Thursday, August 11

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

 

 

“How abundant are the good things

    that you have stored up for those who fear you,

that you bestow in the sight of all,

    on those who take refuge in you.

In the shelter of your presence you hide them

    from all human intrigues;

you keep them safe in your dwelling

    from accusing tongues….

 

“Love the Lord, all his faithful people!

    The Lord preserves those who are true to him,

    but the proud he pays back in full.

Be strong and take heart,

    all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:19,20,23,24)

 

 

God’s awesome protection and concern for His children should make us quite courageous, as we know that He will “preserve those who are true to him.”  In this sense, Christ-followers should be among the boldest of all people.  As Chuck Goulart indicated last Sunday, this boldness should well up into sharing truth with people in need of hope through the Gospel.

 

David urges us to “be strong and take heart.”  In several other passages, God motivates us to take courage (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:6–9; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Matthew 14:27; Acts 4; 1 Corinthians 16:13; and Philippians 1:20).  This courage emerges from a persevering and trusting faith.

 

When faced with threatening words and actions from the Jewish authorities in Acts 4, the early disciples gathered together to pray:  “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.  Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”  God immediately responded:  “After they prayed, the pace where they were meeting was shaken.  And they were all filled with Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” (Acts 4:28–31)

 

From this passage, it seems that we need the empowerment of the Spirit to live boldly and share God’s Word.  Would you consider seeking that equipping for today?  How could you trust God for greater boldness?  How has He shown His faithfulness to you, even this week?

 

 

Lord God, thank You for empowering us through Your Holy Spirit to speak Your Word with great boldness.  Send Your Spirit into our hearts that we might love and serve others and might know You better.  Bring us courage to live completely for You.  We honor You and worship You today.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

________________________________________
1) Blog:                  http://bit.ly/rV1Cw1

2) Facebook:        http://on.fb.me/tc6jkS