PRECIOUS One ..

Hi,

'Deborah, wife, mother and judge was able to sort out right from wrong not only for herself but for others. She held court under a palm tree, which reminds me of our front yard in Irian Jaya - a quiet corner where people could come to talk and ask questions. WHEN the gospel first came to the Moni people, they had much "sorting out" to do. There were so many things in their lives they wondered about. What is right and what is wrong ? What does God think about this or that ?

* Having been given the Lord's instruction to go up to battle, Barak replied to Deborah, "If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go" (verse 8 - Judges). The presence of her godly life was what he needed in the thick of battle.

I think of the Moni Deborahs in Irian Jaya who have left parents and possessions and have gone with their husbands into isolated valleys, with tiny babies on their backs and toddlers by their side. They have ministered in malaria-infested lowlands where there is no medicine, sometimes coming back without those little ones or even losing their own lives so that frontiers might be pushed back for God.

ONLY eternity will tell of the battles that have been won, enemies conquered and exploits accomplished for God because of an optimistic woman of faith who said, "Go ! Conquer ! God is on your side !"

DEBORAH had that beautiful womanly ability to inspire those whose lives she touched. As women, we need not apologize for God's call or His anointing in our lives.'

("Go ! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you ? - JUDGES 4:14.")

G. CUTTS

Wonderful.k.

~ Standing Ovation ! ~

"SUSAN Boyle spent most of her adult life living with her cat Pebbles, caring for her aging mother, and singing in church. She certainly didn't look like a musical superstar. That's probably why the audience laughed at this unassuming middle-aged woman before she performed in a talent show. Undeterred, Susan faced the unfriendly crowd, sang beautifully, and went on to receive a standing ovation.

Stephen was confronted by a hostile crowd in the days of the early church (Acts 6-7). A panel of religious authorities listened to lying witnesses accuse him of blasphemy (Acts 6:13). Stephen responded by speaking the truth of God's Word, which reinforced his faith in Christ. At the end of his speech, he said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" (7:56). Then the crowd stoned him (v.58). Jesus, who was watching from heaven, welcomed Stephen home.

Most Chrstians aren't confronted with this much hostility. Yet we all need to "stand fast in the Lord" when the pressure is on (Phil. 4:1). We can't let others silence our voice for Christ. Speaking up for Jesus does not aways win the crowd's favor here on earth, but it does ensure His approval in heaven, where it matters the most." - JBS

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle - the next the victor's song.
To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be:
He with the King of glory shall reign eternally. - Duffield

"Look! I see . . . the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" - Acts 7:56

If you meet opposition, maybe it shows that you are doing something that counts.