Driving from my Optometrist’s office just a while ago I caught myself thinking.

Thinking about how I have recommended him, my Optometrist, to others and as the thought thread continued I thought how easy it is and how often I (we) share information that is of interest to me or events and happenings that have given me pleasure. And then bumping right into that thought was Separation of Church and State and that folks say I (we) should keep our faith, our relationship with JESUS private.  In other words: “shut up about JESUS”.

And then our Precious HOLY SPIRIT gave me a Word! I don’t have to shut up and I don’t have to apologize for not shutting up and neither do you.  We can talk about JESUS as much as we want to and to ANYONE, ANY WHERE the HOLY SPIRIT opens a communication door.

And here’s our Permission Slip — actually it’s a command from our Father,Creator of the Universe,  — there is no higher authority, if you know what I mean.  :)

Matthew 28: (The Message)
18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
via Matthew 28:19-20 – Passage Lookup – The Message – BibleGateway.com.

And just in case you like a more traditional translation of our Permission Slip, try this one on for size:

Matthew 28:(King James Version)
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. via Matthew 28:19-20 – Passage Lookup – King James Version – BibleGateway.com

ABBA, thank You. I love You for speaking to us again today.  I love You for making Your Word alive. I love You for loving me. And HOLY SPIRIT, even has You have spoken this Word, speak it again now into the heart of someone coming here to this page; encourage them, strengthen them to be bold; including me. Thank You for each one and as we gather here to pray, thank You for hearing and answering. Todd and his surgery that may be through already, I pray again for success and healing for him. And there are others, many others in need and as we come here individually and name them to You we trust You to do what is best for all, including our IDOK Troops, and it is in JESUS Holy Name that we pray. Amen and amen.

Go and Speak in HIS NAME,
Kathie

P.S. Todd’s surgery went well; at 2:00 PM Wednesday he was in recovery.