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Sunday, October 21, 2012

Do Not Be Ashamed to Proclaim Him

“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My word in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."  Mark 8:38

 “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, …….For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able ….. 2 Timothy 1:8,9,12 (read 1:8-14)

 If we are not willing to suffer criticism or an awkward moment or conflict as we share the hope that is within us, then we are honestly probably NOT willing to suffer for the gospel as His Word directs us (if we won’t even risk much less).   Have we given into Satan’s lies that we should not offend anyone?  Have we bought into the enemy’s lies of political correctness and what is inappropriate?- lies designed to cut off life and immortality for others around us who need to know Him- who need life!  He IS the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Him.John 14:6

              Oh Lord, we do not want to live this way. We repent of this sin of holding life inside of us and refusing to offer it to those You place in our paths.  We lay this fear at the cross to die, and we  take up Your Spirit, of power and love and discipline.  We shod our feet with the gospel of peace and take up the shield of faith to extinguish all those flaming arrows of the evil one, and we buckle on your truth, take up our sword (Your powerful Word), and pray for those souls You would have us reach.  Make us mighty warriors- make us unafraid- to give life to those in great need- it is You that they LONG for.  

Change us, O Lord, and we will be changed.  Only You can.
(see also Excel Still More: Woe to Me?)

"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.  For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory." 2 Timothy 2:8-10

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…Romans 1:16

Oh give us Your eternal perspective Lord…                               
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19,20 (He makes the difference.  See also: Excel Still More: I Will Be With You)

May Paul be our example: "Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.  For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God."  Acts 20:26,27

"...to open eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me."  Acts 26:18

"We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.  For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me."  Col. 1:28,29

       May we be bold and ask God to show us who He would have us unashamedly share with even this day. 

"..what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.  These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.  This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all."  1 John 1:3-6

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