Nougat 11

For many of us, coding Y’shua is easy. Until the going gets tough. In such cases, that’s when our choice truly matters. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat

Acts 4:19-20 CEVDCI

[19] Peter and John answered, “Do you think God wants us to obey you or to obey him?

[20] We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard.”

The Choice 2

Choosing Christ us more than a random act. Who would imagine that healing a paralysed man could escalate so quickly? Yet it did. This is the reality many in the faith regularly face. One version of the story behind the song, ‘I have decided to follow Jesus’ refers to an Indian prince who chose Christianity over his crown. Whether this is true or not, this story serves a a reminder that those individuals referenced in Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith were real. It also challenges us to ensure that Christ remains the main focus in our lives, regardless of the cost.

Above that, I believe that Peter and John’s courage invites us to be among those who pray continually for the persecuted church. Siblings, there are believers in many parts of the world where professing Christ is a one way ticket to the electric chair or some other variation of the death penalty. In some spaces it may not be as extreme as death, but it certainly involves attacks and removal of rights by extremists.

We may have heard of kidnappings, stories of rape, violent abuse and exclusion meted out to Christians in some countries. When we hear, do we pray for God’s intervention? More so, do we ask God how we might help our siblings in distress?

Our profession of faith may include our willingness to offer help to the man in the side of the road. We may need to offer health and shelter as required. Interestingly, the Samaritan didn’t take the man to his home – he took him to an inn. Involvement doesn’t need to take the risk within our personal walls to our families. It also recognises when the work is beyond our personal capacity.

May our prayer today move beyond the normal to include those who gave persecution for their beliefs, and inviting god to show us how we might be most helpful.

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May all we seek be found in Christ