Interesting Day... Eh?

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
1 Peter 4:15 - 17

God has an unusual way of teaching us practically what He shows us in His Word.  Sometimes, the Holy Spirit has revealing the meaning of the text in semi-tangible ways.

1 Peter 4:15 - 17 was the topic of study this morning in a Bible study I lead Thursday mornings.  This was also the devotional from the book I am reading through: EXTREME DEVOTION (Voice of the Martyrs).  This morning's devotional was about several young men in Sudan that, despite being tortured, refused to call Allah "god".  Amen...!  I pray that I would have the same boldness.

But the Gospel seldom gets the spotlight for too long (sigh).

Low and behold... what came across the news wire this morning?  THIS:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/07/08/connecticut.church.scam/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29

If you suffer for the cause of Christ... it is for His honor and your edification.  If you suffer for your own sin and/or foolishness... you get what you deserve.

Let us strive to enter through the narrow gate.