A Good Morning Everyone,

It is good to be able to share with you some thoughts for the week. We are seeing the Lord do some wonderful things in our midst. Straight from my heart today I want to tell you that I have enjoyed sending these Monday Morning devotionals out. I have been at this for over 8 years now. I want to inform you that this will be my last Monday Morning Newsletter for a while. I guess I have burned out or maybe gotten weary in doing this. I do promise I will be sending out prayer requests, important information, and whatever else God lays on my heart. At one time there were probably a hundred people each week receiving this newsletter. If you want to continue receiving what I send, please let me know. That would be helpful.

This morning my verse of scripture is from Proverbs 28:1 and my thoughts are on, "Holy Boldness." The verse says, "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." Do you all remember the death-defying daredevil named Evil Knievel? He's the guy who would jump over cars, trucks, buses, and all manner of objects with his motorcycle. Actually I always thought Evil was a little bit too ambitious for his own good. I read somewhere that he had broken almost every bone in his body -- but I think he can teach us something about accepting a challenge.

The guy was flat-out ready to try anything that appeared impossible. He seemed to have no fear. Sometimes I wish that I had some people in the church like that. I know more than once in the Book of Acts the disciples prayed for "Boldness." For you see, the opposite of boldness is fear. I also believe the foundation of boldness is righteousness. This Holy Boldness is not arrogance or boasting. It's not bragging on yourself. It is totally depending upon God and having great faith in Him.

There will be times in your life when God is going to ask you to do something and that something will scare you. I have found when we stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zones, we can experience the enabling power of God. You know why? Because God does not give His children the spirit of fear, but power to be successful and triumphant. God gives us love, and that love makes us willing. And God gives us a sound mind. The writer is talking about self-control, using good judgment, and not acting hastily.

Each of us will be asked to serve, do something we're not sure we can do, or step out in faith and trust God. It's when we step out in faith that the power of God is released in our life. Why not be an Evil Knievel? Take a risk, meet a challenge, and experience the special blessing of God.

Relying on Holy Boldness . . . Pastor Don


HYMNS FOR THE "OVER THE HILL" GANG:

-- Nobody Knows the Trouble I Have Seeing

-- Give Me that Old Timers' Religion

-- Precious Lord, Take My Hand, And Help Me Up

-- Go Tell It on the Mountain, But Speak Up

-- Just a Slower Walk with Thee

-- Blessed Insurance

-- It is Well with My Soul, But My Knees Hurt

-- Count Your Many Birthdays, Name Them One by One

-- Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah, I've Forgotten Where I Parked

 

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