For it is by grace you have been saved…it is the gift of God so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
His (Gamaliel’s) speech persuaded them (not to kill the apostles). They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. (Acts 5:40-42)
I admire Tim Tebow as a bold witness for Christ. He kneeled on the field to pray and publicly gave glory to God in almost every television appearance in a culture where players give all the glory to themselves or at least their team. Excuses were made why Tim wasn’t given much of a chance to play in the NFL, but there’s no doubt he was persecuted. He never complained because he knew if it was God’s will for him to continue to play in the NFL, God would’ve made it happen.
Christians normally aren’t persecuted in the United States unless they take a bold stance for Christ. Not many go to the town square and talk to strangers about Jesus like the apostles did. How many Christians would rejoice if we were whipped for proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah? I hope I would if it didn’t kill me first. How many of us glorify God publicly.
Philippians 4:19 (CEB) says: “My God will meet your every need out of his riches in the glory that is found in Christ Jesus.” When we find the glory in Jesus and let God know by expressing it, God will meet our every need.” This week if you wish, join me in glorifying and praising God many times daily. We can then discuss how God met our needs.
Dearest Father in heaven, I praise and glorify you for Your provisions, protection, and healing and the works you have done and will do through me with the power of Your Holy Spirit. Give me the opportunity to be a bold witness for Jesus and help me follow through. I pray in His precious and holy name, amen.
Being a shepherd for God is what He wants us to do. Some are better at this than others. I, myself, keep things more private because that is what I am comfortable with and God knows this. He has created many people who are good shepherds publicly and feel comfortable speaking to large and small crowds. God made us, so He knows our comfort zones. I will always praise and glorify God when I can. BUT don’t put me in an auditorium of people and expect me to shepherd in that atmosphere.
Haha! I feel the same way. But did you know that Moses hated speaking in public and refused to do so, so God brought in Aaron to speak for Moses. We need to be open to what God wants to do through us. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) Eventually, Moses was able to speak for himself in front of large crowds of people. Maybe we will be able to also. Blessings Sis.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your site. You have some really good posts and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an email if interested. Thank you!
I’m always interested in help for my website. If you subscribe to my blog, I will send you an email. Thank you so much for your encouragement and visiting my website. I prayed for you this morning and hope you know how high and long and wide and deep God’s love for you is. He’s longing for you to speak to Him in prayer today! Blessings, Jody