"Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly." Philippians 1:14 NIV

I don't understand? Am I reading this correctly? Is Paul saying his chains are encouraging others to preach the gospel without fear? Yes, this is exactly what he is saying. Paul is sure his chains will promote the gospel.

He is right. It seems to me others would be discouraged to preach since Paul is in chains, but the opposite is true. It may be others are bold by the power of the Holy Spirit. We can see from other biblical passages fear is vanquished when the Spirit of God takes over.

The same is true for you and I. The Spirit of God is the same yesterday, today and forever! We can be free from fear to share the truth of God's word. How much do we want to be changed by the message of Jesus?

As we resist the lies of this world, and yield to God's ways we come into a deeper presence of His spirit. Yesterday as I pulled into a parking lot I read a bumper sticker on a car. It said"RESIST."

What does it mean? I can say it either says a lot, or nothing at all. If I am to resist everything my life will be miserable. No friends, no health care, no food? If it is a general meaning to resist the establishment, this will cause undo suffering, anger and fear. If we resist God, all we have to do is look at history to see where this will get you. 

Do not resist the Holy Spirit. All the blessings of heaven are for those who yield to His commands. It is not heavy or weary, but life giving and full of joy. True joy comes from yielding to the One who will lift our burdens and set us into a freedom this world doesn't know.

Our dear friend the Apostle, has overwhelming confidence because he joys in the gospel going forward. Let this be our joy as well! This glorifies God, and all of heaven. We agree with the Holy Spirit when we rejoice in what He has said. We are here today on this earth to testify of the truth of God.