Speak now or forever hold our peace…

I remembered this piece I wrote a couple of years ago for IPF and wanted to re-post it as it seems relevant.


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Looking out the window one can see the bombed out buildings all the way down the deserted city street. Only a few women and children scurry out quickly to gather necessities back home. Men cautiously walk through the streets to complete their business for the day. Few of the beautiful architectural structures that once stood prominently representing its cultural heritage now lay in rubble. The landscapes which captured the hearts of many a traveler are hidden under the dense atmosphere of war and terror. Armies and soldiers set the ambiance wielding weapons that make our hearts beat just a little faster with apprehension. 

Destroyed by the years of war the historical Churches now remain in pieces of its previous magnificence. History is taking an unprecedented turn to another continuous bout of political tension. Freedom now lies only in the hearts of the people. Salvation is not heard from the voices now silenced. Courage tested by cowering under tables while the walls tremble from gun shots. 

I see today a multitude of countries and people facing this daily torment of uncertainty. Where are the Christians? The tables are turning; the stones are now being cast at those who are standing up for faith and truth. Lives are lost without knowing the salvation in the name of Jesus. We live in a place where one would rather conform than be set apart. They conform to the images and status quo of the media and societies opinion. 

What do you see? More importantly what do you do? 

Where are you going in life? Who are you inspiring in this life? What are you doing for…yourself...or for the Lord? 

Speak now or forever hold your piece. There is no other time than this. Speak up for those losing their souls. Do not keep quiet for what…a short period of pleasure? 

There’s more to life than [insert here any number of the short lived pleasures pushed and vouched for the infamous and jaded glamor of this world] Why go with the status quo? Why not live to be different, to realize our real purpose in life is to worship the Lord. To have abundant life through His unfailing love and grace. Why go with the flow, when we can be so much more?

I see hope…a hope for our future. Do not give in, do not give up, and do not keep quiet. Speak up for Christ. We live not for ourselves but for others; that is what we are all about, not trying to be like anyone else, just Jesus. We should stick out, our words, our actions; our character should resemble the beat, the music, the dance, of a different drummer. Why push the boundary line? Get to a place where beneficial versus permissible is clearly understood. Millions are lost and billions more are waiting. 

“…And they are waiting for you, waiting for me; to open our hands so He can pour them [God’s love] out. But why would God trust us with these treasures these precious children of His? Because God calls us family, He can trust us. Because we have seen the otherness of God and we long for more! For if you, God, were the same as the rest You would not be holy and my un-holiness craves your holiness, your cleansing. You!  

Then in the process, we become ‘other’ ourselves; and the importance of that? [Otherness, is what we are about, to look outside ourselves and reach out with God’s love] There are so many stories [societal attractions] being told, vying for my affections, my passions, my heart, but I refuse to be caught up in the midst of small stories that seem brilliant at the moment, but soon become faded glory. I desire to be taken up into God’s story and into God [Your] great plot for me and mankind.  So I can leap into the chariot of fire. And I ask for humility and courage to leave it all behind. No matter the cost! Because Lord, You deserve it…and they need it. Because I love You…and they need You. 

And the spirit and the bride are still crying out…Come Lord Jesus and You will. You always do.”

Quoted from World Mandate 2005 – ACC, [Otherness]