Good morning, beloved,
I listen to the sound of rain pattering upon the roof, something very calming about the steadiness of rain. I saw the verses for today in Biblegateway and decided that instead I would return to 2 Timothy. I am drawn to this book. I am drawn to Paul.
11For [the proclaiming of] this [Gospel] I was appointed a herald (preacher) and an apostle (special messenger) and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12And this is why I am suffering as I do. Still I am not ashamed, for I know (perceive, have knowledge of, and am acquainted with) Him Whom I have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on), and I am [positively] persuaded that He is able to guard and keep that which has been entrusted to me and which [e]I have committed [to Him] until that day.
13Hold fast and follow the pattern of wholesome and sound teaching which you have heard from me, in [all] the faith and love which are [for us] in Christ Jesus.
14Guard and keep [with the greatest care] the precious and excellently adapted [Truth] which has been entrusted [to you], by the [help of the] Holy Spirit Who makes His home in us.
On my heart today, I press this issue on my heart. I am not suffering. I am living in a free nation. I am living with the chance to proclaim His word to whomever I choose. Now, we could debate whether I am able to truly express my beliefs as it seems that our rights are slowly being taken away from us..but I would digress.
I received an email from Voice of the Martyrs..a precious, courageous woman of God was just released from prison in China. Please take some time to read this.
And then, you may have seen I posted this on my facebook page, but I will share it here..
Iran to lynch Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani
At first, I was a little shocked by the author’s language. Yet as I read, his point is well made.
One more thing. This is not the first time America, the West, their media, and their governments were silent cowards. We were silent in the 1930s and 40s in the face of genocide.
Six million Jews were murdered before anyone spoke up.
And as the famous poem goes, who is going to stand up for you.
May I encourage you to share these articles with friends and neighbors? May I encourage you to not forget our brothers and sisters? Print out their pictures. Talk with our children. These people are courageous in the face of certain death.
Oh, I feel the angst in my soul. It’s so much nicer to write about God’s love and His grace and His mercy..all which are reminders we need. Let us remind our family. Our church family. Pray. Give. Speak out.
3Grace (spiritual blessing and favor) be to all of you and [heart] peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
4I give thanks to my God for you always when I mention you in my prayers,
5Because I continue to hear of your love and of your loyal faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and [which you show] toward all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
6[And I pray] that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good [thing] that is ours in [our identification with] Christ Jesus [and unto His glory].
Pray on, friends. Pray on!
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