[The Mayor]

June 4, 2006

An Expensive Gospel

READ: Philippians 1:19-30

To you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. —Philippians 1:29

On a teaching trip at a Bible institute in another country, my colleague and I were saddened to hear of legislation before the parliament that sought to outlaw the evangelical church. We shared our fears with our students that though we had come to train a generation of pastors, we might instead witness a new wave of persecution. We then joined with the students in prayer and worship to God about the matter.

After we concluded, one of the students said to me, “Thanks for being concerned for us, but don’t worry. We’ve learned that it’s not enough for us to preach the gospel or live for the gospel. It is necessary that we suffer for the gospel.” His words were not flippant but honest. Living for Christ often exacts a price.

Paul, writing from prison, said, “To you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29). His statement is daily lived out by believers around the world who experience hardship and persecution for no greater crime than living openly for the name of Jesus.

Let’s pray for God’s blessing and provision for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are paying an expensive price for embracing a salvation that is free. —Bill Crowder

O for a faith that will not shrink
Though pressed by many a foe,
That will not tremble on the brink
Of any earthly woe.  —Bathurst

Those who live for God can expect trouble in the world.

Bible in One Year: Bible in One Year:   2 Chronicles 21-22; John 14

[DollyCali]

(remember Billie's table turorial thread? this table is from it) Saw movie "WATER" last night. Excellent. Give's one pause. About an Indian (from the country of India) girl widowed at age 8 & her story...

The Best day of my Life

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever

There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did!


And because I did I'm going to celebrate!

Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger.

I will go through this day with my head held high and a happy heart.

I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts:

the morning dew,

the sun,

the clouds,

the trees,

the flowers,

the birds.

Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice

Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people.

I'll make someone smile.

I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know. Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is, and I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for them and how much they mean to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me. I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.

And tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.

As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow,

I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life.

And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child,

excited with expectation because I know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life, ever!


(thank you to FReeper FReena)

[luvie]

Good Sunday morning, Rus. Hope you have had a wonderful weekend. Sing out in church this morning.

Thanks for our beautiful lesson from God's Word. Our gospel is priceless.

[MEG33]

Prayers for those Christians around the world who do not practice their faith in safety..who cannot take for granted, as we do the freedom to worship and preach..May God watch over them and bless them.

[luvie]

[click on picture]
~~~~~~~~~
"Heaven Opened Up Its Doors"
by Jeff Russell
aka Texas Songwriter

[MEG33]

Anemones
May Your Sunday Be Filled With Blessings

[.30Carbine]

Those who live for God can expect trouble in the world.

The apostle Peter told us not to be surprised at the fiery trials! How often I have forgotten this encouragement from the Scriptures and been taken aback by my tests!

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Amen.