Encouragement

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I have recently been asked to give a list of my 'credentials' for the purpose of speaking. This took me aback, as I was not aware that I need paper credentials to speak God's Word, to encourage others in His ways, or to accurately depict biblical accounts. A piece of paper will not exactly portray my desires, love, admiration, or passion for my Jesus. It will not prove my loyalty to Him, nor will it reveal my gifting in any way, shape, or form. I've been searching for any biblical truth where Jesus explains to His disciples the need for them to be 'certified' to claim Him as their own. I've not, to this point, found anything of the like.

The following is a list of things about me:

~ I am a sinner, saved by grace through faith. If you've not made this choice... call me.

~ I prayed for a love for my Jesus that would be so great that I would be unable to contain it. HE saw fit to grant me this.

~ I realize what my gifting is, and intend on using it. I would hate to be standing before the Lord, and He say to me, "I gifted you with something that others have begged to have. Why didn't you use them?" And my response be, 'Fear'. My fear of disappointing the Lord is certainly greater than my fear of taking a platform and speaking to His people!

I BELIEVE:

* The Bible is the Holy and inspired Word of God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training. ~2 Timothy 3:16
* There is but ONE Living God- the Author and Perfecter- the Beginning and the End... revealed in three persons (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). And I believe my LORD to be omnipotent (all-powerful), omnipresent (everywhere), omniscient (all-knowing), immutable (unchanging), and eternal (everlasting).
* Jesus was born of a virgin. ~Matthew 1:23
* He was tempted in every way, yet remained without sin. ~Hebrews 4:15
* Jesus died for the sins of all mankind. Salvation is found in no one else for there is no other name by which we are saved. ~Acts 4:12
* Jesus rose from the grave, ascended to the Father, and remains at His right hand. ~Mark 16:6, 19
* The only way to receive salvation is through repentance of sins. 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.' ~1 John 1:9
* Jesus is the only way to the Father. He is the way and the truth and the life. ~John 14:6-7
* Water baptism symbolized the death and resurrection as you enter a new life. The infilling of the Holy Spirit provides power and is available to all believers. ~Acts 2:4
* We all have different spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit. ~1 Corinthians 12:4
* Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. ~Romans 14:12
* The Day of the Lord is quickly approaching. ~2 Peter 3
* And we will be with the LORD forever. ~1 Thessalonians 4:17
* As I patiently await His return, I will strive to live a holy and godly life- as I look forward to the day of God. ~2 Peter 11-12

I KNOW:

* The Lord has a plan for my life. ~ Jeremiah 29:11
* I'm not 'good enough'... He knows this, and yet chose me. This alone makes me perfect for His will.
* My gifting will be used to further God's kingdom... for His glory alone.
* My dreams have not always been His desires for my life. Slowly, but surely, that has now become the case. HIS DESIRES FOR MY LIFE ARE NOW MY DREAMS!
* I will be obedient to His call.
* No force of this world will hinder the Lord's plan for me.
* The Gospel of Jesus will be heard... from my mouth... through His voice.
* Where one door is closed, another is opened.
* His will for my life will be accomplished.
* I am humbled by my King, His ways, and His love.

I pray that my heart is seen... fully opened and full of humility. While I may not have a scholastic background in the Bible, I have a passion that is burning so deeply within that it cannot be quenched. I have a voice that was given especially to serve Him. And I have a willingness to go... to do... to say...

So... there it is. My credentials. As given me by HIM...

(Please know that this post is not intended to diminish or dismiss the credentials, certifications, licensing, or ordination of any of those serving the LORD. I'm just simply saying that everyone's path to God's will is different. Mine, it just so happens, does not include the things mentioned.)

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