We speak Boldly about what we believe deeply. Sometimes I find myself in a conversation with someone where we don't agree. These very conversations are the test of how I feel on any given subject. If I can let it go then obviously its not that important to me. However, there are some issues that I will not stand down on. These conversations often make people feel uncomfortable. These are the conversations that can become heated. We've all had these conversations. They are the conversations about what we believe deeply. In these conversations we find BOLD words. We are inspired by our feelings to speak boldly in the face of those who would disagree with us.
In Acts in the bible the disciples spoke boldly about Jesus. They believed deeply in him and they were willing to put their very lives at risk to speak boldly about him. They were not politically correct. Politically correct living is not BOLD. You can't do it. If you want to be like the disciples; then you are going to ruffle some feathers. If you don't it's not BOLD. Just remember what are you speaking boldly about?
If I am speaking Boldly about myself; then I believe in my own importance. It may be a sign that I believe to much in my own importance. If I am speaking Boldly about politics; then I believe the way our country is run is important. If I am speaking Boldly about education; then I believe that being educated is important. All of these things are fine, but truly do they further the kingdom of God? What I speak Boldly about reveals what I feel is deeply important. As a Christian, I need be speaking boldly the gospel. I need to be speaking boldly the message of Jesus. My values and the biblical principals that these values are built upon should be my BOLD message. In fact if I'm not speaking Boldly; I may not believe deeply.
I'm sure you've heard the saying that it's not crazy to talk to yourself, but answering back is not okay. I'm going to take it one step further. I believe that just as our Pastor preached this Sunday; when we believe deeply we will speak boldly to ourselves. We are all faced daily with opportunities to uplift our own minds and hearts through the Bold messages that we tell ourselves. Cause lets face it there's not always someone right there when you need them and even if they are there they may not have the BOLD words you need to hear.
1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
Sometimes it is okay to encourage yourself. Just like David we may find ourselves in a situation that we don't like. We can find ourselves in a place that is unpleasant, or even a predicament that seems unsolvable. At times like these we need to preach ourselves a sermon.
Phillipians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength
We all need these sermons from time to time. Life is hard the trials before us seem to be more than we can bear. Sometimes we are so close to the problem that all we can see is our weakness. At these times we lean on God and let him give us strength.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
I don't know why my 4 year old has seizures. I don't know why bad things happen to good people. I'm not certain that it is fair the way people are treated. I really want things to happen in my timing not his. Just when I think I have figured out God's plan things start to unravel. I can't ever get it all figured out, but that's when I need to preach myself this sermon! Because when I am reminded of Proverbs 3: 5-6; I start to feel better about my own incomprehension.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
There are plenty of things that are beyond me. Beyond my strength. Sometimes I am overwhelmed and afraid, and at these times there is soo much power in his great name! The Lord has many names in the bible and each one describes an aspect of who he is. When you call upon the Lord acknowledging his attributes and his nature you are inviting him to be those things for you. My restorer, My helper, My strength, My redeemer, My hope, My patience, My truth, My counselor, My rewarder, My shield, My healer, and so much more. Jesus is all these and more. Sometimes we just need to preach a cry out to him sermon! Because once you say his name your heavy heart will be lifted.
John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
It is easy to get frustrated with the day to day struggles of our lives. It is easy to overlook God in our business. The bible clearly says that we will struggle, but most of my struggles are not nearly as hard as those Jesus faced. I do not have to make the hard choices he made, or sacrifices that he did. Because of what he did for me; I am saved.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
How easy it is to grow weary. Worrying about all the things that might happen or could happen. What does all this worrying really achieve. The only way to know what will be tomorrow is to live through today. There is a saying, "Do not let the worries of tomorrow rob you of the joys of today." Instead cast your cares upon the Lord he will not let you fall.
Psalm 119: 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
I feel lost and just don't know where to turn. These are the times that I have to remind myself. "You already have the roadmap." The bible, God's word will lead me. It will light my way in the darkness. All I need to do is turn to it and open my heart.
Psalm 126: 5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Not every day is perfect. There are times of great sorrow. Times where the way is so unclear that we must trust in the Lord even though we cannot see the way. In these times I remember that I cannot stop on this path. Where God leads me I must follow, for in the harvest my basket will be full.
Phillipians 4: 6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Easier said then done. Worrying, anxiety, stress....it's so overwhelming. At times I find myself worrying about the silliest things. Sometimes I need a little perspective. Sometimes I need to count my blessings as I humbly hit my knees and cry out to God. There is so much peace in those moments of prayer. I feel his presence and all my fears seem to slip away.
Psalm 7: 1O LORD my God, in You I put my trust;Save me from all those who persecute me; And deliver me,
Its hard to know why people do the hateful things they do. Gossip, Cruelty, Disrespect.............the behaviors that run rampant through our society. You can find people who act this way in every workplace. I sometimes wonder if they get a kick out of making others suffer. It is easy to think that nothing you can do will ever make a situation better. This kind of thinking is right and wrong. There is something you can do when faced with persecution. In times when the world seems to be against you put your trust in God he will deliver you. Hit your knees and ask him for deliverance.
Romans 8: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
God uses what was intended for evil. God uses all things. Every bad thing that happens to you God can use. We just have to be open to understanding that there is a purpose. God has a plan. I don't know his plan, but that doesn't mean it's not there. This plan is so much greater than anything I could hope to achieve, and if I just acknowledge his plan and purpose it will change everything. When I trust him completely; life as I know it is transformed.
1Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.(The Greek word for temptation can also be translated as tested. Red portion of this verse is my emphasis)
You will be tested. You will face trials and situations that you believe you cannot bear. There will be times that you will want to throw yourself to the ground and cry. There will be times that you think, "I cannot go on." I know that you feel hopelessness. Nothing you could ever do will change that. These are the times that you must remind yourself, you are not alone. God walks with you. He will not allow you to be tested beyond what you can bear. He will help you to endure. Cry out to him and lay all your burdens at his feet.
I'm sure you can think of a few verses and sermons of your own. Living BOLD, will change your life. With every step you take God will mold you and form you. He is the Potter and we are clay.When you are discouraged lift yourself up. I encourage you no matter how crazy it sounds to preach yourself a sermon!
Michael W. Smith
Draw me close to you
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear you say that I'm your friend
You are my desire
No one else will do
Cause nothing else can take your place
To feel the warmth of your embrace
Help me find the way
Bring me back to you
You're all I want
You're all I've ever needed
You're all I want
Help me know you are near
Jeremiah to Moses we can see our own doubts. With Jonah we can discover what happens when we run from his call, and with Nehemiah we can see what God can accomplish.
