The Fellowship of the Unashamed

I’m still reeling from the euphoria of Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion series. Of course the love story was thrilling, but more vital were the lessons: unceasing communion with God, intercessory prayer, being attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit, the importance of memorizing Scripture, the value of a single soul in the sight of God (and thus in the sight of our enemy the devil) and most importantly, the need for every Christian to know Whom they have believed, in a way that makes it impossible to deny Him- even when faced with death.

Precious little Hadassah paid the price for refusing to worship the Emperor. Instead of doing as she was commanded, she proclaimed Jesus the Christ the Son of the Living God, and received a death sentence for her faith. As she was led away I pondered the beheading of the Apostle Paul, the crucifixion of the Apostle Peter, the burning alive of countless Christians who were killed because of their faith in Jesus.

I recently found a note I would like to share.

The author is unknown, but is believed by some to be a young pastor in Zimbabwe who was later martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ:

“I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit’s power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made — I’m 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, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap 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 faith, lean in his presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.”

“My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifices, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.”

“I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached 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 me. And, when he comes for his own, he will have no problem recognizing me … my banner will be clear.”

Are you practicing churchianity, or are you following Christ for real? Selah; pause, and calmly think of that…

But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” ~ 2 Tim 2:19

 

 

 

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