Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart [like this]? For I am ready not only to be bound and imprisoned, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”-Acts 21:13 AMP

I believe that way too many “Christians” in America have a huge misunderstanding of what our lives on this earth are supposed to be like and what we’re here on earth to do.  I’m not suggesting that we go out and seek imprisonment, persecution, and death for Christ, but what if??

Recently, a group of Mennonites from Christian Aid Ministries, were helping at an orphanage in Haiti.  During a trip to the orphanage, 5 men, 7 women, and 5 children including a 6-month-old, were kidnapped and while I’m writing this, are being held for $1million dollars each.  I don’t believe that they set out to Haiti to get abducted, and I also believe that they knew the dangers that exist in Haiti before they set out to spread the Good News of Jesus in Haiti.

Someone I know called them stupid.  I believe they have more faith than most of us reading this, including me.  I’ve served with CAM over the years and I’m betting that while they’re probably scared, they’re probably also spending a lot of time praying as well as signing hymns as I’ve often been witness to over the years. 

This reminds me of Paul and Silas from Acts 16:22-40.  They were beaten and jailed for their faith in Christ.  But rather then sulk and complain, they were praying and singing hymns to The LORD!  It’s a great story of how God rescued them and how many came to know The LORD through Paul and Silas' persecution!  I’m praying the same for the Mennonites!

We tend to misinterpret a LOT of Scripture thinking we’re here on this earth to make it the best we can.  I’ve heard it said that if you’re living your best life now, then you’re on your way to hell! 

Verses like Jeremiah 29:11, easily get twisted into being all about us and what we can get on this earth, rather than what the context of the book of Jeremiah and what the verse is all about.  In this verse we often use the word prosperity and then think of it in human terms, not in what God says, not only here, but in the rest of The Bible.  Remember God said in Isaiah 55:8 that His ways and thoughts are not the same as ours!  Prosperity properly translated via either the original language or the context is really to be at peace with The LORD.  Isn’t that true prosperity anyways?  I know a lot of us say that, but the way we live our lives is more about prosperity on this earth, than to be at peace with The LORD, sad!

What about denying our flesh?  (Matthew 16:24)  How many of us continue to allow sin to rule over us as we continue to live our lives in certain sins.  We like to say it isn’t our fault, it’s the way I was raised, that husband you gave me, The LORD hasn’t taken it from me yet, etc, etc.  Oddly enough, or is it, either God is a liar or it’s totally our choice to sin, can’t be both!  (Ezekiel 18, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:17-24, James 1:12-15)

We need to be ready for whatever comes our way in this world.  We can’t continue to live in sin, to shirk our responsibilities as Christians on this earth, and to hide behind our fears.  Day by day we need to be filled by The Holy Spirit as we dig into His Word and spend time with Him in prayer.  (Ephesians 6:10-20)  Then we will be able, through The LORD, to do whatever we need to do today, even if God calls us to die for the Name of The LORD Jesus.  (Philippians 4:13)  

Jesus promises us trials and tribulations on this earth and that those around us would hate us for taking our stand for Jesus as we share His love with them!  (John 16:33, Matthew 10:16-22)  But He also promised us that He’d work ALL things out for our good, which is to make us more like Christ, when we love and obey The LORD and do those things He’s called us to do!  (Romans 8:28-29)

We need to ask ourselves if we’re willing to, at the very least, die to ourselves and our fleshly desires?  If not, what’s holding us back?  What can we begin to change in our lives today that will allow The LORD to take control as we give it ALL up to Him?  Make a plan today or it will never happen.  Be practical, keep pressing on no matter the obstacles or what’s happened in your past, and remember that Jesus died to give us eternal life that as a Christian, has already started, so live in it!  (Proverbs 4:23-27, Philippians 3:7-17, John 17:3, John 17:13-19)

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, prayer requests, etc.  We'd love to pray with and for you and to the best of our ability answer any questions you may have soley using God's Word!

Love y’all and LORD Bless,

Curt & Mary Jo