Foxe's Book of Martyr's, John Foxe (1516-1587)

If you didn't have to study this book in Bible College, or if you don't have it in your personal library, I want to highly recommend it. This morning for devotions I was meditating on what it means to be a missionary. And how, in North America, we don't get too excited about the thought of suffering, much less martyrdom.

Did you know there is a Bible College in India that uses the classic book by Foxe as a textbook? "We want to inspire them to have the boldness to face any situation, through any persecution or sacrifice."

We do?

Sacrifice is relative... but what is God asking you to do for Him today? I am not talking about giving up desserts here, lenten fashion. I am talking about suffering in relation to sharing your faith.

How many of us chalk up our lack of witness to "friendship evanglism?" This is my pet peeve!! WHAT KIND OF A FRIEND KEEPS HEAVEN A SECRET??!! And, in the same way a bride-to-be can't help but be with and talk of her beloved, how can you not talk about Jesus?

If you don't feel like sharing God's love, I suggest you take a good hard look at your heart today. If Christ is in you, you'll want others to know--in word, and in deed.

Want to revive your faith? You can read Foxe's Book of Martyr's online. Not your typical month of December reading, but I challenge you to prepare yourself whatever God might call you to do in 2007. Be ready!