We are currently reading through the book of Acts, and this is a book that always excites me and challenges me.

Something that has really stood out to me this time, when reading Acts, is the boldness and courage of the believers to share the gospel, despite severe opposition.

We’ve read about Stephen, the first person to be killed because of their faith in Jesus. We’ve read about James who was killed, Peter, Paul & Silas who have been interrogated, beaten and imprisoned and yet the believers continue to preach the gospel and the Church continues to grow!

There are two ways that I am prompted to respond to this:

1. Pray for the Church and the many believers across the world TODAY that are facing persecution. There are many nations where it is illegal to be a Christian and where the consequences for being found out as a believer include; interrogation, torture, imprisonment and death. And yet, the Church continues to grow and the kingdom of God continues to advance. Let’s pray for protection, provision and courage for our brothers and sisters across the globe and thank God that Jesus has defeated death and that there is a great reward awaiting all those who are persecuted for His (Jesus) name.

2. I am challenged in my own walk to be obedient to the Holy Spirit when he prompts me to share the gospel, pray for someone or show a simple act of kindness. Regardless of weather it scares me, costs me or could make me look foolish.

Help us Lord to be in-tune with your Holy Spirit, always ready to speak and act accordingly, despite any feelings of fear or embarrassment.

I hope and pray that you all have a great week, and that we’d be ready for the opportunities God has for us!

I was inspired listening to Keri speak on Sunday about faith, and in reflecting on my own journey I remember how I use to struggle on two fronts. Firstly I believed a lie that I Rob Sherwin could never have real faith and it would never increase, I wasn’t special enough. The enemy sows that lie in all our minds to get us to doubt, because doubt will simply undermine faith. But God is gracious and the Bible is clear that for every believer, faith is a gift from God (Eph 2:8), and he’s given us all a measure of it (Romans 12:3). I simply had to take those verses at face value and believe it. The other area we debate, is how to increase our faith. I believe the answer is simple, you have to use what you have currently got. The parable of the talents is a great example of when God gives us something to use, it’s those who are faithful with even a little that get more. So what have you got faith for today? Ask God how to use it.

Secondly I always thought faith was by my effort to believe for the impossible in my mind, but the realities of God’s kingdom are far bigger than the human brain can deal with, I was always on course for failure. I discovered real faith resides in the heart that is surrendered to the Lord. It’s not mind effort its heart surrender. I listened to the Billy Graham preach below and if you listen right to the end, you will get a great insight into the realities of faith that you and I can have. Enjoy.

https://youtu.be/fxOlCPkyyWE

I have been reminded again recently of the importance of filling ourselves daily with God’s Word.

The enemy only speaks fear and lies to God’s children. To silence his voice I need to fill myself with God’s Word. Fill myself so much that it is only God’s Word that is at the forefront of my thinking.

Where the enemy speaks fear and lies, God speaks faith and truth.

This weekend is the Jubilee weekend. Another meaning of Jubilee is freedom…

If you are struggling in anxious thinking today, remember it is God’s truth that sets us free.

John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free

In a world where we are bombarded with voices, let us choose to intentionally listen to the voice that really matters.

The Lord has been speaking to me about courage recently.

In Joshua 1:9 (AMP) it says:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

What is it about His presence that has such a powerful effect?

I have been thinking about some of the heroes of faith and reflecting on times when I have managed to have courage and I believe the key to courage is God's love.

When we know our Father in heaven loves us, that His loving presence is with us always, encouraging us and taking us by the hand; we can live a life full of courage and we can do remarkable things.

So be encouraged today, for you ARE the one He loves and YOU CAN do remarkable things. Have a listen to the song in this link as you read the words below:

https://youtu.be/agfsathhWlQ

- it takes courage to refuse to give up, when you are exhausted and have tried so many times.

- it takes courage to continue with what is right, in the face of persecution or mistreatment.

- it takes courage to keep moving forward and trusting, when you are filled with pain.

- it takes courage to forgive and walk away, rather than having the last word.

- it takes courage to stand by your values, in a world that would mould you it's own way.

- and most importantly, it takes courage to believe God when He says He loves you. To let His love do it's beautiful work in your life like nothing and noone else can.