A close, dear friend of our family out in the Phoenix area happens to be a Police Chaplain. She maintains her own blog and also sends out emails on occasion, all of which are always encouraging, challenging or downright convicting. This email from last night is all of those. I am focused today on ways in which to be MORE Christ centered and to "stand up for Him as He stood (stands) up for me."
"My dear prayer warriors...I pray that this note is in order...I do not think you NEED the challenge, but I feel I must encourage you in these difficult times. My challenge...I was asked to pray at a funeral on Friday but I was asked to be very ecumenical...I replied, "Sir I always pray in the name of Jesus." There was dead silence and I said, "I will never change that. We are commanded in the Bible to pray in Jesus' name. If that is not acceptable, please find another Chaplain to pray at your service." The Ranger was very quiet and said, I will speak with the authorities, and the family." I said I would write the prayer and forward them to him so they could be looked over. I received such a wonderful note of "The family and all in authority felt your prayers were "beautiful and appropriate." We so look forward to your being at this service."" I felt so good and I felt there was a bit of a victory over maybe satan who wanted to silence Jesus' name in public. God showed me that we never ask a muslin to be less muslin...or a Jew to be less Jewish...I ask that you NEvER allow you to be less Christ centered...Let's really stand up for that name Jesus as HE stood up for us 2000 years ago.... ok now for my requests...I have the funeral to pray at on Friday ...for travelling mercies and that I shine for Jesus. It may be hot and I am in full dress uniform...with vest. Oh my ....thank you so very much for always being there and I love you dearly and may Jesus be glorified in every area of our lives. Under HIS care."