As I think about all that is going on in our world, my heart breaks. There has never been a more desperate time to pray for courage than NOW. Believers all over, need to ask God to give them courage. Courage to face the economy, how to help the situation in Haiti, defending the right of Biblical Marriage (One Man and One Woman), issues of abortion, and sharing the love of Christ to those around us. It is going to require more courage as the day approaches. No backing down or falling back, it is time for boldness and courage.
In Acts 4, Peter and John were speaking in front of the religious council about a man they healed in the name of Jesus. This counsel asked them to stop using the name of Jesus and sharing that he had rose from dead. With the potential threat of death on their life, they did not back down, they courageously shared, "Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We can can not stop telling about everything we have seen and heard." The members of this council were amazed at the boldness and courage of these two men, and said, "...recognized them as men who had been with Jesus." What a powerful testimonial. The council threatened them and dismissed them because they were afraid of a riot breaking out.
When Peter and John left they joined other believers and shared all that God did through them in front of this council. The believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God. After they prayed in an united front together giving thanks and asking for more courage and boldness. The Bible says, "the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness." It is time for believers to ask, pray, receive, and act.
As I read this amazing story, I am challenged to ask God for more courage and boldness. To gather with my Life Group and pray for boldness and courage. Then look for opportunities to be bold for Christ. Right now there are 2 major issues we need to ask God for courage: to send the right people and right aide to Haiti. As many people know this beautiful country needs the right help. Second, there is a court case going on in California: Perry vs. Schwarzenegger. This case is a huge case that is being fought for the institution of Biblical marriage. ADF (Alliance Defense Fund) has amazing lawyers that are defending Biblical Marriage in America. Let's pray for courage and boldness for these lawyers. Their closing arguments will be in less than 2 weeks.
Let believers huddle together: ask, pray, receive, and then act in the Holy Name of Jesus.
2 comments:
Bill, I can't believe how your messages are exactly what I've been praying about or pondering. I just finished the Book of Acts and was struck by the same message - the boldness & courage of Jesus' disciples. We are all so politically correct. They didn't apologize for speaking boldly and did not shrink back. I do & have been praying for the same thing. Also your msg Wed on "when a church earnestly prays" Thanks for mentioning the marriage trial. I'll let you know exactly when the closing arguments are - not exactly sure. God bless you & Laurie, Bill. Mary Schowengerdt P.S. By the way, Katie had her baby boy Feb 28th - August Phillip - he's a doll and she's a natural at mothering!
nice blog Bill. Blogs- wow, years ago we thought cell phones were all that - now blogs?!!
I look forward to more challenging and encouraging words from you blog.
check out www.bpharisandbeyond.blogspot.com
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