We used to say ‘Maranatha’ to each other during the 1970s revival. It means Come Lord Jesus, Come.
We used to say to each other, “If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”

Today, I saw a meme/post that said “Be Like Charlie.”
I saw another meme that said something like “When I die, I hope I am remembered like Charlie.”

Charlie Kirk was a great example to emulate – but Who was he emulating? He lived for Christ. And we are all promised to be hated because of standing for the truth. Charlie was on the front lines.

I looked up the definitions of emulate and imitate –

To emulate is to strive to be equal to something/someone. To imitate means to follow as a pattern, model, or example. Imitation can take a negative connotation, but I really like emulation. I want to be like Jesus – and that is emulation.

In this time when people are picking up Charlie’s mantle for truth in many areas, we need to be sure that we are not worshipping a man, but recognizing that he was sent by God and was sent to show us how to live like Jesus. Let’s remember that we are striving to be imitators and emulators of Christ, like Charlie did, not be like Charlie in itself.

Charlie had much evidence for him to be convicted for being a faithful Christian. Charlie stood on the front lines, just like the prophets of old did. Just like the disciples of Christ did. Jesus foretold what those who stand for Jesus can expect.

Matthew 10:21-22
22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Matthew 5:10 – 12
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

1 Peter 3:8-22 is very eye-opening.

1 Peter 3:¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

For further study – Matthew 10:39; Luke 9:24; John 12:25 – and for the record, these words are in red (spoken word of Jesus).

Matthew 16:²⁴ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. ²⁵ For whoever wants to save their life^[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 

Dear readers –
It has begun.

Trim your wicks.

Check your oil.

Awaken yourself, for our Bridegroom is on the move.

Be Ready

 

I have written a little bit about Matthew 10.

Matthew 10

 

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Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression are because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure, you will join him in heaven. Please check out these links:

• Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
• Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of Salvation.

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His Highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze

My heart has always gone out to the marginalized, underserved, broken, wounded, and neglected.  Since Jim’s death, I have not been able to give to these ministries as we used to with his income.  So, my gift to them now is to speak their names to others who may be able to give or pray for these ministries that I have seen with my own eyes grow, and to encourage others to join them in their ministry and calling for the Lord Jesus Christ.

There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are some that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

• A Mission that Jim and I have been supporting for many years in the Philippines, in General Santos City, on the island of Mindanao, in a poverty-stricken area, is Naomi’s Heart Mission. I have known the founder, Kristi Ward, since I was a little taller than knee-high to a grasshopper. Consider sponsoring a child, a college student, or a feeding program; there are many ways to give.
• A mission that grew out of Naomi’s Heart is Obed’s House Ministries. The daughter of one of my high school friends visited the Philippines and fell in love with the street children. Meredith (Wood) Docena not only built a home for these neglected children, but she also found her love, Avery, and they have two biological children. Mia and Tegan, who are growing up in this excellent environment.
• Another mission that grew out of Naomi’s Heart is Living Stone Ambassadors of Hope, founded by Becky and Marty Mingus. They teach and preach the gospel, but also provide practical help to help families build a sustainable income.
• The son of a high school friend ministers with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. Matt Plant and his wife, Alexi, as well as their two children, are posted at Bowling Green State University to minister to the students.   If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.