So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone.
If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God,
there is nothing you can do about it—and you better not be found fighting against God!

(Acts 5:38-39, MSG)

On Sunday we started a new series that will walk us through the Book of Acts, Luke’s companion letter to his Gospel.  Each week for the next seven weeks I invite you to read through the Book of Acts with me.  Each Sunday our sermon will focus on a specific reading from that portion of scripture.  This week we are reading Acts chapters 3-5.

I am often amazed as I read through Acts, of the hardship endured by the Apostles.  Over and over again they are threatened, imprisoned, beaten, or even killed…yet they still are faithful to share the message Jesus taught them with the world!  It makes me pause and think about my life…I am risk averse!  I am not one to take a risk and share my faith with total strangers.  (I know that is my “job” but with that comes an invitation or expectation.)

When I was ordained an amazing pastor and mentor gave the Charge and spoke such beautiful words over my life that I continue to carry today.  Three simple words that have significant meaning and that I try to emulate in all that I do.  Joy, Laughter, Boldness (my initials so they are easy to recall).  Joy and laughter are easy for me; they are a part of my DNA.  Boldness, on the other hand, is the hardest to live into. 

Boldness: is the willing, confident, and often courageous pursuit of actions despite risks, fear, or potential for failure.

Over the years I have found when I am left to my own devices, I am timid, fearful, risk averse, and definitely afraid of failure.  But, when I rely on God and trust in the power of the Holy Spirit it is only then that I am BOLD!  This boldness is what we see in the Apostles…unafraid and filled with the Holy Spirit. 

How can we step into that boldness in our daily lives?  How can we live into the power that comes from the Holy Spirit and make a difference in the lives of others?  I am certain there were times when the Apostles were afraid but they leaned into the Holy Spirit and stepped out in boldness.  May we do the same!

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—
though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.

(1 Peter 1:7, NLT)