Category Archives: Boldness

Ashamed, Bible, Boldness, Freedom, Jesus, Scripture

NOT ASHAMED

PHILIPPIANS 1:20

“according to my eager expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”

Feeling ashamed for something you have done wrong is normal. I won’t begin to tell you about the things I have done in the past that were shameful. Some of those things might curl your hair. My BC (Before Christ) days were not exactly things I want to talk about. I try my best, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to avoid shameful behavior today. Sometimes, however, I will say or do something that makes me feel ashamed. Let’s see what Paul was saying about this in today’s verse.

Paul was not ashamed of his life there in that prison. He was actually still doing what he was imprisoned for – preaching Jesus. The verb used here, “be put to shame,” is the Greek word aischunó which in only used five times in the New Testament. In four of the five times, it is used like it is here in Philippians, in a negative reference. The other time is in Luke 16:3 in the story about the unrighteous steward. The steward says he was “ashamed to beg.” Elsewhere, we are told to “not be ashamed.”

APPLICATION

In 2 Corinthians 10:8, Paul says, “For if I boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame,” Paul would never feel ashamed because of what the Lord had called him to do. Nor should we, no matter what that is. Perhaps the Lord has called you to sweep streets. Then be the best street sweeper in the world for the glory of Jesus.

Peter uses this word in 1 Peter 4:16 as he is discussing the privilege we have in suffering for Jesus. “but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” We are to glorify God in the midst of the suffering. That sounds crazy, I know, but that is exactly what our attitude should be.

We see aischunó used once more in 1 John 2:28. “Now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not draw back from Him in shame at His coming.” We should be walking with Him in such a way that no matter what we are doing when He appears, we will not be ashamed. Is that you? Are you living unashamed? Let Jesus rid you of any shame you are feeling today and walk in victory.

Father, I am thankful for the freedom I have from shame. You have cleansed me and made me unashamed in Christ.

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Bible, Boldness, Chains, Prison, Scripture

AMBASSADOR IN CHAINS

EPHESIANS 6:20

“for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Once, as part of a fundraiser, I was handcuffed and put in back of a police car. This was done to get people to “bail” me out to raise funds for a charity. It was rather uncomfortable even though I knew it wasn’t real. I even had a friend who was a Sheriff deputy do the “arrest.” I don’t want to ever find myself in cuffs for real.

Paul, however, was in real chains. The word “chains” is used several times in the New Testament and usually referred to a single chain that was attached to the prisoner on one end and to a soldier on the other end. In some instances, the soldier would just hold the chain or let the prisoner carry it around. Since Paul was under house arrest when he wrote this letter, this was probably the case. But he could have been attached to that soldier. Poor soldier! Lol

APPLICATION

Chains couldn’t deter the apostles. Just look at this story in Acts about Peter when he was arrested and chained. Acts 12:6-7 says, “6 On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near Peter, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And his chains fell off his hands.”

Did you notice Peter was sleeping? Chains didn’t bother him. He was at rest in Christ. Neither should we be concerned about any restrictions we face today. We have to be bold in our witness. That is what Paul was asking for in today’s verse. He wanted to remain bold in proclaiming the good news.

How bold are you? What if you were faced with chains or prison bars? Would you go on proclaiming Jesus. You should read “The Insanity of God.” The persecuted believers in that book will give you some courage to face the enemy head on. Remember, God’s got your back when you proclaim His message. Whatever happens, He can sustain you. Now, be bold!

Father, give me courage to proclaim Jesus even in the face of persecution.

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Bible, Boldness, Gospel, Prayer, Scripture

IT’S OKAY TO ASK FOR PRAYER

EPHESIANS 6:19

“and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,”

It hard to ask for prayers for yourself, isn’t it? I remember when I went through my second stem cell transplant, I truly believe the Lord told me to not pray for my healing. Instead, He burdened others to pray for me. When I was asked by others how they could pray for me, I told them to pray I would be an example of humility and faith for others to see. I hope I was able to do that well to please the Father.

So, we find Paul here in today’s verse asking for prayer. He didn’t ask them to pray for protection from his enemies (and he had many). He asked them pray for him to be bold in his speech so he could present the gospel well. Remember where he was when he wrote this letter to the Ephesians. He was under house arrest in Rome. Humility and meekness were what Paul exhibited. I truly believe God gave him an audience there in that Roman incarceration.

APPLICATION

Paul asked that he be given a divine utterance. That is what the original language truly says. The word used for “speech” is the Greek word logos. That is the same word used to describe Christ. Just look at John 1. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” Paul is asking that Christ fill his mouth. Shouldn’t we ask for the same?

The word “opening” is only used here in the New Testament. Now, let’s just talk about that for a second. We are in the middle of a pretty heated political season here in the U.S. Perhaps if both candidates would pray for the correct “opening” of their mouth, this campaign season would be a lot less volatile. Don’t you think? We should do the same. We should weigh every word that comes out of our mouths.

Finally, Paul asks for boldness. That Greek word means, “leaving a witness that something deserves to be remembered (taken seriously).” (HELPS Word studies). Paul wanted all those who heard his words about Jesus to remember them. He wanted to see others come to Christ. We should have the same motive when speaking. Do that today. Share the gospel with someone in your circle of influence today.

Lord, You promise to give us the words to speak when we need them. Stop our mouths with Your Word today.

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Affliction, Bible, Boldness, Brokenness, Courage, Faith, Fear, God's Will, Modeling, Oppression, Scripture, Suffering

AN EXAMPLE OF SUFFERING

EPHESIANS 3:13

“Therefore I ask you not to become discouraged about my tribulations in your behalf, since they are your glory.”

Suffering is not something I welcome. I mean, come on, who would? No one wants to suffer. But we have to be willing to accept it and embrace it when the Lord allows it. Those who know my story witnessed my suffering during my health crisis back in 2010 and then again in 2020. Stem cell transplants and chemo are no laughing matter. So many people prayed for me during that time. I know my suffering helped build a lot of people’s prayer life. For that I am grateful.

As Paul sits in a Roman prison, he tells the Ephesians to not feel sorry for him and to not get discouraged. A lot of versions translate “discouraged” as “faint. Albert Barnes says this, “The word rendered ‘faint’ – ἐκκακέω egkakeō – means literally, to turn out ‘a coward,’ or to lose one’s courage; then to be fainthearted,” Paul is trying to encourage the Ephesians to remain bold and not let his present circumstance be a barrier to their growth in Christ and the spreading of the Gospel.

APPLICATION

That Greek word egkakeo, is only used six times in the New Testament (Luke 18:1; 2 Corinthians 4:1, 16; Galatians 6:9, here in Ephesians 3:13; and 2 Thessalonians 3:13). I really like how the word is used in Luke 18:1. “Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged,” Jesus knew that pray helps remove discouragement. It lifts us up. It brings us face to face with our Father in heaven whom we know is listening intently to our requests.

In 2 Corinthians 4:1 and 16, we see egkakeo translated as “lose heart.” “1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, 16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day’” Have you ever lost heart about something? I have. In fact, I am going through something right now that is very hard not to lose heart about. But I must continue to trust in the Lord’s providence and power.

Listen, God may decide to use you to be a source of encouragement for others. Your suffering (like Paul’s) may the one thing that shows them they too can trust in Jesus. So, embrace the suffering the Lord allows in your life. Allow the light of Jesus to shine through you as you draw people to Jesus like moths to a light.

Lord, I do not like to suffer, but I will submit myself to Your almighty hand, knowing You have a perfect plan.

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Bible, Boldness, Confidence, Disciples, Encouragement, Freedom, Heaven, Persuasion, Scripture

BOLD AND CONFIDENT

EPHESIANS 3:12

“in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.”

Often our boldness and confidence can be seen as arrogance or rudeness. There is no doubt that can be the perception IF we are not careful. I have prayed for boldness to witness more. I have prayed for confidence to face life’s challenges. There is nothing wrong with boldness and confidence if it is done through the Lord. We are going to see that in today’s verse.

Paul is continuing a thought from the previous verse in verse 12. “In whom” is referring back to “Christ Jesus our Lord” in verse 11. Look what Christ gives us. He gives us boldness to approach the very throne of grace. The Greek word translated as “boldness” is parrésia. It is defined as “confidence (bold resolve), leaving a witness that something deserves to be remembered (taken seriously).” (HELPS Word studies) Then Paul tells us we also have “confident access.” In the Greek text it is literally “access in confidence.” Pepoithésis is the word translated for “confidence. It means “interactive-access in persuasion.”  (HELPS Word studies)

APPLICATION

You are probably thinking Okay, Carl, I already knew that. I didn’t need a Greek lesson. I get it. But you can’t just read this verse and take it for granted. This boldness and confidence can only be exhibited correctly through Jesus. We have the privilege and honor to be given these in order to talk to our heavenly Father without any fear or trepidation.

In 1 Timothy 3:13, Paul tells Timothy as he talks about deacons, “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” As we develop as believers and learn to listen for His voice, our boldness and confidence increases. Leaders in our churches should have this boldness and confidence to lead others towards a deeper relationship with Christ.

The writer of Hebrews says this in Hebrews 10:19-22. “19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, through His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let’s approach God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Don’t shrink back, beloved. Go before the Lord with boldness and confidence. God won’t embarrass you and send you to the back of the line. There is room for everyone at the foot of the cross. Approach Him today and thank Him for giving you this access through His Son, Jesus Christ. You’ll find Him open and receptive every time.

Lord, I praise You for all you have given me, including my access to Your throne.

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Abiding, Answers, Asking, Belief, Bible, Boldness, Decisions, Encouragement, God's Will, Promises, Scripture, Seeking

TIRED OF WAITING

GALATIANS 4:28

“And you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.”

My wife and I have been waiting on something for well over a year. Every day we pray about this, asking God to do whatever He needs to do to resolve the situation. Waiting is hard. Asking for the same thing over and over is challenging. But I am reminded of the story told in Luke 18 where Jesus taught the disciples about prayer. Verse 1 says, “Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged,” I’ll let you read the next several verses later to see the parable He told them.

Why mention waiting? Because Paul mentions Isaac today in verse 28 of chapter 4. He was the child promised to Abraham and Sarah. Sarah didn’t get pregnant right away. God waited 25 years. Abraham was 75 when God gave him that promise, and Isaac was born when he was 100 (Sarah was 90). Why would God do that? Don’t you know Abraham asked Sarah a hundred times if she was pregnant, and every time she would tell him “Not this time.” Annoying, right?

APPLICATION

Sometimes God moves swiftly. We just moved and the process happened so quickly. We prayed for the right buyer and the right house for us on the other end. From listing our house to a contract signed took seven days. Then we found a house and had a contract in two days. So, we know He can move fast when it is His plan. The danger we face is getting ahead of God. I am sure you have never done that.

In 1 Samuel 13:8-9 we see a story about Saul when he did not wait as instructed. “8 He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. 9 So Saul said, ‘Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.” And we know what happened as a result. The kingdom which had been promised to him was torn away and given to David. Waiting is important.

I want to encourage you today (as I encourage myself) to wait on God. He has a plan for your life. Listen to Him. Wait on Him. His timing is always perfect even though we don’t think so sometime. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it (I keep reminding myself of that).

Lord, Your promises are always true and will be fulfilled. Help me wait on You instead of kicking in doors myself.

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Advocate, Asking, Attitude, Bible, Boldness, God's Will, Requests, Scripture

SPEAK UP

ZECHARIAH 3:5

“Then I said, ‘Have them put a clean headband on his head.’ So they put the clean headband on his head and clothed him with garments, while the angel of the LORD was standing by.”

Have you ever been watching someone build something and see something missing? If you are like me, you can’t help but speak up and suggest it. In my ministry, there have been times a thought would cross my mind in a discussion with a team about something that would just be the answer. Once it was mentioned everyone agreed that it was just what the group had been looking for. I attribute those thoughts to the Lord. He is the giver of all good things.

Zechariah is standing by watching the angels dress Joshua with the festive robes (see yesterday’s blog) and notices something is missing. Aww, the “holy crown upon it and the plate of prate gold, on which was graven, Holiness to the Lord” Exodus 28:36-38; Exodus 29:6. You see, this “crown” was to be worn by the high priest before the Lord. Zechariah suggests this in a prayerful tone, and his request was granted.

APPLICATION

The part of this verse that struck me is that Zechariah was bold enough to speak up, and his request was heard and immediately acted upon. We need to speak up. We need to let the Lord know our requests. I love Psalm 40:1. “I waited patiently for the LORD; And He reached down to me and heard my cry.” The Lord wants to hear our voice.

Notice Zechariah wasn’t asking for himself. He was praying on behalf of Joshua and the nation. When you see a brother or sister in need, stop right then and give God a shout out. Speak boldly. Come before the throne of grace on their behalf. We are commanded to pray for one another. Do that today.

In my daily Quiet Time, I pray through a list of people daily, weekly and monthly. These are friends and family. Some are fellow missionaries I have known for years. What a joy to hear back from some of them thanking me for praying. Ask your friends how you can pray for them and then do it. God is listening!

I know You are always listening, Lord. Your ears are attentive to my cries for mercy.

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