Knowing God - God Gives Boldness

Acts 4:13

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Jesus gives us boldness.  It is not the credentials of a well educated theologian that gives boldness.  It is not the number of years that we have named the name of Christ that gives us boldness.  It is not the well rehearsed orations when challenged that gives us boldness.  It is Jesus Himself that gives us boldness.  Spending time with Him gives us a boldness and surety that no other form of preparation can give.  Our Lord Jesus awaits our fellowship and gives us confidence when we spend time with Him.  As He speaks to us and listens to us a relationship is established that transcends all other commitments and loyalties.  When we spend time with Jesus, a fortitude and resolve resonates from our lives enough to make others notice.  Jesus gives this sort of boldness and only His presence has such power.

Knowing God - He is the Most High

Ps 57:2  I will cry unto God most high;…

God is the One who is most high.   There is no one higher.  He is higher than all other authority.  We need to cry out to the One who is the most high.  There are things that come down in our lives from those who are high and they affect our lives.  We need to cry out to God knowing that He is over all.  All things were made by Him and for Him.  He can see everything from being the most high.  He can move authority as He desires, because of being the most high.  He has access to all provisions because He is the most high.  He has all strength to give us, because He is the most high.  What do you need?  Cry out unto God, the Most High!

Proverbs - Judgment Without Self Interest

Proverbs 29:4

The king by judgment establisheth the land:

 but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

Judgment is to be done without considering how the judgment will benefit us.  We must judge things in an objective manner as the Lord has determined.  It is important for us to look at things with a heart to want to understand how God sees things.  Sometimes our evaluation of a matter will cost us something.  It might cost us a friendship, time or labor.  We must not allow this to persuade us in one direction or another.   Our land will be established as we seek to evaluate by God’s standards and please Him alone.

Proverbs - When the Righteous Rule - Things Are Cool!

Proverbs 28:12

When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory:

but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

Oh that the authority over us would be righteous and not wicked.  When we have righteous people over us things are so wonderful.  We sense the safety and covering of those who seek the Lord and rule according to His ways.  We are not afraid of their moods and changes.  We know they are seeking to please the Lord and honor Him.  When the wicked rise to power we almost brace ourselves for the unexpected.  There is self-centered decision making and favoritism.  There are double standards to be expected and most likely deception and bad examples to be dealt with.  Lord, we pray we could be righteous in our places of authority you have given us and we pray that you will protect us from having the wicked rise to power over us.