Central African Republic--Give Us Strength to Be a Blessing

Greetings in the Lord!

I am reminded that it was one year ago while returning from South Africa that I had a dream of a corrupt military man losing power and a woman took his place.  I found out yesterday that at the time of my dream, it was a reality happening in the country of Central African Republic!  They were swearing in their new female president, Catherine Samba-Panza.  She is a Christian leader, with the tall task of stopping religious violence between the Christians and Muslims in her country. 

Today's word is for her and for the Christian community there, and for any other Christian who is blessed to go through trials for His namesake. 

"Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?  But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.  Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.  But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their behavior.  It is better, if it is the Lord's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." 1 Peter 3:13-17.  

Did the Lord not say that this year there would be great persecution to come against His people?  But not for nothing!  As the rest of 1 Peter 3 goes on to say, that our Jesus, our sinless Savior, also suffered unto death for His good deeds.  But in so doing was resurrected by the power of the Holy Spirit, and has been and is still, seated in "heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to Him."    

We war not with flesh and blood, but against demonic powers and authorities.  So, we must follow the model of behavior that Jesus tells us, or would we be able to stand with good conscience before our God when we are being tested by those enslaved and deceived by the enemy of our soul?  Love is the highest form of spiritual warfare.  We love our Savior enough to do His commands.  And what does He ask of us?  
  
Verses 8-17 basically tells us two things: 1) Defend your religion by doing good and by your gentle words and humble behavior towards others.  In this way, they will be ashamed if they slander your good deeds and harmony with all people.  2) Even if it is the Lord's will that you suffer for doing good, we must be certain that we will inherit a blessing, and that it is far better to suffer for righteousness than for doing evil.  Jesus is loving, will He not see and save His people?

Therefore, we must put into practice what the Lord says for us. 
"Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.  He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, for the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."  1 Peter 3:10-12.

Let us pray for the Central African Republic: Lord Jesus, you are our Defender.  As we live according to Your Word, bringing all of our petitions before You as we endure these tough times, we know that You are faithful to help and deliver us.  Jesus, let not fear dictate our behavior, or defend our faith through violence or stern and arduous debate or by force, but rather, by living according to the spirit of love, power and self-discipline that You have given us.  We humbly ask, that as we do good to others, and bless our enemies, that You will move mightily in our presence and bless (miraculously deliver, prosper, and promote) us in this present age, and in the age to come.  Amen and amen. 

~Be blessed and be a blessing.   

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