Susan's Blog: Reflections on Keeping the Faith

Sunday, September 18, 2005

Reflections on Keeping the Faith

Thank you to my dear friend Dan...sending his condolences on Chuck's death. Dan...I greatly appreciate you kind words and reflections on "keeping the faith". You are very eloquent...and have some keen insight...that seems to have increased with your years. Thank you Daniel...and by the way congratulations on your new job...and good to have you back in California! Susan

I was sorry to hear about the passing of Pastor Chuck. While I did not have the pleasure of knowing him personally, from what I have read about this man on your blog, we were indeed fortunate to have a man such as him.

Reading the notice of his passing, I was struck by the following words, "he fought the good fight, he kept the faith" Truly that is something to aspire to and to have that said of one at their passing. Keeping the faith is so difficult at times as life brings us many challenges, but to keep your faith in spite of all is something to be proud of. To fight the good fight, to do what is right, to not take the easy way out, but to struggle and persevere is something that many call old fashioned in these times, but as I age, the words have more and more meaning and more and more focus in my life.

My sincere condolences to his family and his congregation.

Dan H.

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My Colors Will Be Clear

I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have 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 present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight seeing, smooth knees, color-less dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, "chinchy" giving and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need position, promotions, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my destination is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions 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 adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of the One that gave me life, drew the line in blood for me in the hour of my destiny.

I am one of Christ's remnant people. I belong to Him and none other. All I do to bring this life to another is done because of that blood covenant poured out for me.

I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. I must share will all that one more might hear and be drawn from the flaming darkness that longs to consume. Reach for another, touch but one more!

Until that moment...He will have no problem in recognizing me- my colors will be clear!!!

Not only are the words inspiring but so is the man behind them. The above letter was written by a Pastor in Africa who was undergoing severe persecution. On the eve of his execution he sat down and wrote the above note.

Sunday, September 18, 2005

Reflections on Keeping the Faith

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The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay – Fascinating, Compelling, Filled with Intrigue