Confident Christianity
Today has been a fairly busy and productive day. I had my weekly physical therapy session at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital. The physical and occupational therapy sessions went well. I worked on some exercises that I have not done before so that was good. Once again I was reminded about the importance of brain signals, nerves and muscles working together or in I should say, in proper sequence in order for muscles strength to take place.
When I returned home Ted Grizzel who helped with my ride home help me get gas for my riding mower and supervised me as I tried to get familiar with the controls. I did get the lawn mowed for the first time with the riding mower, so that seemed more like a normal activity. After all, if you don’t have a motorcycle you should at least have a riding lawn mower!
The end of this week will be special in a couple of ways. I will be joining my son Christian for our first father-son wedding ceremony. We will be joining in marriage Tammy Gonzalez and Evan Hunter on Friday night in Highlands Ranch. I have known Tammy’s parents since they first come to Colorado from Puerto Rico to attend school. So I have known Tammy and her family all of her life. Christian also served as Tammy and Evan’s Youth Pastor at Dakota Ridge Church.
Then Saturday is the big day for the Colfax Charity 5K Run. A Rotary friend of mine, Ted Cluett, now living in Wellington is joining to come down to help me as a guide along with Debbie. We pray the weather will be good and all runners will meet their sponsorship goal to support Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” 2 Timothy 1:11,
I like 2 Timothy. Perhaps it is because it was one of the first books of the New Testament I studied diligently as a junior higher. But in reading it once again, some of the verses stood out in a fresh way. Paul is writing to a protégé of his. His osn in the faith. This letter is his last and is important because the work of the Church will only continue as new leaders are raise up and equipped and empowered. Paul is pouring his life into Timothy and as he does he reminds him of the Holy Spirit’s empowering:
 “…fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” 2 Timothy 1:6,7
Paul goes on and reminds Timothy that relationship with God (salvation) and the calling of God flows from God’s grace and desire to see His good news reach all people.
 “He 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,” 2 Timothy 1:9
Paul continues and discusses his life as a messenger of the gospel. A message that caused him much hardship, suffering and would lead to his death. When someone is facing the end of their life reflection on their life is only natural. Did I live my life in vain? Did I make a difference? Did I make a fool out of myself? Paul was bold in his assertion, “I am not ashamed!”
What was the source of his confidence? He simply said, “I know the One in whom I believe and have put my trust and He will protect and guard what I have entrusted to Him.” What had Paul entrusted to Jesus? His life! His life on this earth and his eternal destiny as a child of God.
I want to live as a “confident” Christian. One that knows that what he believes is the only way to live.  The message of God’s love and grace never causes shame but results in a desire for others to have that relationship with Christ which brings power for confident living.