Today's Passage - 2 Timothy 1:8

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english 2 Timothy 1:8   So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.     If you were asked what is the mission and responsibility God has given us on earth? I believe over 99% would have answered without any hesitation, "To preach the gospel and bear testimony."  Yet many Christian are afraid that they may offend others or they may not be accepted even though they know clearly this is their mission.  At meal times, many Christians can openly pray but when others are around, they feel uneasy and pray by pretending they are holding their eye glasses or napkins.  Many feel preaching or bearing  testimonies openly are only for those with great courage  not suitable for themselves.    Peter was born with courage, otherwise when he saw Jesus walking on the water he would not have yelled out, " Here I come."  If it were for us, we would be scared motionless, but for Peter, he was courageous enough to take the plunge.  Ironically,  this person with courage,when confronted in the courtyard of the high priest when Jesus was arrested,  was scared and denied knowing Jesus three times instead of using this opportunity to bear witness for Him.  Timothy was born with little courage as his name means timid indicating "lack of courage".  This person, though born with little courage, had turned courageous after knowing Jesus.    In the early church history, Timothy bore effective testimonies for the Lord.  Therefore, in spiritual affairs, there is no direct relationship between courage and personality. With the strength given by God, we need to have the courage to persevere under persecution for the gospel. May the Lord help us to be like the disciples in the early churches, besides knowing the Lord, we also understand the power of His resurrection and the authority we have  as believers.  Do not be ashamed of our belief, but be proud of it instead for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved - the very name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth who was raised from the dead by God.  Hallelujah, let us recognize the power and authority in Him with which we can  live out a glorious testimony for the Lord.              Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, we thank you because of the power and authority we have in you.  May the Lord help us to be a witness for you courageously everyday in our lives so that people around us may come to learn the preciousness of Jesus.  With thanks we pray, in the name of our victorious Jesus, Amen!