Out of Africa comes a story of bravery and boldness in Christ that we in America need to hear. There was an young African pastor who was caught in the struggle between an Islamic rebel force and the existing government of his nation. When his village was overwhelmed by rebels, they demanded that he renounce his faith. He refused. The night before they took his life, he wrote the following lines on a scrap of paper:

I am part of the "Fellowship of the Unashamed." I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I've stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of His. 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 presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought , compromised, detoured, 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, shut up, let up, or burn up till I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops.

And when He comes to get His own, He'll have no problems

recognizing me. My colors will be clear.

Lord, develop in me the perseverance and faithfulness to pursue Your goal for my life even in the face of rejection.

There Is A Price.

Our Christianity does cost.. It cost God His Son and it costs us our hearts. Every Christan will come to a crossroad where they will decide to either be completely sold out to Christ or they will sell out to the world and a lesser experience in God. It is frightening place.. why? It is like one great minister said, "if you don't belong totally to Christ.. you don't belong to Him at all."

Lord, help us to come to the place, that we can say to you, I offer my life to you. I pour my life out on the altar of God like a drink offering. I empty all of myself before You, my Lord and I expect You to accept me as a living sacrifice. I am totally Yours to use as You see fit. I ask these things in Jesus' Name. Amen.