Bold Over Fear - Day 96 Month 4-6 Week 14-5

Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)


Numbers 8:1-9:14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%208%3A1-9%3A14&version=NASB1995

Psalm 78:1-16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2078%3A1-16&version=NASB1995

Jeremiah 1:11-2:3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%201%3A11-2%3A3&version=NASB1995 

Luke 9:46-10:16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%209%3A46-10%3A16&version=NASB1995


Bold Over Fear


1. In our Jeremiah reading today, we read through Jeremiah’s visions, that God would be fulfilling His prophetic word and that He is allowing impending judgement from the north.  God lets Jeremiah know he will face opposition; He tells him to prepare himself mentally and physically (“gird up your loins”) and not to be in fear or panic (“be not dismayed”) from the people.  God also says that if Jeremiah is afraid to speak, He will cause him to be terrified of the people.  God promised to protect him “as a fortified city and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land.” 


Yesterday, we learned that when God calls someone to His work, He equips them.  Today we learn that God will also protect Jeremiah.  Many martyrs for their faith did not seem to be protected - they died for their faith.  Sometimes God’s purpose for a person's life is a martyr's calling, but I’ve read many stories of martyrs standing boldly knowing that their impending physical death is a graduation to life.  In Canada, at present, we are unlikely to experience a martyr's death but may likely receive opposition.  The encouragement we get from Jeremiah’s experience is to stand strong in our faith and love for others!  God’s got you! 


There have been times in my life where I have been timid to speak what I believe God is asking me to speak.  It’s that “still small voice” that says, “Steve, speak up for Me …” and…. I choose to be silent.  In error, I fear what people will say or think about me sometimes.  It should not be, but many times I choose not to be bold.   After reading what we have this morning, I realize that when I’ve stayed quiet I become even more timid and it becomes harder, just as God told Jeremiah, to stand strong.  I am better at it now than I have been through much of my life.  (In fact, for much of my life, I didn’t hear God’s “still small voice” because I have been so concentrated on my own desires, needs and protecting myself from ridicule or opposition.)  Reading these few verses of Jeremiah encourages me to stand strong when God’s asking me to represent Him by doing or saying something.


2. In today’s Luke reading we read a statement about Jesus’ upside down Kingdom.  It’s upside down because Jesus says “The one who is least of you, this is the one who is great.”  Jesus displays this in His entire life: a King born in a stable without a home, (“the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head).”  Jesus came in humility, lived a humble life, died a painful yet humble death -  yet He is “I AM.”


This Easter season, we remember Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection to life.  Through His death and resurrection we can have freedom from our sinful nature, and a life in His Kingdom not only in the here and now on earth, but a life beyond the grave with Him throughout eternity in a regenerated new earth.  If you do not know Jesus, ask Him to reveal Himself to you today.  It’s His biggest heart desire; therefore, He will do this if you are really wanting to hear what He has to say to you. Change your mind.  Test Him and see that the Lord is good. His love never fails. Got questions? Want to do this?  Let me know.  My email address is below.


Have a great day!

Steve

steve.d.pauls@gmail.com


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