What are my beliefs? What does my heart and mind hold true?  What if what I say upsets others or isn't the norm? Trying to walk in your ways God has never seemed more difficult than now.  For some reason I have found myself caught battling in my mind and  thinking  "what if I offend someone?" or "I'll seem weird and crazy" or "geez.... I must be off in the way I think!"  You see living for God isn't easy ESPECIALLY when our beliefs or ideas clash with mainstream thinking.  So much has been going on lately in our world that my heart started to feel down and really burdened with the way things are.  I needed insight and help from the Holy Spirit to lift my heart and remind me of what the "TRUTH" is. I have been reading the book of ACTS, which I will confess never really "interested" me.  OOPS! I don't know if that is wrong to say, but there are some books in the bible that I am more inclined to read than others, and I don't remember the book of Acts being one of them UNTIL NOW!

Wow!  Talk about a huge wake up call to me about how awesome the Holy Spirit is, or How God can change anyone, anytime, anywhere (Acts 9)!  This book has given me insight of speaking BOLDLY and how that boldness can change lives and even leave people astonished (Acts 4:13).  This book has taught me to really think about what I stand for and if I just go with the crowds. Acts 19:32 says " The assembly was in confusion: some were shouting one thing and some another. MOST OF THE PEOPLE DID NOT KNOW WHY THEY WERE THERE." That last part made me think, do we tend to just go where the crowd is, do what others do and NOT even know why we do those things?  Are we informed of the situation or do we just jump on one side without giving thought to our actions?

You see I am believing God for change and salvation and when I see that He can change a man's heart like Paul, it whispers "Don't worry I got this...", And when I wonder if I should speak about my beliefs I read Acts 18:9 "One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on SPEAKING, do not be silent. For I am with you and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city."  Now, I know I am not Paul, but I believe God speaks those same words to us even now.  Do not be afraid, I am with you.....and check out this cool part: God had to remind and let Paul know that HE had many people in that city.  WHY?  Why do you think God had to tell him that?  I believe it was to remind Paul he wasn't the only believer there, he wasn't alone in his walk and beliefs.  I have felt alone as a believer many times, like no one understood me.  But that's not true, God has many people in my city, in your city!  That's why fellowship is so important, it keeps us not only accountable but encouraged.

God,
My WORST subject EVER has been English, you know that people correct my grammar all the time and yet I have such a strong desire to write about you.  So Lord it may not be all written in APA format and I don't use nice fancy words, but God I will speak....You have done too much for me to stay silent.
I pray right now for all the believers out there who feel like the minority or alone in their walk with you.  Remind them we are out there believing together.  God, steady our hearts and help us not only speak with words if needed but speak with our ACTIONS in love and boldness. May your favor and confidence fill us, in Jesus Name Amen!