Holy Boldness

Well it has been a while (or at least it seems it to me). In my last blog I briefly mentioned being stretched and lacking confidence. I mentioned that to do this would require me to take a very uncomfortable step and would take a little something called Holy Boldness. Well by God’s grace I was able to complete my test. I delivered my first sermon with much help and great encouragement by friends, family and my Father in heaven.

I really came to understand this term Holy Boldness. Spurgeon used it frequently, but I really could never find the term defined (not even in my “Religion for Dummies” book). So I did a little research, examined how it was used and came up with that Holy Boldness is a grace filled confidence to move forward toward something that will glorify God. It is a confidence to overcome indifference or fear; confidence gained through Christ’s actions and our prayer to take faithful action.

I am reminded of Matthew 25:35-40

35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Father, may we all have the Holy Boldness to do for you!

Grace and Peace!

Confidence?

Well, I am about to embark on something that will stretch me beyond comfort. Something in my spiritual journey I have never attempted before. I am nervous and concerned. I lack confidence. I am studying and praying; attempting to prepare. I have come to realize that at times our efforts will require some Holy Boldness (more to come on this) and faith. Have you ever had to take that uncomfortable step?

My blogs are going to be less frequent as a result, but I thought I would attempt to capture some of my thoughts and fears as I move forward. Christian growth is an amazing thing and in the past my concerns over something new and challenging would have centered around me (and I know they still do to a degree), but now my concerns include things like a fear of embarrassing my Savior, misleading others, if what I am about to attempt would help or turn others away. Don’t get me wrong, I am still concerned that I might do something that would embarrass me and/or my family, but now there is more.

I think that is a good thing and prayerfully proof of growth. It brings to mind Colossians 1:9-12:

9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

Father, please grant us knowledge of you, knowledge of your will, the power (Holy Boldness?) and patience to endure and help us always to bear fruit for you in every good work.

Grace and Peace

Looking For a Sign

We had another great study this week. We are really studying hard in John and growing, learning and having fun. We came across a something in John 2:18;

Then the Jews demanded of him, What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?"

After some discussion one of our friends shared a story from his pastor. His pastor concluded that anyone that is looking for a sign is most likely lost. How appropriate we all thought. It reminded me of a passage in Isaiah 6;

9 He said, "Go and tell this people: " 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' 10 Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed."

Isn’t this all around us even today; ever hearing, but never understanding, ever seeing, but never perceiving. I praise God that this unworthy servant is starting to hear and see. Would a miraculous sign make a difference for most? Is there a key, should be we looking for a sign, will the sign be confusing? Then it just hit me!

Jeremiah 29:13 (New International Version)
13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

May we all seek Him with all our heart.

Grace and Peace!