Let not the events that happen around us, discourage us. Persecution of Christians has become an order of the day. Jesus said,“ do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul”( Mt 10:28). Therefore, we who stand at the zero hour, let us be prepared to meet Jesus with fear, trembling and holiness.
5. Uncompromising Sacrifice
Peter did not hesitate to sacrifice the comforts he had in the boat.
What have we sacrificed for Jesus? A communist challenged the Christians saying,“ You Christians are lazy. In a day, for 8 hours I labour for my party; next 8 hours I earn for my party and the remaining 8 hours I dream about my party.”
Our Lord Jesus sacrificed His heavenly riches for us. He led a sacrificial life on the earth; all the way from the manger to Golgotha.
A woman standing at the bank of river Ganges had a puny infant in her arms while she flung her healthy child into the river to appease her god. She proudly exclaimed,“ We give our best to our god!”
What have we given up for the Lord who gave His very life for us?
Sacrifice is the crux of Christian life. The object of sacrifice varies from person to person. God knows where our heart is. For Paul, it was his education, position and status. For Abraham, it was his only dearly beloved son. What is that which we hold dearly?
the poor instead of purchasing a dress.“ He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord”( Prov 19:17).
We can sacrifice our time and go as a team for village ministry, tract distribution, hospital visit or children ' s ministry at least once in a week.
We can seek employment in the needy places of India so that we can be a Tent-maker in Lord ' s ministry. Leaving our native place is also a sacrifice. If God has called us for full-time ministry, let us learn Hindi and carry the gospel to wherever He leads.
Jesus said,“ If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me”( Lk 9:23).
There may be oppositions and problems may arise. Even our very life may be in danger. But let us not loose heart. Let us commit our lives and attempt great things for God.
C. T. Studd told,“ Only one life, it will soon be past, only what is done for Christ will last.”
Peter who walked with Jesus, got onto the boat with Jesus. When we walk with Jesus in this world, He will lovingly take us with Him to heaven.
What a joy it will be when He crowns us! Dare to walk on water!
What can we sacrifice for God? If we get up at 6 O ' clock every morning, let us sacrifice our sleep for one hour, get up at 5 O ' clock and pray to God.
The pocket money saved by us can be given to
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