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I will not Venture

Words of Faith Final

I will not Venture
Words of Faith 12-8-2021
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2021
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Romans 15
    [17] Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. [18] I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done‑‑ [19] by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

     What will you talk about this season? At the football gatherings or soccer sidelines? At the office party or church gathering? At the neighborhood open house? What will you talk about over a plate of food or diet coke? There are lots of good things-- the victories of family and friends. But there are also lots of banalities-- all the latest. The latest diets, the latest movies, the latest scores. And there are many, many traps. We can easily find ourselves talking about people, places, or things, which is often not a good thing.
    Paul has an interesting solution in his own life and ministry. "I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me..."  That is quite a commitment. A sort of "fast" on gossip and empty chatter.
    It is a powerful thing to commit not just to talk about the things Jesus has done but specifically the things accomplished by God in our own lives. Paul is clear that he is committed to talk only about God's work in "leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done‑‑ by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit."  
    Just think what a delightful party or gathering it would be if you are asked a question and respond, "God did the most wonderful thing the other day..."  Or, can you imagine a family gathering where when asked if you have heard the latest gossip about Aunt Grizelda, you respond, "No, but could I share with you what God has been doing in my life this year? He is SO very good."  
    Or what about the church fellowship where you are asked, "Have you heard what they are going to do with the carpet colors?" and you respond, "No, have you heard that God has been doing the most wonderful thing in my family..."
    Phrased the wrong way, such talk could sound like boasting. "Let me tell you what a great Christian I have been..." No, that is not it at all. But with proper humility and intention to glorify God, we can talk about what He has done and make it clear how undeserving we are to receive that grace. We actually could venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through us. What a delight that would be.

        Lord, tame my tongue. Protect my ears and heart. Show me how I can speak only praises to You for Your glorious works of grace. In Jesus' name.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2021
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)        
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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The Words of Faith devotion is published five days a week by E-mail, excluding Federal holidays. Please feel free to forward this devotion to a friend who might be blessed by this devotion. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2021 Jeffrey D. Hoy. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this copyrighted material or use portions of it with appropriate notation of the source for non-profit purposes.