Welcome to day 33 of our 40 day countdown to Easter 2019! We Are What We Believe. On Easter Sunday in 1973, a brave Ugandan Pastor, Kefa Sempangi, preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to 7000 people in his town's football stadium. That was truly amazing because at the time, the government was being ruled by a dictator who was having people who preached killed.

After the Easter service was over, five law enforcement officers followed him back to his Church. Once inside, they pointed a gun to his head and told him he would die for preaching the gospel.

Pastor Sempangi thought of his wife and kids, and became afraid for his life. But from deep within, he found the courage to tell the captain that he was already dead in Christ. He told them that he was not the one in danger, rather, they were in danger because they were still dead in their sins. He said, "May God spare your lives from eternal destruction." On that, the captain looked at him for a long moment and then lowered his weapon.

To Pastor Sempangi's surprise, the captain then asked him to pray for them. That night, because of this pastor's bravery, all five officers became Christians. They also became his protectors instead of his prosecutors.

WHAT WE CAN LEARN

The lesson to learn here is that we are what we believe.

If we truly believe we are born again, we shall see Christ.

If we truly believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, we know he is our protector in times of trouble.

If we truly believe our God is omnipotent, omnipresent, and all powerful, then our actions will align with our beliefs.

Pastor Sempangi could have crumbled under the possibility of death. Instead, he stared death in the face and spoke life. We are not who we say we are until we are what we believe.

According to Hebrews chapters 11 and 12, Jesus and so many others faced injustice, torture and horrendous death just so you and I could have access to the abundant life that God has prepared for us! Pastor Sempangi's brave faith saved five officer's lives from eternal destruction.

REFLECTION

This Easter, let's remember the incredible power introduced to us through the bravery of our Savior Jesus Christ. If you have already dedicated your life to Christ, pray for those whose lives are in danger of eternal destruction.

PRAY THIS PRAYER OUT LOUD

Lord Jesus, I thank you that I am dead in Christ. Today, I pray for those whose lives are in danger of eternal destruction. I pray for those who are dead in their sins. Holy Spirit, send witnesses to minister to those who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Let the love of Jesus that saved me, save them. Let the powers, principalities, and the rulers of the darkness of this world be in subjection to the blood of Jesus. Make me a minister of flaming fire so that souls will be saved, in the name of Jesus, Amen.

~Inspiring hope and seasoning faith, Pastor Sean & Dr. Regina M. Daigre