7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
Today is Vacation Bible School. Today I have the privilege to share God’s invitation for these students to believe on Christ and be saved. The teachers in our Vacation Bible School have been so faithful these past two days setting up what they will hear today. God is Real. Jesus is the one that shows us God and He is the only way.
Paul gave his life both in and out of prison sharing this gospel. I will stand in a free country in an air conditioned building with all kinds of technology that supports the hearing of the gospel and share God’s Good News Invitation with the children who attend. I do not have to be the Holy Spirit. I do not have to convince them. I am simply given the chance to invite them to come to Christ. What a joy! The teachers do the teaching and laying the foundation. The Holy Spirit is at work. I get to invite them to come to Christ.
God I thank you for cleansing my own heart today. I am thankful for the mercy and grace available because of the Lord Jesus Christ. I stand today in that place and trust you for what I will see happen in our church. May your Holy Spirit guide me as you have already been preparing these young men and women to hear. Open their hearts today tot he invitation to believe in Christ.
