Those who serve God acceptably must do so by grace. "Let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably" (Hebrews 12:28). Those who serve by grace find that the boldness of grace develops in their lives.
When the grace of God is at work in the lives of His people, spiritual boldness is a common result. This was clearly the testimony of the early church. "They spoke the word of God with boldness …And great grace was upon them all" (Acts 4:31, 33).
The grace of God (which produces boldness in those who live by it) is a gift from God. "I have written more boldly to you on some points… because of the grace given to me by God." In fact, "give" is basic to the language of grace.
There’s no better time to share your faith in Jesus Christ and to be a star for Him than today. The story of His birth is everywhere you go — decorations at the mall, lights in trees, and on houses. You can’t miss Him! What better time to talk about Him with someone who hasn’t met Him yet? Who will you introduce to Jesus?
…the gate of salvation is open to all. There is nothing else to hinder us from entering, but our own unbelief.
~John Calvin~
Sadly, for many people, unbelief becomes a hindrance to accepting the Gospel message. John Stott explains why the sin of unbelief is to be deplored. “Unbelief is not a misfortune to be pitied; it is a sin to be deplored. Its sinfulness lies in the fact that it contradicts the word of the one true God and thus attributes falsehood to Him.” I plead with you, repent of your unbelief!
Theologian Dale Bruner calls the Holy Spirit “the shy member of the Trinity” because He doesn’t draw attention to Himself. J.I. Packer calls the work of the Spirit a “floodlight” ministry, quietly turning everyone’s attention away from Himself and to the Savior.
Find ways to share the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ this season. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, visit a neighbor that lives alone, bring food or needed items to a homeless shelter or veterans home, make a list of people to pray for each day or give to your favorite charity. No matter what you choose, make the light of Jesus shine through to show others His hope, peace, joy, and love!
The gospel is not only the most important message in all of history; it is the only essential message in all of history.
~Jerry Bridges~
The Gospel message, when received, changes a person’s life and direction. God will begin to reveal to them the purpose and plans He has for them. Have you faced great difficulties as you willingly surrender your life to God’s plan for your life? Be encouraged. God is with you, and He will give you a reason to rejoice!
Don’t wait.
Don’t be like the man who had great ideals, and great intentions. He was going to be all that a mortal should be—tomorrow.
No one would try harder than he—tomorrow. Each morning he stacked up the letters he would write—tomorrow.
He lamented how busy he was and swore to visit that old friend—tomorrow.
He would reconcile with his estranged brother—tomorrow.
He would visit his elderly parent—tomorrow.
He would take the time to grow closer to God—tomorrow.
The world would have known him if he had ever seen —tomorrow. But the fact is, he died and faded from memory, and all that was left when he left this earth was the mountain of things he intended to do—tomorrow.
This is the time of year when old friends, relatives, past hurts, and sorrows pull at us, haunt us, and hang over us. The friend we have lost, and the loved ones we have hurt. It is time to take care of things during this poignant season that has the potential for so much healing.
Don’t put “now” off until tomorrow
Answers to prayer have to be on God’s schedule, not ours. He hears us pray, and He answers according to His will in His own time.
~David Jeremiah~
Peace does not come naturally. It’s God’s supernatural gift to us. This season, stop and ask Him – all day long – to show you His love and give you His peace that passes understanding.
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