Based on “Under HIS Influence – Cowards No More”
by Pastor Mark Balmer;
Daily Devotional #4 -
“Lions Indeed!”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
I have often heard ‘fear’ defined as ‘false evidence appearing real.’ Most of the time, the things that we fear and worry about most are nonexistent. God is looking for willing and bold Christ followers to carry on His mandate here on earth. The Lord is gracious, meets all our needs, and equips us to serve through the Holy Spirit.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. (Proverbs 28:1)
Our faith in the Lord Jesus is the basis of our confidence as believers. When our faith is well rooted in God’s Word, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). God called us out of darkness into His marvelous light to fulfill His purposes here on earth (1 Peter 2:9). Faith in our hearts and empowerment by the Holy Spirit open us up to God’s plans. Being in the place where God wants us to be and speaking God’s Word in season requires boldness.
In our world today, being a Christ follower and doing God’s will is a big challenge without the help of the Holy Spirit.
The world around us is awaiting the manifestation of the Son of God. The people we come across in our daily walk need the love of Jesus. People are searching for answers, fulfillment, and the meaning of life itself. Our God remains the same, yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Just like He was with Peter and Paul, He can and will do the same for us today. God can open doors for us to take the Gospel to places we never even imagined. He gives us the boldness to stand before authorities and declare the glory of God in the land.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, “Here am I., Send me! (Isaiah 6:8)
The Lord is still calling today.
What will your response be? Saying yes to the Lord means readiness to put on the whole armor of God and be equipped to serve. Yes to the Holy Spirit equips us to teach and gives us the boldness we need. Yes to God is to open our hearts and let Him have His way in our lives at all times.
For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. (Proverbs 3:26)
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Acts 4:1-31
