On this day, 30 April 2009, Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2nd Class Tyler J. Trahan, 22, of East Freetown, Mass.; assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 12 in Norfolk, Va., and was deployed with an East Coast based SEAL team; died while conducting combat operations in Taqaddum, Iraq. We must never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Fair winds and following seas shipmate.
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. 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...
A comment about the text.
How do we effectively share our faith, especially in situations hostile to us and our faith?
First, we consciously submit our hearts to Christ as Lord.
Second, we prepare a presentation — or several presentations, depending upon the circumstances — that focuses on the hope we have in Jesus.
Finally, when we share our reason for hope, we do it with respect, gently sharing our faith with others. Of course, we will never have an opportunity to share our faith if we don't live a life of faith that impacts those around us with God's goodness, holiness, and grace.
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. 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...
A comment about the text.
How do we effectively share our faith, especially in situations hostile to us and our faith?
First, we consciously submit our hearts to Christ as Lord.
Second, we prepare a presentation — or several presentations, depending upon the circumstances — that focuses on the hope we have in Jesus.
Finally, when we share our reason for hope, we do it with respect, gently sharing our faith with others. Of course, we will never have an opportunity to share our faith if we don't live a life of faith that impacts those around us with God's goodness, holiness, and grace.
On this day, 1 May 2010, Army Spc. Eric M. Finniginam, 26, of Colonia, Federated States of Micronesia; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.; died at Forward Operating Base Blessing, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using indirect fire. We must never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
On this day, 2 May 2011, Army Sgt. Kevin W. White, 22, of Westfield, N.Y.; assigned to 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; died at COP Honaker-Miracle, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. We must never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
Acts 1:14
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
A comment about the text.
Jesus' resurrection changed everything! "The women," as the gospel writers referred to them, were faithfully present with Jesus throughout his crucifixion and resurrection. After the Lords ascension, they were still present, obediently praying in expectation with the leading disciples. As we might expect, Jesus' mother is there praying as well. Look carefully at Luke's description (Acts 1:14-16) and notice that even Jesus' brothers, once doubting and ridiculing of him (John 7:1-7), now praying in expectation of their risen brother's release of power through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Yes, they are waiting, but not idly waiting. Yes, they are praying, but they are also expecting the great work of the risen Jesus, which he would do through them! God does amazing things when people who love the risen Jesus pray with expectation. So what are you waiting for? Get with a group of those who love Jesus, and pray with expectation for Jesus to accomplish his work through you!
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
A comment about the text.
Jesus' resurrection changed everything! "The women," as the gospel writers referred to them, were faithfully present with Jesus throughout his crucifixion and resurrection. After the Lords ascension, they were still present, obediently praying in expectation with the leading disciples. As we might expect, Jesus' mother is there praying as well. Look carefully at Luke's description (Acts 1:14-16) and notice that even Jesus' brothers, once doubting and ridiculing of him (John 7:1-7), now praying in expectation of their risen brother's release of power through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Yes, they are waiting, but not idly waiting. Yes, they are praying, but they are also expecting the great work of the risen Jesus, which he would do through them! God does amazing things when people who love the risen Jesus pray with expectation. So what are you waiting for? Get with a group of those who love Jesus, and pray with expectation for Jesus to accomplish his work through you!