Thursday, January 2, 2020
Acts 4:23-31: With Boldness
![aaa[2]](https://thenoontimes.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/aaa2.jpg?w=300&h=225)
There is something for each of us to learn as we watch this fledgling spiritual community find a way to maneuver the overt threats to the community’s existence. There is something for each of us to learn as we struggle to speak the word of God in a culture that does not want to hear truth about itself. In today’s Noontime we see – if we look – a road map for traversing a tricky patch of the path we call life. When brambles arise, when authorities menace, when we are filled with doubt . . . we must pluck up our courage and move forward with boldness.
They went back to their own people . . . we must always surround ourselves with spiritual pilgrims who seek truth and authenticity.
They raised their voices to God with one accord . . . we must always petition God in solidarity with others who seek justice and mercy.
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit . . . we must always keep ready our dwelling place so that it is realizes the presence of God.
They continued to speak the word of God with boldness . . . we must always move forward in God rather than at God.
It is easy to look back over the difficult parts of our lives to assess our actions and non-actions and yet when we do, we find reward. We see that when we cannot muster strength, God provides it. When we cannot summon courage, Jesus brings it. And we find that when we look for love, the Spirit instills it.
They continued to speak the word of God with boldness . . . The apostles moved forward through their fear by gathering together with boldness. They decided that the fear of negative consequences would be outweighed by the boldness they brought together. When we cower before a menacing threat let us remember the lesson we learn today: Return to what you know to be truth, find solidarity with those of like mind, be receptive to the in-dwelling of the Spirit . . . and continue to speak with boldness,
There is nothing to fear. There is nothing to lose. There is everything to gain.
For another blogger’s perspective on Boldness, click on the image above or go to: http://ladycougs.blogspot.com/2012/01/boldness-acts-1342-52.html
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