Scriptural Reference:
Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples."
Psalm 96:2-3

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Peter 3:15-16

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20

Reflection: from the pages of the Old Testament and into the New Covenenat of the New Testament, we read of exhortations to both claim and share our faith. And to do this in such a way as to sing to the Lord and praise His name among all the people. Thisn is not a meek faith but a righteous and strong faith. one thatn will separate us from the world that lingers in darkness.

So how brave are we when it comes to defending what we hold to be true? How ready are we to face ridicule and insult by those who prefer to embrace a dogma of self indulgence and fleshly passions? I mentioned in a previous scruptural reflection a woman who prefered not sharing her faith with family and friends. How she was too scared of upsetting those who didn't agree with her. How the same people who would mock her faith could stop her from sharing it with them seems incredible to me.

Though there is another I know whose faith seems transparent and weak. He has travelled to India to work with Christian churches there. Teaching the saving grace of jesus the Christ. Sharing his faith with those there. Yet when asked how he would act if he were arrested and would be executed for his faith; if he would stand and proclaim his faith or would he deny his faith and accept the mark of the Beast. He said he would go ahead and take the mark as it would mean living and not dying. I than asked him how Jesus would respond to his denial. He just smiled and said he wouldn't mind. He told me that Jesus forgave Peter who denied him three times, so whu wouldn't Jesus forgive him as well? I'm not so sure this lgic would save him. Playing such a dangerous game would lead to his dead.

What many Christians have seemingly forgotten is the awesome power of our commision. When Jesus told his followers, and to us as well, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to [Jesus]": we are commanded to and evangelise to all nations. To baptise and teach new converts to follow the truth, the life and the way that is Jesus the Christ. We are not alone in ourcommision. For our Lord and saviour Jesus the Christ has promised us "I am with you always, to the very end of the age". When we walk our faith and we share our conviction in the gospel we have a constant companion who will give us the authority to speak th truth to all.



Prayer:
Lord, I am here,
Prepared to speak the truth.
Prepared to live the truth.
Prepared to guide others,
To the salvation of your grace.

Give me the strength to,
Be brave and stand firm.
Be strong in my conviction.
Be your messenger light.
In this world of shadows.

I pray these things in,
Your power and majesty,
Your truth and wisdom,
Your name most Holy.
That your will be done.
Amen