Daughters of Promise Devotional
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HOW BOLDNESS GROWS
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these things that you do apart from the presence of God." John 3:1-2
Nicodemus came to Jesus in the only way he could at that point in his life. He was a part of the Sanhedrin, one of the seventy most powerful Jewish leaders of the day. He was very well studied in the scriptures. To come to Jesus openly would be to evoke suspicion and cost him his position, potentially. So, he came at night. Was he bold? I would say, yes. To come to Jesus at all was bold in those tumultuous days.
Nicodemus was able to admit what most other Jewish colleagues could not yet see. Jesus was one who came from God. His miracles were not demonic but God breathed.
It is easy for us to throw stones at Nicodemus' weak faith. Because he didn't go all the way, in one visit, to a full blown commitment to Christ does not diminish the boldness of his movement toward Christian faith.
From there, Nicodemus' faith would only grow. He would later participate, publicly, in the burial of Jesus body by making expensive spices available to be folded within the shroud that wrapped the body of our Savior. While his quest for Jesus was once hidden by the cover of night, his faith grew and, with faith, came new boldness. He was able to display great courage in his alignment with Jewish Christians after the crucifixion. Boldness always has a tenuous starting place. It is not to be belittled or mocked. If I am growing, my faith is pleasing to God.
2009 is a time for increased boldness. This has been Your word to me, Lord. But it has been a journey from great timidity and whatever boldness I have today will pale in comparison to a year from now. I love this journey and I love the ways You enable me to stand tall in my faith. Amen
Christine Wyrtzen
Daughters of Promise
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Our ministry is expanding to include intensive prayer retreats for house meetings. If you are a women's leader and have a group of 20-25 women meeting in your home, and you would like to see them receive in depth training in strategic prayer, contact us for information on how you can sponsor this event.
Visit our website to read more about Personalized Prayer Mapping
For an informational flyer, write to: Elizabeth Guthrie
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