Bold for Christ

The Word of the Lord came to me, saying, 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'

'Ah, Sovereign Lord,' I said, 'I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.'

But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,' declares the Lord.

Then the Lord reached out His hand and touched my mouth and said to me,' Now I have put my words in your mouth.' (Jeremiah 1: 4-9)

The Lord of the Universe, the Creator of life, loves you with an indescribable passion. He longs to meet with you, and to share His heart and His truth with you. When Jesus ascended up into Heaven, He left the Holy Spirit to fill you and lead you. This Spirit, the Comforter and Counselor, will teach you about Christ, and give you His words to speak. It is by the Spirit's power that we are able to encourage, teach, rebuke, and love others.

Christians really are the body of Christ. Jesus now sits in Heaven, at the right hand of the Father, praying for us day and night. We are His hands, feet, mouth, heart, ears, and eyes here on earth. This means that Jesus expects us to do the same things He did while He was here in the flesh. We are to speak of Him and love others as He loved. We are to serve, heal, pray, encourage, admonish, teach, love, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for those in spiritual bondage, preach good news to the poor, and imitate Jesus on this earth.

How? By asking the Holy Spirit to fill us, lead us, use us, and guide us daily. And then we step out in faith, expecting God to work in and through us. Trust and obey; believe; live as children of God and brothers and sisters of Christ.

See for yourself. Ask someone who's face shines with the glory of God, and who has His fire in their eyes. Ask them why they are different, and why they are so excited

Chances are, they are still speaking with and listening to Him. Chances are, they have been eagerly reading His Word. Chances are, they asked Him to use them for His glory. And chances are, they followed His lead, and stepped out in faith. They know how good God is, because they know Him.

God uses the weak to show His strength. When He chooses ordinary people like us to do His work on earth, the extraordinary occurs His power and goodness and glory are revealed, and our faith is increased.

Not an eloquent speaker? Doesn't matter. Scared to tell others about Jesus Christ? He will give you His strength. Worried you'll be labeled a 'holy roller'? Take it as the highest compliment.

Let Christ put His words in your mouth. Speak

         Praying for boldness,
         Alison