Tag: be bold

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How bold are you?

Are you bold or fearful

Acts 25

Paul has been charged with crimes against the Temple and the Jewish religion. But, confidently and boldly answers: “I have committed no offense against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.” [Acts 25:8] Being perceptive, Paul knew what the Jewish leaders were conspiring to do, so he again responded to the Gentile ruler, Felix: “I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you also know very well.” [Acts 25:10] 

How do we respond or react when we must defend ourselves? Are we like Paul, who knew if he answered wrongly, his head was on the chopping block, yet he trusted Messiah to be there for him? Again we hear Paul say, “This is the reason I do my best to always have a clear conscience toward God and people.” [Acts 24:16] Is our conscience clear? 

Peter reminded his readers: “always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.” [1Pet 3:15] Each day, we are put into positions where we must respond with grace and truth. Peter reminds us to be ready because “the devil like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour, so resist him, strong in the faith.” [1Pet 5:8, 9]

Are you facing the devil’s schemes? Be strong believer! Be courageous believer! God is before you, behind you, and before you.

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Lessons from Jabez

Are you a complainer? Do you want “stuff” but don’t have it? Perhaps this lesson from Jabez might teach us all a practical lesson in trust, belief, and faith.

1Chronicles 4 “Lessons from Jabez”

“you don’t have because you don’t ask; you ask and don’t receive because you ask wrongly” [James 4] but Jabez did ask and asked correctly. And God was pleased! God answered. Let’s see why:

1chron 4 jabez2a

Our story begins in the birth canal where Jabez struggled to come forth. It seems that Mother recorded that fact or reminded him of it throughout his life. Of all the men listed in this lengthy genealogical record, only Jabez is given the honor of his life’s story in a nutshell. It is as if the Chronicler wants us to note him. Jabez was “more honorable than his brothers.” He believed he could ask God all things and God would answer. That is true faith. Jabez was a God-fearer-worshiper. While others were busy with idols he was busy talking to God.

Jabez began: “if  you…” He simply told God that he wanted believing God would hear and answer. He precisely noted what that blessing would entail and included simply, protect me. For some reason he wanted or sensed he needed a hedge of protection and that he might not endure pain. That closes the circle from Mother’s words; I brought you forth in pain.

So why did the Chronicler insert these two verses? Could it be that too many of us are busy “working” our way to heaven rather than just seeking God who is generous giving His perfect gifts to those who believe Him.

Take a lesson from Jabez. Simply be bold and ask God to bless you.

 

 

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How to Pray for the Wicked

psalm 58 59 pray boldly2aToday as we watch the news our hearts are filled with much sadness by the many atrocities around our world. But God wants us to see that it is at times like this that we must be bold in our prayers for those who are blinded by the enemy and do NOT know the truth so that they may come to the knowledge of who Jesus really is and who God is.

TRUTH: The Holy Word presents the case of the righteous vs the wicked (the ungodly) from Genesis to Revelation that we may be discerning of the ways of Satan.

TRUTH: But there is also another reason and it is so that we may confidently approach God with weeping and praying for their lost souls. We know from history that the words of Paul have come true in more than one century: “fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.” The why is clear: “the one who kills you will think he is offering service to God.” [Jn 16] because “the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God.” [2Co 4:4]

TRUTH: We must  bow before the Father and pray that their eyes of their heart be enlightened so that they may know the hope that is true and everlasting; that they may come to the knowledge of the true God; that the blindness that Satan has passed over their eyes may be removed and they see with their eyes and understand with their heart and turn to God and be healed. [John 12].

TRUTH: Beloved we are blessed to know the truth. Be bold before the Father and pray with boldness for the lost.

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