Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2001

Subject: Standing Out from the Crowd with POWER

Dear Ethan & Emily:

One of the sadder passages in the New Testament is Jesus’ statement that toward the end of His ministry:  “Many people, including some of the Jewish leaders, believed in (me).  But they wouldn’t admit it to anyone because of their fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue.  FOR THEY LOVED HUMAN PRAISE MORE THAN THE PRAISE OF GOD.” John 12: 42 – 43

Peer pressure and acceptance are so very very strong in our society today even though as we look back through history, it has been those individuals who stood up for what they believe and bucked conventional thinking of the day that made the advances in technology or social development.  But, so few want to stand out today…

I pray that we will stand with Paul who declared for all the world to know:  “…I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ.  It is the POWER of God at work, saving everyone who believes…Jews first and also Gentiles.” Romans 1: 16

And later while giving advice to the young Christian Timothy, Paul emphasized:  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of POWER, love, and self-discipline.  So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.”  2 Timothy 1: 7 – 8

We have the POWER to do what is right and to stand with God…not the crowd around us.  Believe me…His approval and praise makes it all worthwhile!

Seek God’s Praise today by allowing the Holy Spirit to “give you the power” to stand for what is right and for what honors our Lord.

My love,

Dad