Be Bold & Courageous!

There are many perspectives in the world that encourage people to seek truth. Much of what is circulating is a truth seeking that emboldens people to define themselves by what makes sense to them. "Find your truth" is a saying that's common to hear today. But what does it all mean in the context of "The Truth?"

The accepted societal norms discourage (ever so quietly) a disruption of someone else's "truth" no matter how far fetched it may seem to you. This is each person's human right in America to be who they feel they want to be on any given day. But just because legislators have approved it does not make the Bible untrue. The sharing of Biblical truth, The Truth, must be done in love. Many people have been hurt by misplaced judgement, shame, backbiting and the like that should not be happening in the church. The church, which is not represented solely by a brick and mortar building, is represented by each one who declares Jesus is Lord and conforms his/her life after His.

To be a true representative of Christ requires boldness and courage. Even Paul asked the Ephesian church to pray that he would ..."make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak (Ephesians 6:19-20). Paul's life was at stake because the people opposed The Truth, but he was seeking boldness to continue to proclaim The Truth that set His soul free anyway. Now if Paul had to pray for boldness, indeed so must we! The persecution he, Jesus and others endured for the faith is a witness to us of the necessity to stand firm on God's Word. That's why it can only be done through personal relationship with Him. Our relationship (daily intimacy - talking with the Lord, worshipping, reading the Word) is what strengthens and motivates us to be bold and courageous. We can't do it void of Him.

I encourage you to meditate on what God says in His Word to us. Find strength in His love letter to you to continue to share His Truth with others. Share at home, in your workplace, in the store, at the mall. Wherever the opportunity arises, allow God to use you to share His love with others. God said to Joshua in Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Don't let the darkness of this world hinder your hope in God. Remember, as the world gets darker and darker, the Light of Jesus in you should be getting brighter and brighter. We must continue forth doing the work of the ministry to which we are called in Him.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord, help us to be bold and courageous in sharing The Truth to a world that denies it. You did not shy away from darkness, but Jesus, you let your light shine in it. Help us to be bold and discerning as we surrender to your Holy Spirit to direct us in our paths in life. Connect us with those who need to hear of your love for them. Help us to share your love patiently and kindly as it has been characterized to us in your Word (1 Corinthians 13:4). May people know and believe the love you have for them. Amen.