[ampaterry]

Thank you, guys! Skullfr, that is a great image!

For today:

When H. M. Stanley went to Africa in 1871 to find and report on David Livingstone, he spent several months in the missionary's company, carefully observing the man and his work. Livingstone never spoke to Stanley about spiritual matters, but Livingstone's loving and patient compassion for the African people was beyond Stanley's comprehension. He could not understand how the missionary could have such love for and patience with the backward, pagan people among whom he had so long ministered. Livingstone literally spent himself in untiring service for those whom he had no reason to love except for Christ's sake. Stanley wrote in his journal, "When I saw that unwearied patience, that unflagging zeal, and those enlightened sons of Africa, I became a Christian at his side, though he never spoke to me one word."

What does this tell us about – us? It tells us that the most effective witness we can give is to live each day according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. It tells us that people will not be converted according to the eloquence of our words, nor by the power of our persuasive arguments, nor by the might of our powerful testimony! It tells us that people will be converted by the eloquence of our DEEDS, and the power of our righteous living, and the might of our love for God and Man.

Matthew 5:16 (KJV);
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Colossians 3:12-14 (NRSV);
“As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

May God richly bless you, guys!