WEEKLY DEVOTIONALS – 2011
The Bible – Absolute Truth – Week 41 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord You will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24
The Wycliffe Bible Translators have long been active in Colombia, South America.
In 1978, Chet Bitterman was called to help translate God’s Word for indigenous tribes. In 1981, before leaving to work among the Carajona tribe, Bitterman went to Bogata to recover from surgery. While at the Summer Institute of Linguistics an armed guerrilla group broke into the Director’s house. Chet was the only one there. He was taken at gunpoint. A demand for all Bible translators to leave Colombia was made. Leaving was not an option. Chet’s body was later found on a bus in Bogata.
In Bitterman’s journal, these words were penned:
The situation in Nicaragua is getting worse. If Nicaragua falls, I guess the rest of Central America will too. Maybe this is just some kind of self-inflicted martyr complex, but I find this recurring thought that perhaps God will call me to martyrdom in His service in Colombia. I am willing. (Quote from Today’s Christian, March/April 2002)
THOUGHTS TO PONDER THIS WEEK
Bitterman had a willing heart and was prepared to even die for the Gospel. The reward of a willing heart is found in the Kingdom of God. God has a purpose where you are today.
- Are you willing to be sold out to Him?
Let us pray for the same strength to go where God calls us and serve Him wholeheartedly!
Sandy Davis, for the team at Women In Discipleship (sm) womenindiscipleship.org – P.O. Box 694, Goldenrod, FL, 32733 – (407) 325-2986
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