Mark 8:38 (NIV®)                     

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

One sure way to kill a conversation is to say, “I’m a pastor.” It will take all the air out of the room. I used to play a little golf. One day we picked up a foursome, and one of the guys was from out of town. He had a very colorful vocabulary. He knew God, because he used His name a lot. We got to about the third tee box, and he said, “What do you do?” I admit it: I’d been waiting. I said, “I’m a pastor.” He hit the ball in the woods and never did get his shot back. We’d better own Jesus because there’s a day coming when we’re going to want Him to own us. Don’t be condescending or critical or self-righteous, but be an advocate for Jesus. Just say, “You know, I believe in Jesus. He’s my Lord.”

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, You are the Almighty God, Creator of everything. You sent Your Son, Jesus, to live among us and die for our sins. It is an honor to be a child of God, a Jesus-follower. May I never be ashamed of that but stand firmly for You, even when it seems uncomfortable. May Your Kingdom come. In the name of Jesus, my Lord, amen.