Sunday, August 08, 2010
Do Not Be Afraid
Remember, only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. ~ T.S. Eliot
Scripture:
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 (New International Version)
As a child, I remember having to say the Pledge of Allegiance each morning before the start of class. I remember that God was held in high reverence and people were actually respectful at the mere mention of His name. I remember that the Christmas holiday was a true celebration of his birth, as families traveled long distances to share in the joy of the season, together. We would go to church as a family and drive around, looking for houses that had been decorated in honor of the season.
As time as progressed, life centered around God started changing. Children are forbidden to say the words UNDER GOD, when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Now, prayer isn’t even allowed in school for fear of offending anyone. Christmas has become a celebration of gifts, not God. And nativity scenes are brought under fire and in many cases removed for fear of being sued.
As I reflect upon many of the things that are currently transpiring in today’s world, I often ask; Lord, what have we done by allowing those who supposedly support free speech, to take our Christian voices away. Why are we so afraid to take a stand for what we believe in, namely, You? Why are we being silenced from doing what we were charged with, spreading the Good News of the Gospel.
So many of us who believe in the one true God have been bullied, badgered and persecuted until we have lost the will and desire to stand up for what we believe in. We are unwilling to pray in public, banished from the school houses and giving honor to God for victories, because of those people out there who don’t believe in what we believe in.
When we will say, ENOUGH? I love the Lord and I am not afraid to say it.
Remember, if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption: Give us courage to take up our cross and follow Him; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace, help me in all things to rely upon Your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal Your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by You. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray. Lord, You are to be blessed and praised; all good things come from You: You are in our words and in our thoughts, and in all that we do. AMEN!
Scripture:
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 (New International Version)
As a child, I remember having to say the Pledge of Allegiance each morning before the start of class. I remember that God was held in high reverence and people were actually respectful at the mere mention of His name. I remember that the Christmas holiday was a true celebration of his birth, as families traveled long distances to share in the joy of the season, together. We would go to church as a family and drive around, looking for houses that had been decorated in honor of the season.
As time as progressed, life centered around God started changing. Children are forbidden to say the words UNDER GOD, when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Now, prayer isn’t even allowed in school for fear of offending anyone. Christmas has become a celebration of gifts, not God. And nativity scenes are brought under fire and in many cases removed for fear of being sued.
As I reflect upon many of the things that are currently transpiring in today’s world, I often ask; Lord, what have we done by allowing those who supposedly support free speech, to take our Christian voices away. Why are we so afraid to take a stand for what we believe in, namely, You? Why are we being silenced from doing what we were charged with, spreading the Good News of the Gospel.
So many of us who believe in the one true God have been bullied, badgered and persecuted until we have lost the will and desire to stand up for what we believe in. We are unwilling to pray in public, banished from the school houses and giving honor to God for victories, because of those people out there who don’t believe in what we believe in.
When we will say, ENOUGH? I love the Lord and I am not afraid to say it.
Remember, if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption: Give us courage to take up our cross and follow Him; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace, help me in all things to rely upon Your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal Your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by You. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray. Lord, You are to be blessed and praised; all good things come from You: You are in our words and in our thoughts, and in all that we do. AMEN!
