journey onWord with us

In watching a television program last week, I was amused as one of the characters used a typewriter. How quickly our world has gone from the days of typewriters, eight track tapes, mimeograph machines and even writing and mailing letters. Today phones are smaller, computers are faster, and communication is instantaneous. But there is one constant in the midst of all that change: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is the same yesterday today and forever.

If you know Christ as your Savior, your hope is tied to the gospel message, and the core of your life is its truth. I sometimes feel in an ever-changing world, we have lost the distinctiveness of faith in Christ as the only hope for eternity. To know and love Christ will not always be popular, but it will always honor Him.

Forgive us for departing from our normal posting, which is based on our current scripture reading.  But I came across an incredibly meaningful and inspiring story, and I wanted to encourage you in sharing it.  Please read carefully and prayerfully what an African pastor wrote on the night before he was murdered for an unwillingness to renounce his faith. He wrote the following on a scrap of paper …

I am part of the “Fellowship of the Unashamed.” I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I’ve stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals!

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by His presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, or burn up till I’ve preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops. And when He comes to get His own, He’ll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear.

Source: “Daily in Christ” daily devotional, Neil Anderson, August 21st entry

Let your faith be distinctive enough to make a difference. Those around you need a clear portrait of what it means to follow Christ, and live in His joy. Let the colors of your portrait be clear!