courage

In Times Like These

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King Ahab. He had every opportunity to turn his heart toward God, but he always turned away. Even when God gave him victory after victory over his enemies, his heart was hardened toward God. And instead of admitting that his blatant disobedience to God was his problem, he blamed the prophet Elijah for all his trouble. Oh. Ahab’s failure to bow to God’s will wasn’t Elijah’s fault. Ahab had a choice, as always. Go God’s way or make your own path. And he always chose his own path, which later led to the destruction of his nation. Sure. He had some momentary victories. But momentary victories are fleeting. Sooner or later, the truth will find you out. And it found Ahab at an inconvenient time. As if there is a convenient time to have the truth shouted at you.

There are consequences for everything we do. And the consequences do not always affect only the guilty party, but others, as well. Our family. Our neighborhood. Our city. Our state. Our nation. Our employer or employees. Someone pays the price for disobedience or greed or violence or any type of ungodly behavior. Ungodliness has a price tag.

And what does this have to do with us today? You ask. Have you seen the news this week? The videos of the out of control riots in Los Angeles? Have you heard about the attack on a world terror a few days ago? Have you heard about the two state legislators and their spouses who were gunned down because of they way they voted? And the continual wars and rumors of wars? Have you heard of the threats to every American base in the Middle East from one of our adversaries? Have you heard of out of control politicians, not only in this country, but other countries, as well? Have you heard of the outrage about higher taxes and political leaders stuffing their bank accounts with money earned under the table?

It isn’t just ungodly politicians and politics. It’s anyone who doesn’t call on the name of God and repent of their sins. Any of us have the potential to live ungodly lives and snub our nose at God. We are all born with evil in our hearts. It’s just our bent. Sinning, that is. But we also have the potential to repent and live a life that honors God. We must humble ourselves before God and turn from our wicked ways. Only then will God honor us.

The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. Genesis 6:5

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:7-10

At times in life, it appears that evil is winning. We see it all around us. It was the same scenario in Elijah’s time. And Elijah was the bearer of bad news to King Ahab. But he knew that, in good time, Ahab would pay for his rebellious ways. The problem with Ahab was that he did what was evil in the Lord’s eyes, even more so than other kings before him. And he had married the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians. Her name was Jezebel. And she led him further and further away from God. She actually led him into idol worship, further angering God while at the same time pleasing his wife. The Bible tells us that Ahab did more to provoke the anger of God than any other king of Israel before him. He was evil.

But Ahab son of Omri did what was evil in the Lord ’s sight, even more than any of the kings before him. And as though it were not enough to follow the sinful example of Jeroboam, he married Jezebel, the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians, and he began to bow down in worship of Baal. First Ahab built a temple and an altar for Baal in Samaria. Then he set up an Asherah pole. He did more to provoke the anger of the Lord , the God of Israel, than any of the other kings of Israel before him. 1 Kings 16:30-33

No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the Lord ’s sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel. His worst outrage was worshiping idols just as the Amorites had done—the people whom the Lord had driven out from the land ahead of the Israelites. 1 Kings 21:25-26

It wasn’t that King Ahab didn’t have opportunities to repent and turn to God. There were devoted followers of God working with him. He didn’t just hire rebellious thugs similar to himself. He had godly men in his circle, as well. One such man was a prophet named Obadiah. Imagine being in his shoes. A godly man working with the most ungodly king of all times. But Obadiah’s faith didn’t waver. He stood strong in a hostile environment. On one occasion when Jezebel was on a killing spree, he hid one hundred prophets who were as devoted as Obadiah was in following God.

Many devoted followers of Christ are walking in Obadiah’s shoes today. They stand strong in their godly convictions, determined to honor God, yet they work in an environment hostile to biblical teachings. Their jobs may prove to be on the line if they don’t bow to the demands to cater to secular ideals. They may feel compelled to hide their beliefs in order to stay employed. But they must know that God is with them. He will give them courage and strength to stand strong in their faith. They need only ask.

In times like these you need a Savior, 

In times like these you need an anchor; 

Be very sure, be very sure 

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock! 

This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He’s the One; 

This Rock is Jesus, The only One! 

Be very sure, be very sure 

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

 

In times like these you need the Bible, 

In times like these O be not idle; 

Be very sure, be very sure 

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock! 

In times like these I have a Savior, 

In times like these I have an anchor; 

I’m very sure, I’m very sure 

My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock! 

This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He’s the One; 

This Rock is Jesus, The only One! 

I’m very sure, I’m very sure 

My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock! 

~~Ruth Caye Jones

So. The question is. What time is it for you? Do you have a Savior, or do you need a Savior?

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Isaiah 55:6

He Finished Well

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

We’ve been planning this day for a while now. Two years, in fact. The time when he can leave behind the cares of employment. The day when he can close the door one last time for being on call twenty-four hours seven days a week. The time has come for others to take his place. Oh. It was hard letting go of a job he truly loved. But it was also a sweet relief to turn in his badge and sign off one last time. No regrets. 

Sure. There was a celebration for him. He was honored and applauded. Many kind and gracious words were spoken of his leadership, strong decision making and dedication to always doing the right thing. He treated others with respect and never backed down from speaking words of truth and wisdom when needed.  And many noted that at times he was the only one to use tough love.

As many lauded his actions and achievements, he wiped tears from his eyes. He knew he was well loved and respected. He would be missed. His replacement told him that he had big shoes to fill. Their kind words will make for many memories as he walks away from many years of service in a place he dearly loved and fought for. As one whose love language is words of affirmation, his cup was filled to the brim and running over that day. Those words of respect and kindness will stay with him for years to come.

He worked hard and found great enjoyment in serving others. As I mentioned, he showed tough love when it was appropriate, but he showed it with kindness and respect. He has never been one to mince words when speaking the truth, and some are uncomfortable with strong truths. But that didn’t stop him from having hard conversations with those who needed correction and direction. He always found the right way to say the words that needed to be said without demoralizing the listener, and many he worked with acknowledged him for it.

He can walk away with his head held high and his heart full of accomplishment. He finished well the course of a forty three year career. Oh. There were tough times. And there were many lessons learned. There were multiple job losses and new paths forged. But he walked through each new door ready to learn and accomplish much. As he now lays all those years of service aside, he won’t become lazy. He’ll find a new path to walk and new faces and names to learn. He’s ready for a more leisurely pace, but he hasn’t given up on life. He’ll walk through this new door and find a new contentment and enjoyment he’s totally unaware of at this point. He’ll find his way.

Oh. He’ll face new challenges as he crosses the threshold of retirement,  but he can look back on the years of rising early, knowing he did a job well done. There’s nothing wrong with finishing a career. It’s expected. But there is still a journey ahead that will have its own twists and turns. That, too, is expected.  It’s called life.

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

Never think that your acts of service and words of truth go unseen and unheard. In the right moments, others are watching and listening. They see and hear you, and your godly example does not go unnoticed. Oh. They may never publicly or even privately acknowledge your efforts, but trust me. They notice. And they may be envious of the ease in which you carry yourself. Don’t ever walk away from honest living. 

The people who influence us the most are not those who detain us with their continual talk, but those who live their lives like the stars in the sky and “the lilies of the field”–simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mold and shape us.

Oswald Chambers

Oh. A life lived well isn’t without stress and suffering. It’s a testament to the strength and graciousness of a loving God who walks by your side each and every day. The responsibility should not be taken lightly, but at the appointed hour the burden is lifted. The torch is passed to the next generation. And that time has come for him. 

So. Welcome to retirement, my dear. The road has been long, but the days are still short. You have earned the welcome relief of a slower pace of life, less stress and long stretches of sleep. I pray you find your way in this new phase of life as we grow old together. You are the best. And I love you.

Let me be clear. Greatness isn’t about being seen. It’s not about platforms or follower counts or fleeting viral fame. It’s not about accolades or promotions, the hollow rewards that come with a title but not always with true fulfillment. It’s about impact. The kind that doesn’t seek applause. The kind that shifts something in another person’s spirit. The kind that ripples on the waters of another’s heart. The kind that opens up new possibilities. The kind that brings healing, clarity, and light where there once was only darkness.

Etienne Toussaint

Pickleball Mafia

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So I’ve joined the world of pickleball. And I’ve discovered that I like it. It’s fun. It gets me moving. I try to play once a week. I’m a beginner, but I’m seeing improvement in my game. So I think there’s hope. Oh. Not that I’ll ever be a professional or play in a tournament. Nothing like that. That’s not my goal. But it’s nice to get in an outdoor aerobic workout on a sunny day. It feels good to move around and hit the ball. And I’ve met some new people.

We’re a group of six to eight retirees who met at our pickleball lessons in April. We’re all at the same beginner level and have continued to meet after we completed the four-week class. Some of us have moved to the area in the last few years and others are long-time residents. We’re there to have fun and get a little exercise. So far it’s working.

There is one in our group who told me in front of the group that I needed to correct my serve. I kindly let her know that my serving style was completely legal in the world of pickleball. I could have pointed her biggest flaw out to her, which has to be obvious to the entire group. She doesn’t like to move, so she stands in one spot and never goes out of her way to hit the ball if it’s not directly in her path. And she calls the ball out too many times when her opponents can’t see if it really is in or out. We’re all beginners and have much room for improvement, so let’s be kind and gracious to each other.

We play at the courts in a public park. There are eight courts in this particular park and are open to the public. They’re free of charge and can’t be reserved. It’s first come, first serve. If you’ve been playing for an hour and there are groups waiting, then you must step aside to allow others a chance to play. Sounds harmless. Right? Right.

I’ve been informed by others who are more knowledgeable about these things that there are groups of pickleballers who take the game very seriously. I mean. They’re serious about their pickleball. I think our group has recently run into such a group. We were informed by a member of said group that they use four of the courts for advanced players and the other four for those less experienced. And then after each game, they rotate to play with different players in their set of four courts. And they also use a specific color of ball so they know who is in their group. It was subtly suggested to our group that we follow their rules. Really?

It seems that some in our group were willing to abide by this other group’s rules, but a couple of us were dead set against it. I reminded our group that we are playing at a public park where courts can’t be reserved. We play at our leisure and abide by the park’s rules and regulation pickleball rules. No one else’s. So, to back up my stand on the issue, I called the park district and talked through the situation with someone a few days later. When I explained our dilemma and provided all the details, I let the gentleman know that my goal wasn’t to cause trouble but to get the facts straight. He informed me that he knew exactly who I was talking about. Apparently, this group I call the pickleball mafia have done the same thing to other groups. He said he would speak to them.

And one in their group walked over to our group in the midst of our game and gave us a playing tip. Oh. She was polite, but it felt intrusive. Who does that? And a member of our group actually recognized her and called her by name. Then she was forced to acknowledge the relationship. How odd.

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

Oh. I know. It’s just a game. That’s right. It is. And we want it to stay that way.

So. The question is this. How do we get along with others who try to manipulate us? How do we work with someone who tries to one-up us? Here’s the catch with that type of scenario. The more you give in to them, the more they’ll try to take. And how do you ever get back to the way things should have been, in the first place? It’s an age old dilemma.

Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins. Don’t eavesdrop on others—you may hear your servant curse you. For you know how often you yourself have cursed others. Ecclesiastes 7:20-22

At the same time, we don’t have to be a doormat and let others walk all over us. We should stand up for what we know is right and true and good. Fairness never grows old. And as Christians, how do we deal with situations where others are trying to exert more control than they really have? How do we kindly and Christianly stand up for ourselves without insulting others?

The Word of God offers so much wisdom on dealing with others and with how to navigate difficult situations. We must live wisely, because not everyone we meet is a believer. Not everyone is looking out for the best interests of others. As Christ followers, we must stand apart and be a godly example in our conduct and our speech. We can’t allow Satan to lead us down the path of ungodly behavior. And we can’t just look away and accept unacceptable behavior.

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:5-6

We’re also told in the books of Romans that we can’t repay someone when they plan evil against us. We must do what is right in the eyes of everyone, because along with everyone else, God is also watching. And as far as it depends on us, we must live at peace with everyone. That is a tall order, it may seem, especially in certain situations. But when the other party is set on evil, we set our eyes on eternity and act accordingly. We must seek peace and pursue it, but not at the cost of accepting evil standards.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:17-19

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:12-15

As we pursue Christ, let’s remember to keep a sharp mind, a soft heart and thick skin.

Alisa Childers

The Complicity of Silence

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Stephen had been performing miracles and signs among a crowd of people. A few days later, a group of men began to debate him. They hated the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke, so they persuaded others to lie about Stephen. Although Stephen was speaking truth, he was arrested and immediately brought to trial. As he spoke in his own defense, the crowd was outraged. The Jewish leaders were enraged as he preached the gospel message and pointed out their sins. In their rage, they rushed at him and dragged him outside the city gates. There they picked up stones and stoned him to death. They threw their coats at a man standing off to the side. He stood there silently. Watching. Holding coats. Approving of the merciless killing of an innocent man.

You can read the full story of Stephen’s witness and death in Acts 6:8-8:1.

Oh. This man holding coats could have spoken up. He could have pushed aside the crowd and protected the accused man. But he didn’t. Instead, Saul stood there guarding the coats of the killers.  Standing far enough away to claim innocence. Oh.  He didn’t physically throw a stone. But his silent stance of approval said it all. 

Saul stood silent, but he was also in a fight. He was fighting against the message that Stephen had been fighting for. Saul belonged to the group who took their fight public. He went from city to city throwing people in jail and sending them to their death all for their belief in the risen Savior. Oh. He knew where he stood on the issue, and he stood on the opposite side as Stephen. Saul was fighting to bring the innocent believers to a guilty judgment in a court of injustice. He had no concern for their lives or beliefs.

So he didn’t speak up for the man who boldly stood on the opposing side of a religious belief. He stood aside and watched him die. Unwilling to allow someone else to freely speak their beliefs. He was as guilty of Stephen’s murder as those who threw the stones.

Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. Acts 8:1

Just as Saul was silent when the crowd stoned Stephen, Adam was silent when the serpent tempted Eve. Oh. Adam was standing right there with her, naked as a jaybird, and he said nothing. He didn’t remind her of God’s command not to eat the fruit from that particular tree. He listened and then took a bite when she offered it to him. There was nothing sacred or holy about that moment. They were both guilty of disobeying God. And they knew it. But they didn’t yet realize the consequences of that one bite. They didn’t realize the consequence for themselves or for the rest of humanity for all times.

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. Genesis 3:1-7

In Adam’s case, he knew the truth and ignored it. And look at what it cost him. When we as twenty-first century Christians know the truth and do it not, we place our witness in a precarious position. Particularly if others recognize that we’ve ignored truth for comfort and cultural approval. I find these days that we’ve lost the art of courageous living. We instead lean toward acceptance and comfort. We do the easy thing in the moment, regardless of the consequences.

If we realized the moment before we made that one destructive and sinful decision, would we still do it? Would we still take just one small bite of that forbidden fruit, or would we set aside our eagerness to please others and fit in with our culture? Would we remain silent when a voice of truth needs to be heard? We can’t have it both ways. 

Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! Proverbs 12:20

Cultural and political events in this country the past few years have caused many people to speak up for causes they believe in. They want their voice to be heard, regardless of which side of the issue they’re on. They want their opinions to be recorded in history. Some push too far. And yet, the vast majority remain publicly silent. Afraid for the career or status they could lose, they remain silent. So their silence is perceived as consent with a crowd they don’t particularly agree with. But how would anyone know that they hold a differing opinion? They surely don’t risk speaking up in public, because they’ve heard of those who do and are socially and professionally cast aside for those in agreement.

I see the same in them as I see in Saul.  Saul stood there holding the coats of those throwing stones to kill Stephen.  He was the official coat watcher.  What an excuse.  He stood by in silent consent as the mob violently threw stones on an innocent man.  Those stones broke bones and injured internal organs. The pummeling of his body with huge stones ushered Stephen into the presence of God Almighty. The silence of Saul was deafening.  In his final breath, Stephen asked God to forgive those who were killing him.

It is tempting to not speak out on an issue when you know you’ll face blow back and courage is so needed.

Gavin Ortlund

And where do I stand when I see or hear of someone being wronged? Do I stand just far enough away so that I can still see it but proclaim innocence? Don’t I know that by being silent, I’m doing Satan’s bidding?  Am I as guilty as Saul when I silently approve of those who participate in ungodly lifestyles by keeping the truth from them?   Have I not learned to stand for my beliefs, lest I fall for less? If I don’t stand for something, will I fall for anything?

Saul? The legalistic Pharisee knew all the laws. He could quote Scripture, but he didn’t believe in the Messiah who was prophesied about in those same Scriptures. He stood silently watching an innocent man die for his belief that the promise of the Messiah had actually been fulfilled. Saul’s silence was consent to the murder. Sure. He only held the coats of the killers. But that doesn’t make him innocent.

Another great apostle, Peter, remained silent three times when asked if he was one of Jesus’ followers. Three times he denied knowing Jesus, as Jesus stood on trial for crimes he didn’t commit. Three times Peter remained silent about his relationship with the man he followed with a passion. Why? He didn’t want to stand in harm’s way. He didn’t want to face an unknown future by admitting that he was one of Jesus’ disciples. Yet, earlier in the evening when Jesus had warned him that he would speak words of betrayal not once but three times, he defiantly said that he would be willing to die for Jesus. Yet outside the courtroom where Jesus was on trial, in the moment of truth, he denied even knowing Jesus.

Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. Matthew 26:33-35

You can read the full story of of Peter’s betrayal in Matthew 26.

I have to ask myself. 

Would I continue to speak up if I was publicly ridiculed or if my livelihood was threatened? Would I continue to speak the truth if I knew it could cost me everything? Including my life? What is the truth worth these days? Would I speak up for the one charged with a crime he didn’t commit?

I think of the Germans standing by silently as their leader ordered the Jews to be hunted and marched off to prison camps. Many of the Jews were killed and still others were never seen or heard from again.  But the Germans.  They knew the wrong that was being done to their neighbors. Their friends.  Yet they did nothing.  Nothing.  They stood by silently while their neighbors and friends disappeared into the unknown.  How could they be silent?  We ask. 

Would I stand silent because I thought my life could be on the line if I spoke up? What harm does my silence do? I opened an email the other day that asked “when truth is erased, who fights back?” Think about it.

When Persecution Matters

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We are told throughout the Bible that as Christians we can expect to be persecuted for our faith. After all, the disciples of Jesus were imprisoned, beaten, tortured and killed for following him. Our culture may not be as barbaric as theirs was, but we should not be surprised when we face persecution of some sort. Oh. We may not be put in prison or beaten or tortured or killed. But then again, we may.

Our lifestyle of faith will not be accepted in many circles these days. Does that mean we should stay sequestered in our homes? Does that mean we should remain silent about the God we serve? Should we abstain from speaking up about our convictions when they differ from those who could make life difficult for us in our place of employment or any other place we go?

Have you ever wondered what would happen to someone else’s faith if they knew you were facing heavy persecution? Do you imagine that they were be silent and run in the opposite direction? Because some would. But not everyone. All some people need to see is that one who speaks up. The one who stands up for truth at all costs. And they are emboldened to do the same. Most people don’t really want to be the one to start a revolution, but it takes one willing soul to start it. Oh. It may be only one person who steps forward to continue the fight. But one is better than none. 

The knowledge that someone is being persecuted for their beliefs may cause some to remain silent. Not everyone is a risk taker or is willing to pursue the truth, come what may. But there are those who are willing to pick up the mantle and carry the fight through for the next generation. 

The apostle Paul knew what it meant to suffer for his faith. While he was in prison, he wrote to the church in Philippi encouraging the believers to stay strong in their faith. And because of his eloquent faith, the believers were emboldened to speak confidently of theirs, as well. Knowing full well that they could come to the same situation as Paul found himself in, they stood by him and stood strong. They were not deterred by seeing one of their own being persecuted for voicing his beliefs.

If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. John 15:18-20

And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. Philippians 1:12-14

The spiral of silence theory tells us that an individual’s perception of the distribution of public opinion influences that individual’s willingness to express their own opinions. John Stonestreet of the Colson Center says that when people are silent about an injustice or falsehood, even if they personally disagree, more people will be silent. So it’s easy to see why people stay silent. But when only one person dares to speak up, others feel empowered to speak, as well. No one wants to be alone.

In his book, The 1916 Project, Seth Gruber tells the story of Anna Bowden, who was a missionary in India. She had a burning desire and calling to share the good news of Jesus Christ to a lost country. Earlier missionaries to the area had not challenged the cultural beliefs and practices, even if those practices opposed biblical teachings. But Anna was different. She courageously spoke up against the Hindu practice of the infanticide of girls and sacrificing widows on their dead husband’s funeral pyres. She was killed in an attack on her mission station due to her outspokenness against this pagan cruelty. Gruber writes that “Anna Bowden changed the world by her life and by her death because she knew the kingdom of God would have the final say. Though our circumstances may be quite different from Bowden’s in rural India, we have the same choice before us. We can hide our lives in safety and security, or we can spend them on that which is eternal.”

But this young woman’s death ignited the courage of other missionaries. Gruber continues on to say that “within India, missionary communities that had played it safe previously were emboldened and renewed their efforts. The result was the sort of fruit that hadn’t been seen in a generation.” Just as Paul’s imprisonment caused other believers to gain confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear, Anna Bowden’s death stirred other missionaries to take up the cause of the the sanctity of life regardless of India’s Hindu culture.

I wonder if the silent Germans ever looked back at the end of their lives and wished they had spoken up in support of their Jewish neighbors who were marched off to internment camps, never to be seen again. As we go about our lives, can we stand tall with a clear conscience because we speak up for our beliefs, or are we unable to look those in the eye who have suffered because of our silence? It’s not only that we must speak up for our biblical beliefs, but we must also speak up against the wrongs being doled out in the name of cultural acceptance. When we know how to biblically treat our neighbors and don’t do it, how can we expect to stand in judgment before our God and be rewarded for a life well lived?

Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Timothy 2:8-10

Stepping Out of the Fire

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Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego defied King Nebuchadnezzar’s order. They refused to bow to an idol that he insisted everyone bow to. They stood straight and tall and did not submit to a command to worship a false god. Oh. Nebuchadnezzar was furious. He had his men raise the heat in the furnace. And then he had these three faithful followers of God thrown into that unbearably hot fire. The heat killed the soldiers who threw them into the furnace, but soon Nebuchadnezzar saw not only those three but a fourth person walking around in the fiery pit. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego survived the death sentence.

These three young men had made a decision that they would rather suffer than sin. They knew they must not do evil so that good would come to them. Oh. It might have seemed like a fine line they were crossing, but they knew that to bow with the knee even though their hearts weren’t bent was too big of an ask. So they refused. They wanted to stand before God with pure hearts and clear consciences.

Walking through the fire is not for sissies.

This wasn’t the first time they chose not to defile their bodies. Early on in their captivity, they were among an elite group of young men selected for a rigorous training program for royal servants. And they were given food and drink that would have defiled their Jewish diet. They refused and were granted a reprieve and given appropriate foods. Now here they were being asked to bow to another god. They weren’t being asked to give up their God. All they had to do was just bow their knee. Just for a second or two. They couldn’t do it. Imagine the searing guilt on their consciences if they had just bowed. It would have been a quick and easy thing to do. Just dip the knee and stay out of trouble. But they knew in their hearts it was wrong So they said no.

You can read the story of these 3 brave young men in Daniel 3.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord , your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2-3

If you’ve read the story of these three guys, you’ll notice that when they walked out of the fire they were inspected closely by those who had watched their fiery trial. There was no smoke damage. No singed hair. No ashes. No scorched clothes. In fact, they were still fully clothed. The fire had not damaged them at all. Because with the fourth person in the fire with them, not only were they surrounded by flames but they were surrounded by the presence of God. An angel of the Lord was in the midst of the fire with them.

Oh. The cords that were wrapped around these men were burned off. But the clothes on their backs didn’t even smell of smoke. Isn’t it odd that the things that were binding them were removed during the fire, and the items of clothing that protected their dignity weren’t touched by the flames? Or, is it odd? The God of the universe is much more powerful than we give him credit for. He allows what he allows, and he forbids what he forbids. Only he has full control. Oh. Mankind likes to manipulate events to their own advantage, but God is still in control.

Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke! Daniel 3:26-27

What do you look like when you walk out of the fire? Are your clothes scorched? Is your hair singed? Do you smell of smoke? Does a pile of ash drop to the floor? Do you appear as damaged goods for having suffered for Christ? Are you angry? Are you insulted? Or, do you praise God that he was walking with you every step of the way? Do you thank God for the lessons learned as you were engulfed in flames?

Once out of the fire, we must realize the power that God has over even the worst moments of our lives. When we suffer for Christ, he is with us in those moments of crisis. He does not leave us to walk alone.

When we step out of the fire, our witness is on display for the world to see. And what do others see? They may know we have just come from the fire, but they will be watching our witness of God’s goodness and grace. They will want to know if we walk our talk. Even King Nebuchadnezzar praised God when he saw the three men totally uninjured from the fire. When he commanded them to walk out of the furnace, he saw a miracle appear before him. And he praised the God of these three men. He knew he was an eyewitness to the great power of the God of the Universe, and he gave God all the praise and glory.

We never know who our example of faithfulness and obedience to God will influence. We don’t know who’s watching, but we better believe that someone is. And they will note our obedience or lack of it. And then some will be influenced to follow our lead, regardless of whether we’ve obeyed God or not. Let’s be faithful to the God who has orchestrated every second of our lives, even those that are a fiery furnace experience.

Where Do You Get Your Confidence

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Sennacherib, the king of Assyria had threatened the nation of Judah. His plan was to attack and capture the city, much as he had done to many other neighboring enemies. His tactics for conquering the city were intimidation and threats. He knew that the other nations who had surrendered to defeat did not have gods that would work for them and against him. He knew their gods had no power. But he had heard of the great God of Judah. He had heard the stories of triumph and success that came with this mighty nation he now wanted as his own. So he had to use intimidation to make the people cower to his words of coercion.

Sennacherib had come for the country of Judah. He attacked and conquered their fortified cities. And, of course, King Hezekiah was very concerned. He had tried to align himself with the Assyrian king giving him all the Temple gold and silver. He thought it a better decision to pay off this evil king and become his subject rather than trusting in God. But Sennacherib wanted more. He wasn’t satisfied with just silver and gold. This payment only emboldened Sennacherib against Judah.

Sennacherib asked Hezekiah what he was trusting in that made him so confident. And honestly. Hezekiah was trusting in an alliance with Egypt rather than trusting in God. He got caught up in man’s assurances rather than God’s, and it could have cost him everything if he hadn’t set himself back on the path of following God’s leading.

Sennacherib threatened the people and tried to bribe them into following him. He belittled them. He tried to plant doubt in the people’s minds about their king and revolt against him. He reminded them of all the victories the great army of Assyria had accomplished in defeating the surrounding nations. And he reminded them that the gods of those nations couldn’t save their people. So how could the God of Judah stand a chance?

The king of Assyria knew that Hezekiah, the king of Judah, had destroyed all the shrines and altars to false gods. He insinuated that Hezekiah’s act of removing shrines so the people could only worship in Jerusalem was the wrong thing to do. He pitted the false gods of Assyria against the One True God of Judah. The one good thing that Hezekiah had done was remove the altars to idols. And he took advantage of Sennacherib’s false insinuations, because Sennacherib tried to use his lies against God and Hezekiah. He insulted God. He told the people of Judah that the God of Hezekiah would not be able to stand against him, just as the gods of all the other countries he captured couldn’t. He was bold in his assertions and assumptions of victory because he didn’t know the strength and power of the God of Hezekiah.

Oh sure. The king of Assyria intentionally put fear in the hearts of the people. He told them that Hezekiah would try to deceive them, all the while saying deceptive words himself. He knew if he could get them to cower before him that he would have subjects who would serve him. He and his men threw insult after insult upon Hezekiah to make the people of Judah wary of anything Hezekiah told them. He planted doubt in their minds. He wanted to terrorize the people so the act of capturing the city would be much easier than facing a slew of strong courageous fighters. He wanted weaklings who could be controlled.

Sure. The people were discouraged and shaken to the bone. They knew Sennacherib and his men had a history of torturing and abusing their captives. They knew he meant every word he said, even though his words were lies. When a tyrant or dictator gains power, he is never willing to relinquish it. He will do whatever it takes to maintain control over his subjects. And Hezekiah and his people had heard the stories of the horrible mistreatment of Sennacherib’s political enemies.

When Hezekiah’s men returned to the palace to present this awful message to the king, the king of Judah knew they were in big trouble. Changes had to be made. And the first change he made was a change of heart about God. He knew the God who could calm a raging storm could also part the seas. He knew God was a God of miracles, and that’s exactly what they needed. He sent one of his men to the prophet Isaiah to hear a word from God.

And Hezekiah prayed this prayer before the Lord : “O Lord , God of Israel, you are enthroned between the mighty cherubim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth. Bend down, O Lord , and listen! Open your eyes, O Lord , and see! Listen to Sennacherib’s words of defiance against the living God. “It is true, Lord , that the kings of Assyria have destroyed all these nations. And they have thrown the gods of these nations into the fire and burned them. But of course the Assyrians could destroy them! They were not gods at all—only idols of wood and stone shaped by human hands. Now, O Lord our God, rescue us from his power; then all the kingdoms of the earth will know that you alone, O Lord , are God.” 2 Kings 19:15-19

Through the prophet Isaiah, God gave Hezekiah a promising message of assurance that Assyria would not enter their city. God would defend and protect his people. The city was spared from the Assyrians.

You can read the full story at 2 Kings 18-19.

What are you trusting in that makes you so confident? 2 Kings 18:19

We have much to learn from the story of Hezekiah and Sennacherib. Two strong kings, both following different paths of leadership, clash in their beliefs and leadership styles. One is on a path of obeying God and the other is headed down the path of destruction and futility. One might wonder which leader will triumph, but the real hero of the story is God. The sovereign, omniscient God of the universe who sets the course of all men, knew exactly how to handle this rogue, manipulative king of Assyria.

God knew Hezekiah could have chosen the alliance with Egypt, which wouldn’t have honored God. But Hezekiah saw the writing on the wall, and he turned his confidence over to God’s power to fight his battles.

Satan will often attack us just as Sennacherib’s words attacked Hezekiah when he asked what he was trusting in. If our complete trust isn’t in God, what are we trusting in?

We must be prepared to be criticized, because our behavior is determined by facts which the princes of this world know not. (Meyer)

God is an ever-present help in times of trouble. We don’t need to feel discouraged or anxious because his will is perfect. He has ordained every step of our days, and he will guide us through each heartbreak, uncertainty, and dark day that we face. Each of our anxious thoughts are covered by him. We are not alone. We are never alone with God as our guide. That knowledge gives us the courage to get out of bed each morning and face the day with full confidence that we are surrounded by God’s army.

Just as Hezekiah prayed a mighty prayer of faith, we too have that same pipeline to God. We must know that every prayer of our heart goes straight to God’s ears. He hears our cries for help and repentance. The call to humbly present our requests to God is great because of his sovereignty. God deserves our respect and worship. He leaves nothing to chance. He is ready and able to do the impossible if we ask. As the nation of Judah placed their total dependence on God, so too must we.

When to Take a Stand

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He’s worked for the company for years. And he loves his job. Oh sure. There are aggravations he deals with on a regular basis. But overall, he’s been very satisfied with the work that is set before him. The company was founded by a solid Bible-believing person, who has since left to join another firm. And those who are now in charge don’t have the same biblically sound principles that the former leader had. So changes have taken place over the years. And some are good changes, but others are not.

The company has a diverse range of employees. Americans. Internationals. Different languages. Different walks of faith. Young people starting their careers. Older ones heading toward retired. And many in between. Yes. It is culturally diverse.

With the change in leadership came a change in values. Subtle changes at first. But through the years, the changes are becoming more visible. Diversity is the name of the game these days, so a DEI leader was hired to keep the company in line with today’s ever changing values. Oh sure. A spiritual advisor is also on staff. The company now participates in pride events. Preferred pronouns aren’t mandatory, but some individuals have made sure to include theirs where they deem appropriate. Book clubs for the management team have offered discussions on racism, equity and inclusion. Movie nights that further the leftist agenda have been scheduled for employees. Discussions of biblical beliefs are spoken in quiet and behind closed doors by those who hold firmly to their faith but are unsure whether to make their faith more public.

Some employees who are committed to their faith in God have noticed the shift toward wokeness. Dare they say anything? If they can stay under the radar of the leftist leanings, can they stay employed? Will there come a day when they will be expected to participate? If so, what will they do? How do they know when to go against the flow when the flow goes against everything they believe?

In schools, some teachers are facing backlash against their stance on issues that have nothing to do with education. Commencement speakers are threatened with being canceled when they publicly support family values. Pro-life advocates trying to help women make life-saving choices for their unborn child are being sentenced to prison. Female athletes are being forced to share private spaces with males who change their pronouns. Males are forcing their way into female sporting events and calling it fair when they win. And so many applaud.

There’s a cultural agenda being pushed that is pushing biblical values out of the mainstream. Uncommon issues are now becoming commonplace. And everyone is expected to comply and agree. Or else there will be trouble. Christians are being asked to go along with the agenda just to get along. And many are. Many are forced into silence in order to stay employed. Or to stay on the right career path.

If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15

Has it hit you yet? Has anyone come for you because of your stance on biblical values? Or, do you keep quiet? Are you unsure of when you should speak and when you should be silent on issues that you firmly stand for or against? When your beliefs and your voice are in the minority, how can you be heard? When should you be heard? Oh. Perhaps the time hasn’t come for you, but it most likely will. And then you’ll be forced to decide how to navigate the pond of wokeness. And the decision you make could change the course of your life. Are you willing to pay the price?

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were literally put in the fire for refusing to bow to the manmade idol that King Nebuchadnezzar had built. Even after being given a second chance to bow, they still refused. Oh. They had bowed to other requests and requirements the king had previously demanded. They had been taken exile to a foreign land. They had changed their names. They had learned witchcraft and sorcery. They were forced to become eunuchs. They were indoctrinated into the ways and customs of Babylon. But this time, the king had drawn a line they weren’t willing to cross. And so they said no. Not once, but twice. And they were thrown into a fiery furnace. Because of their faithful witness, God showed favor on them and spared their lives.

You can read the story of these three brave young men in Daniel 3.

We may not be thrown into a literal fire, but we may get burned. And we may not survive without being scorched and scarred. We may not be as fortunate as these three young men. But God is with us when we call on his name. He will not leave us to fight our battles alone. He fights for us, even when we don’t see it.

I recently listened to a couple of episodes of the Biblical Worldview Show podcast. The guest speaker gave some tips on knowing when to take a stand for our faith. The first step was to make sure we’re not looking for the fight. We shouldn’t be the one to throw the first punch. The second tip is to know who the enemy is. If you don’t know your true enemy, you may win the wrong battle. A third suggestion is to make sure the battle we’re facing is the one we really want to fight. Will your conscience be clear if you step away from this battle? Fourth, make sure you have counted the cost of fighting the battle. We must know what we are willing to risk before we enter the ring.

In the second episode, the speaker gave four tips on how to appeal to authorities. First, ask the authority to make a change about the situation. Ask them to concede on the issue. Two, make sure you have the right words. Know your subject well and know what you want to say. Three, make sure the time to approach the individual is appropriate. Lastly, make sure you have the right response regardless of what happens. Prepare your response before you get into the fight. You may be able to change their mind at a later time if you handle the situation correctly.

You can watch the episodes here and here.

Above all, we must be in prayer about how, when and why we are to ever stand up for our beliefs in a hostile environment. There are times when it’s best to remain silent. Other times, there is no choice but to voice our opposition to the situation. We must also seek wise counsel from godly people in our lives. Perhaps someone else has faced a similar situation and can give guidance.

We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15

When Death is Gain

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We’re all alive but we’re heading for death. When we take our first breath, we are inching toward our last. We know we’re on a collision course with the grave. It’s a fact of life and death.  Every day we’ve been given to live is a gift to live for Christ. If we live for anything else, are we even truly living?

As believers, we are called to die to ourselves. That death can be very painful as we dislodge our desires from God’s. When we turn our life of self indulgence over to following God, the shackles fall off. When we turn our backs on sin, we gain everlasting life. When we allow our personal desires to be replaced with God’s will, we live in surrendered peace. When we die to ourselves, we live only for God.

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

Paul had been thrown into a prison in Rome. Oh. He hadn’t committed any crimes and he hadn’t been formally charged, but he found himself in prison anyway. There had also been a death threat against Paul because of his teachings. And those who disagreed with his teaching that Jesus had risen from the dead were replacing truth with doubt when they told their story in the courtroom. They were calling him a troublemaker, but they didn’t charge him with any crimes. They knew he wasn’t guilty of any crime but they wouldn’t set him free. By keeping him locked up, the Roman leaders thought they were appeasing the Jewish leaders. And Paul wouldn’t take a lesser plea just to get out of prison.

Paul knew he was unlawfully placed in prison. He knew he was being wronged, and he suffered for someone else’s wrongdoing. But his faith didn’t waver. He preached the gospel to governors who kept him locked up for years. He proclaimed his innocence when others tried to hijack his case. He even shared his testimony in front of a king who claimed he was out of his mind. He demanded to face trial in front of Caesar. That’s how he found himself in Rome. He had appealed to the highest court.

Paul didn’t fear death, because his hope was in Jesus Christ.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

I recently watched a short video where a man who searches for truth said that most people will do anything to survive. They’ll survive at any price. So he asked what was the right price to accept to remain alive. He asked. Is it ten million dollars? Twenty million? One hundred million? Then the next sentence he said stunned the audience. He said that if you are a truthteller, the price must be your life. Otherwise, you are for sale. And if you are for sale, then you’re not looking for the truth.

This man said that if I follow my conscience, I may die. But I can lie, and I will live. Truthtellers are strong. Liars are weak. Courage is contagious and intimidating at the same time. To those who are willing to take up the badge of courage, there are as many others who are afraid of those who speak truth. So have no fear. If your life is your price, then take pride in that fact but let it humble you at the same time.

And he’s right. If we can be paid off for keeping silent about the truth, then we’re not really looking for the truth. We’re looking for safety. We’re looking out for number one. Ourselves. But if the price is our life, then we’re willing to forfeit all we have to do the right thing. Telling the truth is costly. Oh. Not always. But in today’s world, the truth is spun so fast that what spills out looks nothing like truth. And it isn’t truth. It’s lies manufactured to make you safe and to put others out of the reach of safety. When if the truth were told, it would be the other way around. Your life could be at risk and others would be saved.

We know that death is not defeat to the Christian. The result of death is a win for those whose sins have been wiped clean. Death ushers forgiven souls into the presence of Jesus Christ for eternity.

Consider Daniel’s three friends. When commanded to bow before an image of the king, they refused. They said no. They would bow only to the God of the universe. So when they were given a second chance to bow, they still refused. Their punishment? They were thrown into a fiery furnace where the flames leaping out killed the ones tossing them in. But God honored their faithfulness, and they survived. Before being thrown into the fire, they said they would not recant their faith in God even if they didn’t survive the fire. Their faith was their priority in life and in the possibility of death. Their life was the price they were willing to pay for truth.

Read the story of Daniel’s friends in Daniel 3.

There was a life that was sold. Except the owner of the life didn’t make the financial exchange. It was one of his twelve closest followers. This follower was obviously living on the fringe. And in a moment of utter weakness, he approached the enemy and offered the life of the man he called Lord. And he sold that friendship for thirty pieces of silver. And when the guard came to collect their prize, Judas kissed Jesus on the cheek as a sign he was theirs for the taking.

Oh. The man who received the kiss knew the betrayal was coming. He knew his life was on the line. During the three years of his ministry, he spoke the truth plainly but eloquently to anyone who would listen. And he offered to them free of charge the gift of salvation and eternal life. It was his physical life that was on the line, though, as the sacrifice for the gift he offered. And as he hung on the cross, he paid the ultimate price. The truth of his message wasn’t silenced by his death. It spread like wildfire around the world, and it’s still spreading today.

The loss of the physical life of Jesus was our gain. Jesus’ death on the cross paved the way for our sins to be forgiven and our worth redeemed. Jesus paid it all. All to him I owe.

You can find the story of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus in Luke 22:47-53.

Whom Shall I Fear?

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The famine was not only in Egypt; it had also devastated the surrounding countries. And when Joseph moved his father’s family to Egypt so they wouldn’t starve, the number of his family was seventy strong. But through the years in Egypt, God blessed this family. They were fruitful and multiplied into a massive nation. They grew so strong that the Egyptians were afraid they might turn against them, so the Egyptians forced the Israelites into slavery. The slaves were worked to the bone, yet their numbers continued to grow. Finally, Pharoah had had enough. He was afraid that some Israelite would someday overtake him and become king of Egypt. He couldn’t have that, so he devised a plan to depopulate the nation of Israel.

Pharoah advised the Hebrew midwives to kill all the baby boys born to the Israelites. Because the midwives feared God more than they feared Pharoah, they disobeyed his order. These brave women deliberately saved the lives of many newborn boy babies. They decided they would not lay a hand on the infants. By staying true to their faith in God, these women prevented a genocide ordered by the king of Egypt. They didn’t set out to be courageous or to be heroes. They acted on their knowledge that God was the giver of life. And only he could take life. It wasn’t theirs to end the life of a precious human, so they allowed all the baby boys to live.

Pharoah was furious when we learned his order had been ignored. He called the midwives to appear before him in court to answer his charges. God used the midwives in a powerful way to enable the already growing nation to grow even more. As these lowly midwives were faithful to their God, so he too was faithful to them and his chosen nation.

You can read the story of the midwives in Exodus 1.

Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever. Psalms 125:2

The event had quickly spiraled out of control. Stephen was performing miracles and changing people’s lives, and then he found himself being challenged to a debate by a group of men from a local synagogue. He wasn’t the one who started the debate. The men were Jewish slaves who had been freed by Rome and then formed their own synagogue. Who knows what religious ideologies they taught their followers. What we know is that none of them could hold an argument against Stephen’s wisdom and clarity. And so they persuaded others to spread lies about Stephen. So, of course, Stephen was arrested and brought before the high court.

Stephen responded boldly and clearly to the court officials as they laid out charges against him. He shared the history of the Israelite nation. He didn’t defend himself; he instead shared how God had dealt with the Jewish nation. And he accused the Jewish leaders of deliberately disobeying God’s laws. As Stephen spoke, he suddenly saw himself on the receiving end of a death sentence. And he was totally innocent. But he didn’t waver. Stephen feared God more than he feared man, so he courageously preached to all in attendance. He may have felt a deep kinship with his Savior as he faced an angry mob, but it didn’t deter him or cause him to soften his message.

I’m sure Stephen wondered how the tide had turned so quickly. One minute he was helping the community. And suddenly, he was in the fight for his life. And it didn’t end well for him. We don’t know if this was Stephen’s first brush with the law, but it was his last. He looked death squarely in the face and asked for God’s mercy on his killers.

You can read Stephen’s story in Acts 6.

The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalms 27:1

You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Psalms 139:5

Those rebelling against God will find fault with anything that reminds them of their waywardness. They will rail against believers who are steadfast in their faith. They will mock those who stand for truth and demand a substantial cost to the believers. Rebels will fight for a cause that perhaps they haven’t even identified. They’re so blinded to the truth that they may not even recognize that they’re fighting against God. They fight for evil and rebel against anything that points out their sinful ways. And so, those who are standing strong in their faith take the brunt of their evil acts and words. Those standing firm in the foundation of biblical teaching are struck with the loss of livelihoods, unending frivolous lawsuits, threats to their safety and much more. Those courageous believers know that when all is at stake in this world, their stake in eternity is firmly planted and won’t be moved.

The Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Isaiah 52:12

The Hebrew midwives were blessed with their own families because of their faithfulness to God. Stephen was stoned the very day he was charged with false crimes. We have no clue what type of opposition we might face when we stand for biblical beliefs, but that doesn’t mean we bow to the pressures of our accusers. We must always put our fear of God before our fear of men. 

I pray that if I’m ever in the situation where my safety or stability is challenged, that I too will stand strong in my biblical faith. I pray that all believers will do the same. When we are in the fight to live out our faith freely, we must stand strong. When we are in the fight to openly speak of biblical truths, we must speak boldly. God is with us.

God go before you to lead you, God go behind you to protect you, God go beneath you to support you, God go beside you to befriend you. Do not be afraid. May the blessing of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be upon you. Do not be afraid. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen

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