"Be Bold"

According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE), boldness was "one of the results of discipleship" and was "a necessary qualification for the work assigned to them [disciples of Christ]." ISBE lists as synonyms the words "confidence" and "fearlessness." The word "bold" comes from an Anglican word meaning "brave, confident, strong" according to www.etymonline.com.

Boldness is certainly a Biblical quality which one can find repeatedly in Scripture, especially when reading the Acts of the Apostles and Paul's epistles. I agree with the ISBE that we need boldness for discipleship. In the face of persecution and fear, we could use a good dose of fearless faith. Even Paul needed more boldness, as evidenced by his request to the believers in Ephesus that they would pray on his behalf that he would have boldness in his preaching of the good news (Ephesians 6:19). It seems logical then that we, as followers of Christ, can also pray for boldness. 

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul gives some encouragement about boldness:

"For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7 NASB).

We can be encouraged that when we ask for boldness, God will provide. When we seek, He tells us that we will find (Matthew 7:7). Remember last weeks post about peace? When we cease striving and focus on God, we find peace. I believe the same principle can apply to boldness. When we take our eyes off of our circumstances, the people around us, and the world, we can focus on God. When our eyes are on God, everything else fades and our boldness increases because in light of God, nothing else compares. 

Take courage and be bold this week. Speak the Gospel with boldness and seek the Lord in every situation. Don't look around you so as to become discouraged, but rather, look to our heavenly Father and His might that you may take courage and stand firm!

Peace

What is Peace?
- A common way to say a kindly 'goodbye' on the internet, or in person?
- The hippie-catchphrase during periods of war and turmoil?
- An ideal too high? A dream to big? An impossibility in the modern world?

As usual, I'll turn to Webster's dictionary for the definition:

(n). a state of tranquillity or quiet

(n). freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions

The first definition reminds me of a very simple but very powerful verse of Scripture:

"Cease striving and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10 NASB)

Other translations say "be still," but I like the way the NASB translates this verse. Striving keeps us in a state of unrest, not tranquility. In this verse, God exhorts us to stop our unrest and let ourselves believe the simple truth that He is God. This action is one of the most peaceful acts of Worship that a child of God can perform. Isaiah 26 verse 3 says:

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

When we stop our unrest and "stay" our minds on God, He gives us peace. I suppose this is in part because if our mind is stayed upon the LORD, then we have no room for "disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions." My encouragement for this week (and today) is that you Pray for the Discipline to 'be still,' 'cease striving,' and keep your mind stayed upon God.

When you fall, and when trials and tribulations abound, seek the "peace of God which passes understanding" (Philippians 4:7 ESV) and cling to it. Peace can help calm a restless soul, and anchor it to the Vine.

Motivational / 'Devotional' poster for this week:

Why do we fall?

Since I saw "The Dark Knight Rises," I've been drawing a lot on this whole "Rise" theme. "Rise" is a very spiritually-charged word. It's implications are wide-ranging and powerful. This theme can be seen in Scripture, from Christ literally being raised from the dead to the saints "rising" from their sins/situations. Proverbs 24:16 expresses this truth in a few short, good words. The second part of the verse indicates that the wicked will not rise, but the first half shows that the righteous will.

Here's two definitions from Webster's:

(v). to return from death

(v). to exert oneself to meet a challenge

Interesting, huh? The first has obvious connections to Jesus' resurrection and to the new life that Jesus' sacrifice brings about in those who follow him. The second definition echoes the walk of a Christian and the work that it takes. It is not easy, but it's well worthwhile.

As a Christian, this word means quite a lot to me. It is an encouragement that falling is not the end. A reminder that Christ's sacrifice and God's grace make it possible for me to rise again and keep walking the walk of faith. Or as a friend of mine told me, keep running the race of faith.

Much like in "The Dark Knight Rises," Christians (like Batman, I know it's cheesy - bare with me), must face adversity and decide whether to rise again or not. Jesus made a way for us to stand again and holds out his hand to us, all we have to do is choose to take the hand or not. If we humble ourselves and seek his help, we will rise again and "get back in the game."

So, here's a motivational poster I made which connects the powerful theme "Rise" with the Word.