Christmas wishes

We've already established that I'm not much for publishing my own thoughts, preferring instead to share them in more private settings. So, for my Christmas message to share here, I will choose a more profound writer than myself. This prayer never ceases to give me the chills with it's deeply powerful message. The author was a young African minister, who was martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ. Before he was murdered, he penned the words below on a scrap of paper.

A copy of the original can be found here:
http://www.onthewing.org/user/My%20Face%20is%20Set.pdf

My prayer is that each person who reads this will read it thoughtfully, letting God speak His purpose into each heart.

My Face is Set

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed.

I have the Holy Spirit power.

The die has been cast.

I have stepped over the line.

The decision has been made-I'm a disciple of His.

I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my presence makes sense, my future is secure.

I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees,

colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.

I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded.

I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer,

and I labor with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow,

My way rough, my companions are few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice,

hesitate in the presence of the enemy,

pander at the pool of popularity,

or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up

Until I have stayed up, prayed up, paid up, preached up, for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus.

I must go 'til He comes, give 'til I drop, preach 'til all know, work 'til He stops me.

And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me...

My banner will be clear!

Praying that all readers are part of the blessed fellowship of the unashamed,
Mary