While conducting a little research, I noticed there are a few definitions for the word bold, but the one I want to talk about today is the ability to take risks.  When I think of bold, I think of someone who is confident and courageous.  That being said, the opposite of bold is to be weak or cowardly.  A person who is bold may be willing to risk shame or rejection if it means that they will stand up for what they believe in.  I said all of that to say this, one thing I have never quite understood about the Body of Christ is their sense of weakness.  I have seen Muslims literally on the street corner selling newspapers and bean pies, all while proclaiming their faith.  Jehovah’s Witnesses come around to people’s home every day, literally all over the world (thought they only did it in the States until I moved to Germany) telling them what they believe.  And I mean they are bold with it too.  They will look through windows, ring doorbells, walk in garages, do whatever it takes to talk to you.  I remember a childhood friend who’s family was Jehovah’s witness and he explained a lot of their beliefs to me.  I did not agree with what he said, and we agreed to disagree.  The most important thing was that we knew where we stood spiritually, and neither one of us tried to hide it.

When it comes to the Body of Christ, it seems as though we are afraid to stand up for what we believe in.  We scream and shout Jesus in church on Sunday, but when we leave the four walls, if someone talks about Jesus Christ or God we are afraid to make our beliefs known.  Why is that?  Why are we not on the street corners proclaiming the gospel of Jesus to all who will hear?  Why are we not knocking on doors, looking through windows and walking in garages to tell people about salvation?  Is it because we are closet Christians?  We only want certain people to know what we believe in so we don’t hurt anyone’s feelings?  Or are we afraid to defend our faith?  Atheist will tell you in a heartbeat that they don’t believe in God.  Why not tell others that you do believe in God?  It’s time for the body of Christ to stand up!  Stand for what you believe in.  I’m not just talking about abortion rights, sexuality or other big issues.  I am talking everyday, normal conversations letting people know that God loves them and teaching them how to be saved.  Providing the tools necessary to help them in their walk.  Overall, doing the work that Jesus Christ commanded us to do before He ascended back into heaven.

It’s time for true believers to be bold in our faith.  We have to let the enemy know that he is not the only one who does not mind taking risks.  We have to show him that we are courageous and confident about the things of the Kingdom.  Not within our self, but the Holy Spirit that is within us.  My prayer has been that the spirit of God would rise within me whenever I am in a situation that I may be uncomfortable or a bit anxious to do the work that I know God has called me to do.  I want to be bold for Christ.  And you should too.  Don’t be a closet believer, only professing your faith when you go to church on Sunday’s.  Step out of the closet and let the world know that the body of Christ is strong.  We have to be committed to being about our Father’s Business.  Right now more than ever, people need to know what it means to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  They need to understand the difference between religion and having an actual relationship with God.  My brothers and sister in Christ, it’s time to get to work!  Say it loud, I’m saved and I’m proud! #iDeclare #ImSavedAndImProud

Prayer:

Father God in the name of Jesus, I thank you for this spirit of boldness that you have given me.  I decree and declare on this day that I will be about your business at all times.  I will be bold and I will profess my faith to all who will hear.  I will take risks because I will trust the Holy Spirit that is within me to rise up at all times and give me what I need to do the work that You have called me to.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Scripture Reading:

Acts 1:8 NLT “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere–in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”