August 19, 2015
The Fellowship of the Unashamed
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. (Romans 1:16, NIV)
Friend to Friend
I have been a follower of Christ for many years. God has blessed me beyond measure. I often look at my husband and say, “I don’t get it. Why would God choose a little nobody girl from Brownwood, Texas to do the things He has allowed me to do in ministry?” My husband always smiles and says, “It is just God’s grace and favor, honey.”
I don’t deserve God’s grace and favor. His unconditional love slays me. The forgiveness with which He delivers me from my frailty astonishes me every day. I owe Him everything … and it is time for me to say so.
Yes, I have been doing that for many years. But it is time for me to take it to a whole new level. Time is short, and the needs are more crucial than they have ever been.
Here is the bottom line. It is time for women of faith to stand up and speak up.
I have been sensing this calling from God for the past year. But when I went to church last week, Rob Wegner, one of our teaching pastors was speaking, and his message blew me away. Seriously, out of the park! And nailed this calling to the very core of my heart.
Rob shared the story of a young believer who lived in Rwanda over 30 years ago. The young man’s tribe forced him to either renounce Christ or face death. Because this young man refused to renounce his faith in Christ, he was murdered. The night before he was killed, he took the time to write out the commitment he had made to Christ. Like Paul, he stood firm in his faith and paid for it with his life. Read his powerful words of commitment carefully.
I am a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. 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, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few. My Guide is reliable. My mission is clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, 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, back up, let up, or shut up until I’ve preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.
And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear for “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
I am asking God to give me the same boldness this young man had. I want the words he wrote to be true in my life. I want to be part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed. What about you?
Let’s Pray
Father, I want to be part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed. I need Your strength and power to step out in faith. Give me a hunger and thirst for Your Word. Help me see those in need around me so I can reach out and love them in Your name. Today, I lay down my fear and pride and choose to boldly proclaim who You are and what You have done in my life. Use me, Father.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
In your journal, write out your own letter of commitment to Christ. Ask Him to make you bold in sharing your faith. Pray for the strength and power to stand firm and become a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ.
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