The Ultimate Executive Action

God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.  (Romans 8:3-4)

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

The wages of sin is death (eternal separation from)  (Romans 6:23)

God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.  (Romans 5:8-9)

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  (Romans 10:9)

Bonhoffer and the Christian-Biblical Worldview

Maybe I'm the only one (but I doubt it) that feels slightly overwhelmed by recent current events:  Ferguson, Missouri rioting; ISIS/ISIL/Hamas, Iran; the focus on persecution of Christ-followers in Iraq; a sluggish, if not poor, economy; world leader's inaction to address threats against peaceable and free people by those who would destroy them.

To one who sees only with their eyes could fall into distress quite easily, but to those with a Christian worldview, current events can be put into perspective because a) similar events have happened before, and b) these events can be predicted to happen again based on what we read in the Bible.

Most concerning to me is the apparent lack of action (maybe I'm just not able to see any action with my physical eyes).  These are times when men and women of faith must act, and Dietrich Bonhoffer gives us a glimpse of the necessity of action in his essays and letters.

"The great masquerade of evil has played havoc with all our ethical concepts.  For evil to appear disguised as light, charity, historical necessity, or social justice is quite bewildering to anyone brought up on our traditional ethical concepts, while for the Christian who bases his life on the Bible it merely confirms the fundamental wickedness of evil."

Elsewhere, Bonhoffer asks and states,

"Who stands fast?  Only the man whose final standard is not his reason, his principles, his conscience, his freedom, or his virtue, but who is ready to sacrifice all this when he is called to obedient and responsible action in faith and in exclusive allegiance to God - the responsible man, who tries to make his whole life an answer to the question and call of God."

Luther on Prayer

The importance of prayer cannot be overstated in our relationship with God, not so much in our asking for "stuff" and help, but in appreciating God who He is and ever will be.

One thing that amazes about my trips to Nicaragua is the faith and power of prayer expressed by the people we're with - there is a deep communion with our Lord and a prayerful literacy that is not often experienced here in the U.S.  That said, it becomes clear that there is a wealth of faith outside the States where our own abundance has created a reliance on self, ability, and the blessings of God rather than true and deep reliance on Him.

Many (including myself) say that we're too busy to slow down and be still (as the Psalmist wrote), often allowing time with God to be snatched away by the tasks and appointments of the day.  As a band-aid, we've decided to attempt to foster a relationship with God in the form of "prayer hits" or "fortune cookie devotions," snippets throughout the day in order to squeeze Him into our schedule (again, I'm writing to myself more than others here).

Looking at my watch and realizing I was running late the other day, I distinctly said, "Lord, I have ten minutes."  Realizing what I had just said, I had to consciously stop myself, decide to show up late, get on my knees, ask for forgiveness for what I said, and adore God for who He truly is.

Martin Luther wrote that he was so busy, he couldn't afford to pray less than 3 to 4 hours a day (!).  Below I've copied a dedication and an opening prayer by Luther that I'm focusing on this week that can benefit us all.  Care to join me?

Let this be for you an encouragement, that with all diligence and earnestness it may become your habit to pray.  For next to the preaching of the Gospel, in which God speaks with us and gives us all His grace and blessings, the highest and foremost work we can do is to speak with him through prayer and receive from Him what He gives us...By our prayer we seek and find what we are to receive.  Therefore prayer becomes our comfort, strength, and consolation, as well as our protection against all enemies and our victory over them.


Dear Lord!  You know that I cannot come before You on account of my own self, my presumption or my worthiness.  Just as I might desire to look upon You, yet in the same way I would not be permitted to do so and would not even know how I might begin to pray.  Nevertheless I do come before You because You Yourself have commanded it and You earnestly encourage that we should call upon You.  You have even pledged a promise.  You sent Your own Son, He who teaches us what we should pray, and You have promised to give us the words that we use in prayer.  Therefore i know that such prayer indeed pleases You, and that my claim, that I may commend myself as a child of God before You, as great as that may seem, comes from the fact that I must obey You as You would have it.  May I never inflict lies upon You and through other and greater sins trespass against You, thereby despising Your command and rejecting the gift of faith in Your promise.

Memorizing Scripture

Last week, I had the pleasure of working as an examiner for a national test of EMT candidates, where my duty was to provide a scenario, victim, and equipment and observe the candidate's skills.

In order to ensure that all candidates are treated equally and fairly, a scripted introduction to the skills station is read for each candidate, and a standardized checklist of procedures are used for each exam.

Reading the script, at first, was a bit daunting as I became more familiar with each sentence.  But after reading it over for the first three or four candidates enabled me to internalize the paragraph.  Shortly after, I was reading the script with little effort and even finding that I could make eye contact with the candidate as I recited my lines.  

After the exam, I realized that there were some helpful hints to use in my own quest for memorizing Scripture.

Let's use the example of 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which states

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Tip #1:  Forget the excuses.

"I'm just not good at memorization" is a common excuse for not trying.  God made our brains, so we most certainly can memorize!

Tip #2:  Divide the verses into digestible parts

With a little thought, one can break an entire passage into smaller parts.  Try this with the example above:

All Scripture is breathed out by God

and profitable for teaching,

for reproof,

for correction,

and for training in righteousness,

that the man of God may be complete,

equipped for every good work.

Tip #3:  Read out loud

The more senses one uses when attempting to memorize any content, the faster and easier it is to remember it.  When we read aloud, we're seeing (reading text), hearing (hearing ourselves recite), and speaking (not really tasting, but using the mouth).  If we read silently, we're only using one of our senses.  *Bonus tip:  If you write the passage on a notebook several times, you also engage the sense of touch.

Tip #4:  Think about it

As you read, engage your mind, concentrating on what is being said as you read aloud.  Thinking about the text while engaging as many senses as possible helps develop pathways between neurons in the brain, as well as causing synapses (tiny electrical impulses) that, simply put, help make sense of connected bits of information.

Tip #5:  Repetition

One of the main factors for memorizing the script at the exam was the many times (19 in all) I read and re-read the content.  19 readings plus performing the exam took about 3.5 hours.  If we're serious about memorizing Scripture, start with reading and concentrating for 5 minutes a day for one week on a verse that means something to you.  The following week, increase your effort to 10 minutes and so on until the verse is memorized.

Fully Equipped

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,equipped for every good work."  2 Timothy 3:16-17

"He leads me in paths of righteousness

    for his name's sake."  Psalm 23:3

From my Scripture/prayer journal this morning, studying 2 Timothy 3:

Observation:  Paul authors this letter of encouragement in  c.67 A.D. from prison in Rome to Timothy, a young church leader.   

Interpretation/Theme:  God breathes (exhales).  His Word to be revered as being issued from him and as having his authority.  His very breath - the Holy Spirit -  teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains me so I am provided with all supply of knowledge (wisdom, gifts) to do His good work (which He planned for me well in advance [Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God's masterpiece created in Christ Jesus to do good works that he planned for us in advance.")

- How will I study the Word?

- How will I work with God to all him to instill his Word in me?

- How will I use it to help others (do good works)?

Takeaway:  The Word of God has all the answers to life.  If I am fully equipped, I can address all areas of life (relationships, finances, suffering, grief, joy, peace, faith, hope, love, etc.).  But I need to be able to use it properly.  

What if an ambulance was not properly equipped, missing one or a few vital medications?  Medical devices?  Trauma dressings or IV solutions?  The crew would not be well-equiped to handle anything, from basic to advanced.  

Such is the Word.  I must be well-equipped to handle any and all life situations, and God has the answers through his breathing.

Relationships:  With God - He provides equipment (the Word, His Word) SO THAT

                           others can be served for His glory.

Change:  Commit to inductive study every day - TRAIN consistently, make changes that align with Him, build endurance, and teach others (disciple!) applying what God gives (breathing).

Prayer:  Father in Heaven, thank you for opening new meaning to me in your words this morning, drawing us closer together more than ever before.  Your Word is life.  I want to be one with you as Jesus and you are one, as he prayed in John 17.  Thank you for my life in Christ and for showing me more and more of it.

Prequel Mindset

5May14 7:39 p.m. (now)
Have you ever seen a movie or TV show where the story begins at one point and moves backwards in time, revealing events leading up to one big event?

The only example I can think of right now is the Seinfeld episode where the usual characters start the show at a wedding in India (Scene 1).  Everyone was miserable (in typical Seinfeld humor) for different reasons.  Scene 2 takes place an our or two before Scene 1, setting up the plot line for everyone's misery.  Then Scene 3 sets up Scene 2 so viewers see what led up to Scene 1.

(Hats off to my friend, Scott, who also said there's a movie called "Memento" that progresses back in time, where all the previous events connect and intertwine with each other that led to the events shown in the beginning)

You get the idea, because readers of this blog are incredibly sharp.

Wouldn't it be great if we could have a "prequel" mindset every day, realizing that God's got everything under control?  And despite all our whining and "God please show me" prayers, He says, "I've got this."  Read on while a relate a "prequel" kind of past few days - it actually happened and I have a greater sense of who God is, and who I am.

5May14 9:17 a.m.
I'm getting ready to test out another student taking finals at Century College.  My station is a scenario-based problem and Jake (student) looks a bit nervous.  As we walk to my room and awaiting patient/actors, I figure I'll lighten the mood a bit and talk about Jake's U of M sweatshirt.

Me:  That's a pretty nice sweatshirt.  Are you a big U sports fan?
Jake:  Yeah, I am.  Mostly basketball.
Me:  Well the Gophers had a good season didn't they!  I'm a hockey guy myself.  In fact, I got to sit at a table with Brian Bonin last night at a banquet.
Jake:  Brian Bonin?  The Hockey player Brian Bonin?
Me:  Yup.  Great guy and gave a great talk to a bunch of kids we were recognizing.
Jake:  Well, what banquet was it?
Me;  Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Ever hear of it?
Jake:  Oh yeah!  I'd love to get in to something like that.
Me:  Well let's talk before the lunch break and trade contact info.  I also lead some men's discipling groups and stuff like that - it would be great to talk it over with you sometime soon.
Jake:   I'd like to do that!

Jake's nerves settled and he passed my station with a 98, and I think back to this weekend's sermon quote.

5May14 6:11 a.m.
The icebreaker at our Resolute group was an activity:  Pair up, talk about your work, and what the purpose of your work is.

Lee and I had a great conversation, and as it came to a close, I said, "I'm trying, somehow, to weave a gospel thread into what I'm doing at Century, but, being a public facility and my position, I don't think I can really evangelize.  I don't know, but I'm sure God will find a way for me to work it in - somehow."

4May14 6:45 p.m.
Brian Bonin shows up at the banquet and I'm surprise that he's at the same table as I am.  Actually, I'm thinking, "how the heck did I end up at Table #1 with the mucky mucks from FCA?"

Brian is a great guy and a man of faith.  He also brought his son along - great kid.

4May14 5:53 p.m.
I have no idea what Wes wants me to do (Wes is a friend of mine who is leading FCA this area of the Cities.  Wes is a man who left Delta Airlines to join FCA and officially begin his ministry - calling, really).  I'm thinking, the other day, he said he wanted me ready to open the event in prayer if he can't find one of the kids to do it (incredibly humbling and an honor to have him ask).  Otherwise, if one of the kids would volunteer, he asked if I'd "prep" the pray-er beforehand with a short time of devotion and guidance.

Wes found a volunteer, Lauren, a golfer and FCA Huddle Leader in her school.  We stepped out into the hallway near the registration table and had a great conversation and prayer together.  Tears welled up in her eyes when I read 2 Timothy 1:7, elaborating on how Timothy was a young leader and how Paul encouraged him to "fan the flames of faith" that his mother and grandmother had.

"That's my favorite verse," she said, wiping away a tear before opening the banquet with her own amazing prayer.

We also discussed how God has a plan for her (Lauren), quoting Ephesians 2:10.

4May14 4:55 p.m.
"Lord, I have no idea what you want me to do with this prayer, or with prepping some kids to pray.  I should have put more time into this, searching for something eloquent or fitting for the occasion.  I really shouldn't have come, I feel miserable."

After thumbing through my Bible and reading a few verses, 2 Timothy 1:7 stands out.  Wasn't Timothy a young leader?  Wasn't he encouraged by a mentor, Paul?  Wasn't there something about Timothy's parent's faith?  Wait a second:  There will be parents and coaches at the banquet.

"Thank you, Lord!"

4May14 4:15 p.m.
I can't go to the banquet, my head is so full!  Dang these allergies, head cold, sinus infection!  Whatever!  I'm exhausted.  I can't breathe.

Wes is counting on me, so I have to go.

4May14 11:23 a.m.
The teaching pastor at my church is preaching part two of our current series, "Follow," and one statement really grabbed me.  He said, "You have no idea what hangs in the balance of a single decision."

February 2013
I'm riding to class with a friend when he gets a phone call; Tom's dad passed away.

We're almost at school, so I tell Tom to drop me off and I'll figure out how to get home.

There's a guy named Wes in class.  I've seen him at Tom's table, but I'm at another table.  Seems like a nice enough guy - probably not going toward Vadnais Heights though.

Me:  Hey Wes, I'm Jon.  Tom's dad died not a half hour ago and I'm trying to find a ride home after class.  Any chance you could help me?
Wes:  Where do you live?
Me:  Vadnais Heights.  It's between Shoreview and White Bear.
Wes:  I live in Vadnais Heights.  What's your address?
(I tell him)
Wes:  You're like a block away from me!

On the way home, Wes and I discovered we both worked at Northwest Airlines at the same time, served on the same committees there, and knew and worked with the same people.

The Martyrdom of Saints Perpetua and Felicitas

One of many reasons we can be confident in the resurrection of Jesus is that so many were looking toward eternity, even in the face of torture and certain death (earthly).  During the persecution and execution of Christ-followers, a diary was recovered and preserved.  Below is the prison diary of a young woman martyered in Carthage in 202 or 203 CE. The beginning and ending are related by an editor/narrator; the central text contains the words of Perpetua herself. 

A number of young catechumens were arrested, Revocatus and his fellow slave Felicitas, Saturninus and Secundulus, and with them Vibia Perpetua, a newly married woman of good family and upbringing. Her mother and father were still alive and one of her two brothers was a catechumen like herself. 

She was about twenty-two years old and had an infant son at the breast. (Now from this point on the entire account of her ordeal is her own, according to her own ideas and in the way that she herself wrote it down.)

While we were still under arrest (she said) my father out of love for me was trying to persuade me and shake my resolution. 'Father,' said I, 'do you see this vase here, for example, or waterpot or whatever?'

'Yes, I do', said he.

And I told him: 'Could it be called by any other name than what it is?'

And he said: 'No.'

'Well, so too I cannot be called anything other than what I am, a Christian.'

At this my father was so angered by the word 'Christian' that he moved towards me as though he would pluck my eyes out. But he left it at that and departed, vanquished along with his diabolical arguments.

For a few days afterwards I gave thanks to the Lord that I was separated from my father, and I was comforted by his absence. During these few days I was baptized, and I was inspired by the Spirit not to ask for any other favour after the water but simply the perseverance of the flesh. A few days later we were lodged in the prison; and I was terrified, as I had never before been in such a dark hole. What a difficult time it was! With the crowd the heat was stifling; then there was the extortion of the soldiers; and to crown all, I was tortured with worry for my baby there.

Then Tertius and Pomponius, those blessed deacons who tried to take care of us, bribed the soldiers to allow us to go to a better part of the prison to refresh ourselves for a few hours. Everyone then left that dungeon and shifted for himself. I nursed my baby, who was faint from hunger. In my anxiety I spoke to my mother about the child, I tried to comfort my brother, and I gave the child in their charge. I was in pain because I saw them suffering out of pity for me. 

These were the trials I had to endure for many days. Then I got permission for my baby to stay with me in prison. At once I recovered my health, relieved as I was of my worry and anxiety over the child. My prison had suddenly become a palace, so that I wanted to be there rather than anywhere else.

Then my brother said to me: 'Dear sister, you are greatly privileged; surely you might ask for a vision to discover whether you are to be condemned or freed.'

Faithfully I promised that I would, for I knew that I could speak with the Lord, whose great blessings I had come to experience. And so I said: 'I shall tell you tomorrow.' Then I made my request and this was the vision I had.

I saw a ladder of tremendous height made of bronze, reaching all the way to the heavens, but it was so narrow that only one person could climb up at a time. To the sides of the ladder were attached all sorts of metal weapons: there were swords, spears, hooks, daggers, and spikes; so that if anyone tried to climb up carelessly or without paying attention, he would be mangled and his flesh would adhere to the weapons.

At the foot of the ladder lay a dragon of enormous size, and it would attack those who tried to climb up and try to terrify them from doing so. And Saturus was the first to go up, he who was later to give himself up of his own accord. He had been the builder of our strength, although he was not present when we were arrested. And he arrived at the top of the staircase and he looked back and said to me: 'Perpetua, I am waiting for you. But take care; do not let the dragon bite you.'

'He will not harm me,' I said, 'in the name of Christ Jesus.'

Slowly, as though he were afraid of me, the dragon stuck his head out from underneath the ladder. Then, using it as my first step, I trod on his head and went up.

Then I saw an immense garden, and in it a gray-haired man sat in shepherd's garb; tall he was, and milking sheep. And standing around him were many thousands of people clad in white garments. He raised his head, looked at me, and said: 'I am glad you have come, my child.'

He called me over to him and gave me, as it were, a mouthful Of the milk he was drawing; and I took it into my cupped hands and consumed it. And all those who stood around said: 'Amen!' At the sound of this word I came to, with the taste of something sweet still in my mouth. I at once told this to my brother, and we realized that we would have to suffer, and that from now on we would no longer have any hope in this life.

A few days later there was a rumour that we were going to be given a hearing. My father also arrived from the city, worn with worry, and he came to see me with the idea of persuading me.

'Daughter,' he said, 'have pity on my grey head--have pity on me your father, if I deserve to be called your father, if I have favoured you above all your brothers, if I have raised you to reach this prime of your life. Do not abandon me to be the reproach of men. Think of your brothers, think of your mother and your aunt, think of your child, who will not be able to live once you are gone. Give up your pride! You will destroy all of us! None of us will ever be able to speak freely again if anything happens to you.'

This was the way my father spoke out of love for me, kissing my hands and throwing himself down before me. With tears in his eyes he no longer addressed me as his daughter but as a woman. I was sorry for my father's sake, because he alone of all my kin would be unhappy to see me suffer.

I tried to comfort him saying: 'It will all happen in the prisoner's dock as God wills; for you may be sure that we are not left to ourselves but are all in his power.'

And he left me in great sorrow.

One day while we were eating breakfast we were suddenly hurried off for a hearing. We arrived at the forum, and straight away the story went about the neighbourhood near the forum and a huge crowd gathered. We walked up to the prisoner's dock. All the others when questioned admitted their guilt. Then, when it came my turn, my father appeared with my son, dragged me from the step, and said: 'Perform the sacrifice--have pity on your baby!'

Hilarianus the governor, who had received his judicial powers as the successor of the late proconsul Minucius Timinianus, said to me: 'Have pity on your father's grey head; have pity on your infant son. Offer the sacrifice for the welfare of the emperors.'

'I will not', I retorted.

'Are you a Christian?' said Hilarianus.

And I said: 'Yes, I am.'

When my father persisted in trying to dissuade me, Hilarianus ordered him to be thrown to the ground and beaten with a rod. I felt sorry for father, just as if I myself had been beaten. I felt sorry for his pathetic old age.

Then Hilarianus passed sentence on all of us: we were condemned to the beasts, and we returned to prison in high spirits. But my baby had got used to being nursed at the breast and to staying with me in prison. So I sent the deacon Pomponius straight away to my father to ask for the baby. But father refused to give him over. But as God willed, the baby had no further desire for the breast, nor did I suffer any inflammation; and so I was relieved of any anxiety for my child and of any discomfort in my breasts....

Some days later, an adjutant named Pudens, who was in charge of the prison, began to show us great honour, realizing that we possessed some great power within us. And he began to allow many visitors to see us for our mutual comfort.

Now the day of the contest was approaching, and my father came to see me overwhelmed with sorrow. He started tearing the hairs from his beard and threw them on the ground; he then threw himself on the ground and began to curse his old age and to say such words as would move all creation. I felt sorry for his unhappy old age.

The day before we were to fight with the beasts I saw the following vision. 

Pomponius the deacon came to the prison gates and began to knock violently. I went out and opened the gate for him. He was dressed in an unbelted white tunic, wearing elaborate sandals. And he said to me: 'Perpetua, come; we are waiting for you.'

Then he took my hand and we began to walk through rough and broken country. At last we came to the amphitheatre out of breath, and he led me into the centre of the arena.

Then he told me: 'Do not be afraid. I am here, struggling with you.' Then he left.

I looked at the enormous crowd who watched in astonishment. I was surprised that no beasts were let loose on me; for I knew that I was condemned to die by the beasts. Then out came an Egyptian against me, of vicious appearance, together with his seconds, to fight with me. There also came up to me some handsome young men to be my seconds and assistants.

My clothes were stripped off, and suddenly I was a man. My seconds began to rub me down with oil (as they are wont to do before a contest). Then I saw the Egyptian on the other side rolling in the dust. Next there came forth a man of marvelous stature, such that he rose above the top of the amphitheatre. He was clad in a beltless purple tunic with two stripes (one on either side) running down the middle of his chest. He wore sandals that were wondrously made of gold and silver, and he carried a wand like an athletic trainer and a green branch on which there were golden apples.

And he asked for silence and said: 'If this Egyptian defeats her he will slay her with the sword. But if she defeats him, she will receive this branch.' Then he withdrew.

We drew close to one another and began to let our fists fly. My opponent tried to get hold of my feet, but I kept striking him in the face with the heels of my feet. Then I was raised up into the air and I began to pummel him without as it were touching the ground. Then when I noticed there was a lull, I put my two hands together linking the fingers of one hand with those of the other and thus I got hold of his head. He fell flat on his face and I stepped on his head.

The crowd began to shout and my assistants started to sing psalms. Then I walked up to the trainer and took the branch. He kissed me and said to me: 'Peace be with you, my daughter!' I began to walk in triumph towards the Gate of Life. Then I awoke. I realized that it was not with wild animals that I would fight but with the Devil, but I knew that I would win the victory. So much for what I did up until the eve of the contest. About what happened at the contest itself, let him write of it who will.

[Here Saturus tells the story of a vision he had of Perpetua and himself, after they were killed, being carried by four angels into heaven where they were reunited with other martyrs killed in the same persecution.]

[Here the editor/narrator begins to relate the story]:

Such were the remarkable visions of these martyrs, Saturus and Perpetua, written by themselves. As for Secundulus, God called him from this world earlier than the others while he was still in prison, by a special grace that he might not have to face the animals. Yet his flesh, if not his spirit, knew the sword.

As for Felicitas, she too enjoyed the Lord's favour in this wise. She had been pregnant when she was arrested, and was now in her eighth month. As the day of the spectacle drew near she was very distressed that her martyrdom would be postponed because of her pregnancy; for it is against the law for women with child to be executed. Thus she might have to shed her holy, innocent blood afterwards along with others who were common criminals. Her comrades in martyrdom were also saddened; for they were afraid that they would have to leave behind so fine a companion to travel alone on the same road to hope. And so, two days before the contest, they poured forth a prayer to the Lord in one torrent of common grief. And immediately after their prayer the birth pains came upon her. She suffered a good deal in her labour because of the natural difficulty of an eight months' delivery.

Hence one of the assistants of the prison guards said to her: 'You suffer so much now--what will you do when you are tossed to the beasts? Little did you think of them when you refused to sacrifice.'

'What I am suffering now', she replied, 'I suffer by myself. But then another will be inside me who will suffer for me, just as I shall be suffering for him.'

And she gave birth to a girl; and one of the sisters brought her up as her own daughter.

Therefore, since the Holy Spirit has permitted the story of this contest to be written down and by so permitting has willed it, we shall carry out the command or, indeed, the commission of the most saintly Perpetua, however unworthy I might be to add anything to this glorious story. At the same time I shall add one example of her perseverance and nobility of soul.

The military tribune had treated them with extraordinary severity because on the information of certain very foolish people he became afraid that they would be spirited out of the prison by magical spells.

Perpetua spoke to him directly. 'Why can you not even allow us to refresh ourselves properly? For we are the most distinguished of the condemned prisoners, seeing that we belong to the emperor; we are to fight on his very birthday. Would it not be to your credit if we were brought forth on the day in a healthier condition?'

The officer became disturbed and grew red. So it was that he gave the order that they were to be more humanely treated; and he allowed her brothers and other persons to visit, so that the prisoners could dine in their company. By this time the adjutant who was head of the gaol was himself a Christian.

On the day before, when they had their last meal, which is called the free banquet, they celebrated not a banquet but rather a love feast. They spoke to the mob with the same steadfastness, warned them of God's judgement, stressing the joy they would have in their suffering, and ridiculing the curiosity of those that came to see them. Saturus said: 'Will not tomorrow be enough for you? Why are you so eager to see something that you dislike? Our friends today will be our enemies on the morrow. But take careful note of what we look like so that you will recognize us on the day.' Thus everyone would depart from the prison in amazement, and many of them began to believe.

The day of their victory dawned, and they marched from the prison to the amphitheatre joyfully as though they were going to heaven, with calm faces, trembling, if at all, with joy rather than fear. Perpetua went along with shining countenance and calm step, as the beloved of God, as a wife of Christ, putting down everyone's stare by her own intense gaze. With them also was Felicitas, glad that she had safely given birth so that now she could fight the beasts, going from one blood bath to another, from the midwife to the gladiator, ready to wash after childbirth in a second baptism.

They were then led up to the gates and the men were forced to put on the robes of priests of Saturn, the women the dress of the priestesses of Ceres. But the noble Perpetua strenuously resisted this to the end.

'We came to this of our own free will, that our freedom should not be violated. We agreed to pledge our lives provided that we would do no such thing. You agreed with us to do this.'

Even injustice recognized justice. The military tribune agreed. They were to be brought into the arena just as they were. Perpetua then began to sing a psalm: she was already treading on the head of the Egyptian. Revocatus, Saturninus, and Saturus began to warn the on looking mob. Then when they came within sight of Hilarianus, they suggested by their motions and gestures: 'You have condemned us, but God will condemn you' was what they were saying.

At this the crowds became enraged and demanded that they be scourged before a line of gladiators. And they rejoiced at this that they had obtained a share in the Lord's sufferings.

But he who said, Ask and you shall receive, answered their prayer by giving each one the death he had asked for. For whenever they would discuss among themselves their desire for martyrdom, Saturninus indeed insisted that he wanted to be exposed to all the different beasts, that his crown might be all the more glorious. And so at the outset of the contest he and Revocatus were matched with a leopard, and then while in the stocks they were attacked by a bear. As for Saturus, he dreaded nothing more than a bear, and he counted on being killed by one bite of a leopard. Then he was matched with a wild boar; but the gladiator who had tied him to the animal was gored by the boar and died a few days after the contest, whereas Saturus was only dragged along. Then when he was bound in the stocks awaiting the bear, the animal refused to come out of the cages, so that Saturus was called back once more unhurt.

For the young women, however, the Devil had prepared a mad heifer. This was an unusual animal, but it was chosen that their sex might be matched with that of the beast. So they were stripped naked, placed in nets and thus brought out into the arena. Even the crowd was horrified when they saw that one was a delicate young girl and the other was a woman fresh from childbirth with the milk still dripping from her breasts. And so they were brought back again and dressed in unbelted tunics.

First the heifer tossed Perpetua and she fell on her back. Then sitting up she pulled down the tunic that was ripped along the side so that it covered her thighs, thinking more of her modesty than of her pain. Next she asked for a pin to fasten her untidy hair: for it was not right that a martyr should die with her hair in disorder, lest she might seem to be mourning in her hour of triumph.

Then she got up. And seeing that Felicitas had been crushed to the ground, she went over to her, gave her hand, and lifted her up. Then the two stood side by side. But the cruelty of the mob was by now appeased, and so they were called back through the Gate of Life.

There Perpetua was held up by a man named Rusticus who was at the time a catechumen and kept close to her. She awoke from a kind of sleep (so absorbed had she been in ecstasy in the Spirit) and she began to look about her. Then to the amazement of all she said: 'When are we going to be thrown to that heifer or whatever it is?'

When told that this had already happened, she refused to believe it until she noticed the marks of her rough experience on her person and her dress. Then she called for her brother and spoke to him together with the catechumens and said: 'You must all stand fast in the faith and love one another, and do not be weakened by what we have gone through.'

At another gate Saturus was earnestly addressing the soldier Pudens. 'It is exactly', he said, 'as I foretold and predicted. So far not one animal has touched me. So now you may believe me with all your heart: I am going in there and I shall be finished off with one bite of the leopard.' And immediately as the contest was coming to a close a leopard was let loose, and after one bite Saturus was so drenched with blood that as he came away the mob roared in witness to his second baptism: 'Well washed! Well washed!' For well washed indeed was one who had been bathed in this manner.

Then he said to the soldier Pudens: 'Good-bye. Remember me, and remember the faith. These things should not disturb you but rather strengthen you.'

And with this he asked Pudens for a ring from his finger, and dipping it into his wound he gave it back to him again as a pledge and as a record of his bloodshed.

Shortly after he was thrown unconscious with the rest in the usual spot to have his throat cut. But the mob asked that their bodies be brought out into the open that their eyes might be the guilty witnesses of the sword that pierced their flesh. And so the martyrs got up and went to the spot of their own accord as the people wanted them to, and kissing one another they sealed their martyrdom with the ritual kiss of peace. The others took the sword in silence and without moving, especially Saturus, who being the first to climb the stairway was the first to die. For once again he was waiting for Perpetual Perpetua, however, had yet to taste more pain. She screamed as she was struck on the bone; then she took the trembling hand of the young gladiator and guided it to her throat. It was as though so great a woman, feared as she was by the unclean spirit, could not be dispatched unless she herself were willing.

Ah, most valiant and blessed martyrs! Truly are you called and chosen for the glory of Christ Jesus our Lord! And any man who exalts, honours, and worships his glory should read for the consolation of the Church these new deeds of heroism which are no less significant than the tales of old. For these new manifestations of virtue will bear witness to one and the same Spirit who still operates, and to God the Father almighty, to his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom is splendour and immeasurable power for all the ages. Amen.

From The Acts of the Christian Marytrs

texts and translation by Herbert Musurillo

Jesus Prayed Specifically For You

Did you know that Jesus prayed for you?  See what John 17 20-21 say:

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”  (NLT)

Jesus prayed for “all who will ever believe in me” and that “they” (that’s you and me) “will be one” with God just as Jesus and God are one.  Amazing!

What would happen this Holy Week if we prayed as Jesus prayed and inserted our own names where he spoke of believers and disciples? 

Could we not also insert the names of our family?  Unbelievers?

Below is Jesus’s prayer found in John 17:6-19.  Insert your name or that of someone you’d like to pray for where the blank and parentheses appear. 

Pray with the assurance of the last sentence in the verse; that Jesus gave himself as a holy sacrifice for you so you can be made holy by God’s truth.

“I have revealed you to (______) whom you gave me from this world. (He/She/They) were always yours. You gave (_______) to me, and (_______) has kept your word. Now (_______) knows that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to (_______) the message you gave me. (He/She/They) accepted it and know that I came from you, and believes you sent me.

“My prayer is not for the world, but for (_______) whom you have given me, because (he/she/they) belong to you.  All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory.  Now I am departing from the world; (_______) is/are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect (_______) by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.  During my time here, I protected (_______) by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded (_______) so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.

“Now I am coming to you. I told (_______) many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy.  I have given (_______) your word. And the world hates (_______) because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.  I’m not asking you to take (_______) out of the world, but to keep (him/her) safe from the evil one.  (_______) does not belong to this world any more than I do.  Make (_______) holy by your truth; teach (_______) your word, which is truth.  Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending (_______) into the world.  And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for (_______) so they can be made holy by your truth.”

What Love Is

I turned on "Kool 108" in the car yesterday and Foreigner's "I Want To Know What Love Is" was playing, which took me directly back to thoughts of our wedding.   For song with lyrics:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUYGzZ0tQpA

We made a soundtrack on an iPod to play after the wedding ceremony was over, and the song was included since Kay and I had both known heartache and pain (as the song goes) and wanting to know what love is.

The more I listened closely to the lyrics, I thought, "Wow, this could be someone's prayer.  Come to think of it, it was mine one night," thinking back to when I prayed to God that I needed Him in my life.

How would we explain what love is to the composer?  What is it exactly?

Fortunately, we have an explanation in the Bible and author Jon Bloom nails it in his blog post, "Love To The Uttermost."

The greatest love you can know is when someone lays down his life for you (John 15:13). Especially when you were an enemy when he laid his life down for you (Romans 5:10).

And that’s when Jesus laid his life down for you (1 John 3:16),

• on a Roman cross of torture (Philippians 2:8),
• to bear the guilt of your sins (1 Corinthians 15:3),
• and pay your debt of infinite offense against a holy God (Colossians 2:14).

So while you were still a sinner (Romans 5:8),

• he who had never known sin became sin for you (2 Corinthians 5:21),
• so you could become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21),
• and become God’s friend (John 15:14),
• and live with him forever (John 3:16)
• and see his glory (John 17:24),
• and experience full joy and eternal pleasures (Psalm 16:11).

There is no greater love for you than this. And God wants you to know this love that extends way beyond your capacity to comprehend (Ephesians 3:19).

Oh yes! He wants you to know his love. But it is not a love that you can gauge by how you feel today, or by the state of your health, or by the amount of your wealth, or by how well people speak of you, or how gifted you are, or whether your dreams of marriage or career or parenting are coming true, or whether your church is growing, or how many likes you get on Facebook, or any other achievement.

“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us” (1 John 3:16). That’s where God shows his love for you (Romans 5:8). If you begin there and work backwards, realizing that this free gift of love has purchased for you everything you will ever need (Philippians 4:19), in fact, everything period (2 Corinthians 6:10), then whether you abound or experience want (Philippians 4:12) you will see it all working for your holiness (Hebrews 12:10) and your ultimate good (Romans 8:28) and revel in the truth that nothing can separate you from the love of God for us in Jesus (Romans 8:39).

To view Bloom's entire post, click this link http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/god-wants-you-to-know-how-much-he-loves-you