Good day dear friends.
We continue our prayers for those in the hurricane devastated areas, especially those now homeless, orphaned, hungry, thirsty, etc. Pray for those who are being moved from the Superdome to the Astrodome that they may travel safely and be well taken cared of. As we get word of opportunities in which we can serve we will pass that along. If you did not get the email about medical personnel that the State of Texas is seeking for emergency service, please call the church office and we will share that information with you.
A special prayer this morning for Chris Leal as she is to deliver her baby this morning. Pray for Ralph and Jake as they await their new family member. She is at CTMC here in town.
Here is our study guide for today:
Thursday: James wrote a letter that though short in length, is deep in the profoundness of what God inspired him to share. Read chapter one and pay close attention to knowing that boldness is rooted in wisdom and notice what he says in v. 5. Then in verses 16-21 we find more instruction on how to share those things that people need to know the saving love of Jesus Christ.
Here is verse 5: "If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you."
Here are verses 16-21:"16 Do not be deceived, my beloved. 17 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. 19 You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for your anger does not produce God's righteousness. 21 Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls."
Boldness is all about saving lives in Jesus Christ. The purpose of the coming of the Holy Spirit was not to make Peter a great preacher nor the disciples look good. It was to save people. It was to invite them into a life-renewing, life-changing, life-saving relationship with Jesus Christ. The boldness given Peter and John before the Sanhedrin was precisely for the same reason. God wants you to be in relationship with Him. Boldness is what God shares with the already saved to bring more in to God's kingdom.
Boldness will come with wisdom. You will know exactly when God can and will use you. Boldness will be that which works your muscles to open your mouth to say the words that need to be said. Boldness is that which will allow us to receive the words that God can share with us to help the person sent our way to be blessed.
Yes, it may seem frightening now, but it is simply a trust issue of deciding we want to be companions with Christ. It will then become a great blessing to us to do what God wants. Boldness leads us away from the dull and boring!
PRAYER: Come, Lord of life and light. Make me bold for Your sake and kingdom. Share with me that which I need to be your servant. Let me be a blessing to You and to Yours. I pray in Christ Jesus' name. Amen.
Please continue to pray about those whom you will invite to our open house. The ads from the UMC are running on several cable channels and they're great! Folks are going to come! Let's be ready to love and welcome them!
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
