later, "I would not be a traitor to the body of Christ" ([05:30]). His refusal to cooperate exemplifies his deep loyalty and integrity.
Confrontation with Turkish Authorities: In a separate incident in Turkey, Ahmed is apprehended for carrying Christian literature. Faced with threats of incarceration, he responds with conviction: "Jesus doesn't tell us to cause trouble for governments; He wants us to witness about His love and forgiveness" ([12:15]). This response highlights Ahmed's commitment to peaceful evangelism, even in hostile environments.

Christians as Peacemakers, Not Troublemakers

A significant portion of the episode contrasts societal perceptions of Christians with their true calling as depicted in Scripture.

Everyday Peacemakers: The host describes common offenders as "troublemakers"—such as disruptive children, bullying students, and malicious office gossips. In contrast, Christians are called to embody peace and reconciliation.
Spiritual Warfare: While Christians are peacemakers in society, there is a recognized exception in their role as spiritual warriors. The episode emphasizes that believers must also be "troublemakers to Satan and his schemes" ([20:50]). This duality underscores the necessity of combating evil while maintaining positive relationships in the world.

The Power of Prayer in Spiritual Battles

Prayer emerges as the most potent tool for Christians to counteract evil and support persecuted brethren.

Disrupting Satan’s Plans: The host encourages listeners to engage in strategic prayer, asking, "How often do your prayers disrupt Satan's work? Get busy today by praying in Jesus' name against your adversary's plans" ([25:10]). This call to action highlights prayer as an active and essential component of spiritual warfare.
Supporting Persecuted Christians: The episode urges the audience to pray daily for specific needs of persecuted Christians. This continual support is portrayed as crucial for sustaining those who suffer for their faith.

Call to Action: Engage and Support

Concluding the episode, listeners are encouraged to take tangible steps to support persecuted Christians worldwide.

Pray Daily: The primary request is for listeners to commit to daily prayers for persecuted believers, ensuring they have specific prayer points to address.
Utilize Available Resources: The host promotes various resources available to support this mission, including ebooks, audiobooks, videos, and feature films. Additionally, listeners are encouraged to download the VOM app for easy access to these materials. "Download the VOM app for your tablet or smartphone today. Search for the Voice of the Martyrs or VOM app in your favorite app store." ([30:05])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Ahmed on Divine Security: "The security of my children does not come from me; it comes from God." ([00:45])
Ahmed on Loyalty: "I would not be a traitor to the body of Christ." ([05:30])
Ahmed on Peaceful Witnessing: "Jesus doesn't tell us to cause trouble for governments; He wants us to witness about His love and forgiveness." ([12:15])
Host on Spiritual Warfare: "Troublemakers to Satan and his schemes." ([20:50])
Host on the Power of Prayer: "How often do your prayers disrupt Satan's work? Get busy today by praying in Jesus' name against your adversary's plans." ([25:10])
Call to Action: "Download the VOM app for your tablet or smartphone today. Search for the Voice of the Martyrs or VOM app in your favorite app store." ([30:05])

Conclusion

"Extreme Security" illuminates the extraordinary courage of believers like Ahmed who, despite facing severe persecution, remain devoted to their faith and mission. The episode reinforces the message that true security and peace come from unwavering trust in God, and it calls on listeners to actively support persecuted Christians through prayer and the use of available resources. By embodying both peacemakers in society and spiritual warriors in the spiritual realm, Christians are encouraged to fulfill their divine calling in a world rife with challenges.

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From the voice of the martyrs. Extreme devotion, extreme security. Egypt Ahmed Day 169 and those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18 why do you put your children at risk? Asked one of the three Egyptian officers. Ahmed had been rested many times for sharing his faith and for giving out Christian literature. But he saw each interrogation as a chance to witness for Christ. The security of my children does not come from me, he told the officers calmly. It comes from God. Why aren't you willing to obey? The government? Asked the lead officer. I won't stop sharing about Jesus because he is the way of truth, ahmed said. Jesus has changed my heart. The officers questioned him about Christian literature that had been secretly printed. They also asked about specific Christians and their activities. Both times, Ahmed remained silent. I told them nothing, he said later. I would not be a traitor to the body of Christ. When they asked him to spy on other Christians and report back to the police, he told them, that's not my job. On another occasion, Ahmed was caught and questioned by the police in Turkey for carrying in bags full of Christian literature. If you don't answer our questions and help us, we will lock you up for causing trouble for the Turkish government, the police assured him. Jesus doesn't tell us to cause trouble for governments, ahmed replied. He wants us to witness about his love and forgiveness. Troublemakers they are the children in class who cannot stop talking. They are the bullies in the school lunchroom who steal others lunch money. They are the gossips in the office, maligning others and spreading rumors like disease. Christians are not called to be troublemakers. In fact, Jesus calls us to be peacemakers. This rule has one exception, however. We must be troublemakers to Satan and his schemes. We cannot afford to be overlooked by the devil as merely harmless. For the kingdom, prayer is our most effective weapon. How often do your prayers disrupt Satan's work? Get busy today by praying in Jesus name against your adversary's plans. The first request to persecuted Christians is that we pray for them for a new, specific prayer request each day, as well as ebooks, audiobooks, videos and even feature films. Download the VOM app for your tablet or smartphone today. Search for the Voice of the Martyrs or VOM app in your favorite app store.