Not ashamed of the Gospel

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace."
2Timothy 1:7-9

- I have come to realize that most of our fears in sharing the Gospel are not true. If we are sincere and genuinely care about someone it will be sensed. Usually, they will appreciate someone taking the time to talk to them about spiritual matters.
There is a cost in sharing and living for God, though. The apostle Paul was being persecuted for his ministry and Timothy knew this.
There will always be those who will resist the Gospel and righteousness. Satan will always stand against a Christian who is trying to live for God and win others to Jesus. This is when we have to realize that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline and the afflictions that will arise because of the Gospel can be overcome by God's power and love. If we stay connected to the Lord we can overcome anything that comes against us.

prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus You have not given me a spirit of fear. Fear does not come from You, help me understand this and walk in power and love and self-discipline. Help me be strong and courageous in You and know that You are always there to strengthen me. I praise You Lord. amen

Pictures from India

Preaching at a church


Sharing a devotional at a School


Train station in Lucknow

House prayer meeting with Roman Catholic youth

Village people

Village church

Man testifying of being healed from kidney pain

Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord from the earth,..you mountains and all hills...Let them praise the Lord (Psalm 148: 7-13)

"Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts that of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness."
Psalm 150:1-2

-- All of Psalm 150 is about Praising the Lord.

The previous 4 Psalms also begin with exhortations to praise the Lord. It is clear that God desires our praise. I believe praising the Lord is extremely important, for the simple fact that it takes our minds off of ourselves and places our focus on God. When we praise the Lord it releases Him to work in our lives.

When Judah was being attacked by the Moabities and Ammonites, Jehoshaphat appointed song leaders to praise the Lord. As they praised, the Bible says that the Lord set ambushments against the enemy and they were defeated (2Chr. 20:21-22).

Joshua and the Israelites marched around Jericho, and on the 7th day and the 7th march around the city that day; they shouted to the Lord and the walls of Jericho came crumbling down (Joshua 6:12-22).

When we praise God in spite of how our circumstances look it does something in the heart of God and releases His power into our lives.

Lets learn to praise the Lord at all times, it may not be easy, but it allows God to work by His mighty power.

prayer:

Father I thank You for Your word, I thank You that You are the Almighty living God. Teach me to humbly praise You at all times, even though I don't feel like it sometimes. Take my life now and make me all that You want me to be. I praise You right now, I worship You. In Jesus Name, amen.