Philippians 1:12-17
Reflect
On a completely remote backcountry canoe trip in NW Ontario, we maneuvered around a beautiful granite corner. There in front of us was a colossal wall towering out of the crystal-clear water. Bill looked at me and neither of us needed to use words; we knew what must be done in a response to the call of the cliff. As we stood on the summit, neither of us had the courage to go first. We employed the authoritative principle for determining life and death decisions (I made rock – it seemed fitting – to his scissors). My bold leap of faith (and the fact that I did not die) provoked boldness in my friend, and he then also experienced the thrill of living way outside of our comfort zones. Boldness is contagious.
The best response to fear and anxiety is the courage to do something bold. In today’s passage, Paul had the courage to demonstrate that living out the Gospel was worth getting hurt for. Others caught that Paul’s bold joy came from following the call of Jesus upon his life (v14).
Jesus and all His true followers reveal that the will of Jesus is for you to be bold. There simply is zippo in Scripture indicating another way to follow Jesus. Don’t settle for just being kind.
Apply
What opportunity do you have today to be boldly kind by talking to someone about a relationship with Jesus? Take a leap!
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for our Prime Minister and Premier, Mayor Sohi, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to your mind.
- Pray for our Worship Ministries Assistant, Daniel Zander.
- Pray for our Evening Event Hosts, Ethan Okken and Noah Okken