This word is submitted by Leni Puen (c/o raypuen@sbcglobal.net)

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                                  Martyrdom

I was reading in my One Year Bible this morning and noticed some notes I
had written last year. The selection was from Rev. 6 and the subject was
martyrdom. I had written in the margin "Oh, Lord, it would be an honor to
be a martyr for You."

As I reviewed that statement this morning, I wondered to myself, "Did I
really mean that? Would I be ready to be a martyr?" Then I heard the Lord
speak.

"My child, you are a martyr for Me when you die daily to self." He let that
sink in before continuing.

"Public martyrdom isn't as difficult as dying to self and doing it daily.
Just imagine changing your mind about a public stand you might have made.
You probably wouldn't do it. But in private dying to self, you can excuse
yourself with 'I'm just human' or 'God understands and will forgive me.'
And the struggle is more difficult when that surrender is known only to
you and Me with no one else observing as in public martyrdom.

"Daily dying to self is the martyrdom I'm calling you to so that I can work
in your life. Stepping aside isn't as easy as people think it to be when
they commit their lives to Me each day and surrender their wills. In order
to understand 'stepping aside,' think about being crucified. That's about
'taking up your cross.' Are you willing to experience this martyrdom? I'm
magnified by all martyrdoms, but especially the private one I'm calling you
to. The one about dying to self.

"Are you ready to be a martyr for Me today?"