January 26

MORNING

Let us go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ\'s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. - As ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. - Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

HEB. 13:13,14. I Pet. 4:12,13. II Cor. 1:7. I Pet. 4:14. Acts 5:41. Heb. 11:25,26.

The above is the reading from the Daily Light for today. It is timely in that many seem to think that the Christian life is one of ease and comfort. May it be! But oftentimes the Christian life is one of difficulties and sorrow. If that is your lot today have hope, for there is a purpose and a Comforter.

Politics or the Gospel

POLITICS OR THE GOSPEL

"Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence" (John 18:36).

The fact that Christ's Kingdom Is not of this world is enough to keep me out of the world's politics. If I participate in politics, then I am casting a vote of confidence in the system's ability to solve the world's problems. But frankly, I have no such confidence because I know that "the whole world lieth in wickedness" (1 John 5:19).

Politics has proved singularly ineffective in solving the problems of society. Political remedies are nothing but a band-aid on a festering sore: they do not get at the source of the infection. We know that sin is the basic trouble in our sick society. Anything that fails to deal with sin cannot be taken seriously as a cure.

It becomes a matter of priorities, then. Should I spend time in political involvement or should I devote that same time to the spread of the gospel? Jesus answered the question when He said, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:60). Our top priority must be to make Christ known because He is the answer to the world's problems.

--William MacDonald, One Day at a Time, Gospel Folio Press, p. 24.

There's only one way to change society. When people have a new heart; they will have a new life-style and motivation. Not sure: Take the Good Person Test.

I found this on Worthy News

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on in every person. He said, "My son, the battle is between two 'wolves'. One is evil -- it is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good -- it is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grand son thought for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

So very true.

Do You Know?

Mum has healthy baby after doctors advised her to abort

A couple who went against medical opinion and twice refused an abortion before switching hospitals are now the proud parents of a healthy baby boy.

All too often people are ready to kill the unborn--any excuse will work.

Comfort or Truth?

PERSECUTION

There are promises in the word of God that don\'t seem much like promises to some folks. For instance, this one: \"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.\" That means all whose purpose of heart it is to live godly lives in this present world shall (certainly) suffer persecution, as did their Lord. Maybe we contemplate such verses and think they should say something different: perhaps something like, \"And all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall be appreciated for their goodness and rewarded with approval, good health and fortune.\" There is Paul\'s statement to the Philippians that declares, \"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.\" Perhaps we would be more comfortable if that were to read, \"For unto you it is given...not only to believe on him, but also to be blessed with health, wealth and prosperity.\" But it doesn\'t say that; it says what it says.

--Dick York (Missionary, conference speaker, missionary trainer, author)

The Associated Press: Colombian coffee growers to sue over US cartoon

The Colombian Coffee Growers Federation says it has consulted with U.S. lawyers and will sue "Mother Goose & Grimm" cartoonist Mike Peters "for damage and harm, detriment to intellectual property and defamation."

The suit will be filed Friday and "would not seek any less than $20 million," according to a note on the federation's Web site. It will also demand a retraction from any newspaper that published the Jan. 2 cartoon.

This is as about the best example of the "love of money is the root of all evil" as one can find.

You can see the offending strip as the Mother Goose and Grimm website.