Tuesday, July 08, 2008

For The Cause Of Jesus Christ

A young African martyr wrote these words in his prison cell before he died:

"I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed, the die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made--I'm 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, 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.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I won't give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up for the cause of Jesus Christ.

I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till everyone knows, work till He stops me and when He comes for His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me because my banner will have been clear."


Some awesome, inspirational truth written by a man who was truly dedicated to Jesus Christ!

Source: Erwin Lutzer, Where Do we Go From Here? (Chicago: Moody Press), p. 47.

7 comments:

Susan Smith said...

Amen. (ss)

Christinewjc said...

Yes Susan! Amen indeed!

It is difficult to add anything to what the writer shared.

Loved all of it! This portion was simply stated, yet very profound:

"My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure"

Anonymous said...

I am always encouraged by quotes like that. It reminds me to keep an eternal perspective, that God is in control and that we can bravely face the world with his truth.

Susan Smith said...

Amen again Christine! You quoted, “"My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure"

The power of God via Jesus the Messiah redeemed my past of more than 20 and 30 years respectively in the sinful pits of homosexuality and drunkenness. I recently spoke to a former high school teacher of mine who lives in Zephyrhills, Florida and she has been reading my newsletter for several years. She told me, “If you can change, ANYONE can change!” She knew me during my teenage years, and she witnessed several of my bouts with drunkenness. Neither of us was aware of my gender confusion at the time.

Only God knew at that time that I would be in graduate school today studying Clinical Counseling! All the days of our lives are ordained before one of them comes to be (PSA 139:16). He chose you and me before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight (EPH 1:4). Praise HIS Name! My present makes sense today and my future is secure.

The Lord knew we would be friends and share salt and light with the world on Talk Wisdom before you ever had a blog. It is a privilege to call you my friend. What a wonderful God we serve! Keep shining, my sister. Much love from the East side of the USA to the West. (ss)

Christinewjc said...

Yes Neil - I agree!

Keeping things on this earth in perspective; realizing that in the light of eternity it will all "work together for good for those who love the Lord" keeps me going through the tough (and bizarre!) times!

Christinewjc said...

Susan - it's a privilege for me to have you as my friend! You always have the ability to encourage me. I so appreciate that! Even when I am in error, your words often help to guide me back to God's Word and perspective on things!

With love and thankfulness,
Christine

Anonymous said...

Inspirational,Yes we all should have a testament of this nature.
To make an stand for Christ from which our strength cometh from.