Sunny and relatively warm today.  We have been encouraged by the depth of the snow fall in the mountains all over Oregon, the water tables should be rising as most of our state is having over a 100% of the annual rain fall and snow (melted snow, not just the snow itself) as our reservoirs are filling up.

We can hope that it will translate to good weather for our farmers, orchardists and ranchers; with plenty of water for the crops and livestock.

And, for those who grow gardens like Carla.

Acts 4:17-20  But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

¹⁸ And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

¹⁹ But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

²⁰ For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

And verses 29-31 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

³⁰ By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

³¹ And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Part of the problem in America is removing the Holy Spirit from our lives.  We talk of God.  We talk of Jesus.  Seldom so we hear Holy Spirit.

Yet, it is with His Spirit that God wishes to empower man.  It is by His Spirit we gain insights into His Word.  It is by His Spirit that we can submit ourselves to Him and be guided and directed.

It is almost like we have relegated the Holy Spirit to a secondary role, one that has little to do within us, or the world.

And yet it is by listening to and following His Holy Spirit that we can speak with boldness and certainty.

The world, and more and more even the United States, is trying to eliminate all elements of God, trying to destroy faith in Him.  They do not understand the Power that Christians have when they acquiesce to God’s wishes and set aside their own.

This has been satan’s desire since he was cast from heaven, and he will not give up until God says enough. 

As the Apostles and early Christians were told, as millions upon millions of Christians have experienced if we accept the Power of the Holy Spirit we will see things happening.

While most of us do not have a very large audience we do have a means to impact those around us.  It doesn’t mean we have to have a get in your face witnessing and call it boldness, it does mean that when given the opportunity we take advantage of it and trust the Holy Spirit to give us the courage to speak up.

Many Christians live their lives without calling attention to themselves – yet, they are recognized as someone who people can go to in times of trouble – their quiet boldness and true faith in God attracts people to them and eventually to Christ.

No matter our personality, no matter our circumstances if we follow the Holy Spirit we will find that He will make things happen.

We will go through trials and tribulations, but when we ask God to apply those to our spiritual life He will do so and give us more power to serve Him.

Later, Art :-)