DELIGHT and DUTY

 A GOD OF MIRACLES

Our family spent several years overseas and while abroad, we met many interesting people. Some were of high rank -- for example, I, as the daughter of a meter reader, never dreamed my world would intersect that of a very wealthy dignitary, but it did. And, miracle of miracles, that man allowed us to share our faith with him and he received CHRIST as his personal SAVIOR while kneeling on the floor in our living room.

The greatest compliment we have ever received was when this gentleman, a billionaire in his own right and a counsellor to kings and princes, said of us, "You are the richest people I know."

Another amazing individual, at the other end of the social spectrum, was a man from a communist nation in Africa. His family were devout Christians and as such, they were targeted for persecution.

While imprisoned for his faith, this man, Michael David, was beaten mercilessly. His back and arms bore evidence of the torture he had undergone. While many prisoners suffered the horrific fate he had endured, he noticed that there was a group the guards refrained from torturing.

Michael David was taken under the wing of this group of people who were called "the Pents." When under their charge, the guards refrained from mistreating him. He inquired as to the distinction made between his former cruel treatment at the hands of the sadistic guards and the change he was now experiencing.

These "Pents," Pentecostals, explained that whenever one of them was beaten or harmed in any way, something terrible happened to one of the guards or to members of their families. EVERY TIME one of the Pents had been abused, death or disease or harm came in some way to the guards or to those precious to them.

These people were powerful CHRISTIANS who openly shared their faith -- even with the guards. They were bold to proclaim the WORD and they were faithful to live the WORD!

Michael David's testimony made a profound impact on those of us who take our faith in JESUS for granted. Though we may live in a free land and enjoy the right to worship the LORD after the dictates of our heart, we do not forget the great sacrifice some people have been (and are) willing to make to worship the HOLY ONE.

My daughter approached Michael David to talk to him because she was so touched by his presence among us as we worshiped underground in a land where CHRISTIANITY is forbidden.

She asked him why he attended worship services when he could be imprisoned or even executed in this nation that forbade our faith.

His response to her, which has become her own and which she shares with anyone who asks is, "WORSHIPPING JESUS IS MY DELIGHT AND MY DUTY."

How do you feel about worshipping JESUS?