The Name of Jesus

 Acts 4
v. 12 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”  

v. 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

I recently met a gentleman that I mentioned in my last post. He was so full of the Spirit of God and unashamedly spoke to anyone about Jesus. He had health problems that were quite serious but saw them as opportunities to either be with the Love of his life, Jesus or to glorify Him through the trial. He was not the most handsome, charismatic person you would ever meet. He had long gray hair and a scruffy beard and mustache, he had tattoos all over his arms and he didn't have his teeth in at the time. But the Spirit in him was captivating and powerful.

I told him about something I struggled with in my work. I told him that I am not allowed to talk about Jesus or pray in His name unless the one I am speaking to brings Him up first. The reason is based on inclusiveness, political correctness, and not offending anyone. I told him that I felt like I was betraying Him. Without batting an eyelash and staring me straight in the eyes, he said with holy boldness, "You are." (I can still see those piercing eyes looking into mine.) He fully had my attention. He continued, "We are called to proclaim the name of Jesus to the nations."

Since that talk, I have really prayed about and pondered this struggle. What better way for Satan to take over a nation than to silence the name of the only way to God. To intimidate those who carry that name into silence. I have often said I feel as though I have been tied and gagged in my work. Turns out there are many like me who feel the same way.

I continue to trust Jesus with my life and my future. I seek to be able to boldly speak His name and will do whatever He calls me to do. I put my own desires aside and trust that He will lead me on.

 

 

 

A God-Given Solution to Worry

Recently, I met a gentleman as I was doing my chaplain rounds at the hospital. He had blood clots in his leg and a serious heart problem. Most people I meet in a situation like this are understandably worried, but not this guy. He had an amazing faith in God that was contagious and inspiring. He said that he knew if he died from this, he would be able to go home to his King; and if he lived through it, God would use it to His glory. Either way, it was a win, win situation.

This morning as I was having my coffee with Jesus, I came across this passage in Matthew chapter 6...

"This is why I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25)

If you're at all like me, you read this and think, "Okay...I'm going to just stop worrying...NOW!" Then after awhile, you're saying, "Oh my gosh...I'm worrying again. God's not going to be happy with me..." You get the idea. But God did not leave this up to our own will. He gave us a very simple and clear solution...

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." (Matthew 6:33)

I know from my own experience, that when I focus on the worries of this life, they grow in size in my mind and I can see nothing else. But, if I focus on God through prayer, study, reading His word, and seeking His glorious face in all I do; then I am able to walk in peace and the worries go into the backseat where they belong. It has to be very intentional sometimes but once I get my focus on God, it gets easier and easier to find rest.

 

"Don't worry; Be happy"