I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.  (Philippians 1:20)

The word that strikes me in this verse is courage.  The walk of faith is not for the faint of heart.  If I want my life to exalt Christ, it will take courage.

And I have so stinking little.

The other night, I encountered a man who was perhaps not entirely stable.  He was sitting at a table in a coffee shop, sort of streaming consciousness to whomever might be listening.  Some of what he was saying was a denial of the deity of Christ.

I knew I should talk to him, but for the longest time I just sat and tried to ignore him.

While I wrote a devotion on preaching Christ.

Why?  Hard to articulate, but it comes down to fear.

Eventually, I went over and engaged him in gentle debate—if I hadn’t, I doubt that I would be sharing this with you.  I didn’t change his mind, but I stood.

I take minor victories where I can get them.

Pray for me, and I will pray for you, that we will have the courage to live a life that glorifies God.

Be not ashamed, Beloved.