I read this story today and it encourages me:
The Prussian king Frederick the Great was widely known as an agnostic. By contrast, General Von Zealand, one of his most trusted officers, was a devout Christian. Thus it was that during a festive gathering the king began making crude jokes about Christ until everyone was rocking with laughter–all but Von Zealand, that is. Finally, he arose and addressed the king: “Sire, you know I have not feared death. I have fought and won 38 battles for you. I am an old man; I shall soon have to go into the presence of One greater than you, the mighty God who saved me from my sin, the Lord Jesus Christ whom you are blaspheming. I salute you, sire, as an old man who loves his Savior, on the edge of eternity.” The place went silent, and with a trembling voice the king replied, “General Von Zealand–I beg your pardon! I beg your pardon!” And with that the party quietly ended.
Today In The Word, August, 1989, p. 7
Matthew 10:33
But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
I like the late Billy Grahams statement:
A great problem in America is that we have an anemic and watered-down Christianity that has produced an anemic, watered-down, and spineless Christian who is not willing to stand up and be counted on every issue. We must have a virile, dynamic, aggressive Christian who lives Christ seven days a week, who is ready to die, if necessary, for his faith. We need Christians who are ethical, honest, gracious, bold, strong, and devoted followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We must stand up for the cause of Christ, no matter the public humiliation…
Courage is doing what you’re afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you’re scared.
Eddie Rickenbacker, Bits & Pieces, April 29, 1993, p. 12
Stand for Jesus today!
Let’s Pray:
‘Father, grant me courage, boldness and strength to stand for you, in whatever place I must, bringing honor and glory unto Jesus, my Savior, my Lord, my King! Amen’