Scripture: 13 But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. [2 Corinthians 4:13-15 NLT] Do you remember the days when you might go to a friend’s house and they would pull out their “slides” from their family vacation? It was a big deal to get out the slide projector and set everything up so that your friends could see all the fun of your vacation. Of course, there was also the fun of taking the film to get it developed and made into slides. It could take a whole evening to go through all the slides together. There was always a lot of narration, questions, and laughter as these memories were shared. I remember moments like these very fondly and loved the fact that someone wanted to share those moments with me. It is very difficult to experience something very new, fun, and adventurous and NOT want to share it. Of course, Facebook and digital/electronic media enables people to do that virtually immediately today. The fact still remains that people want to share exciting experiences with those with whom they are in relationship. I can’t imagine something exciting happening to me and not wanting to share it with my family and friends. We like to share good news and we even want to share when we are struggling. We want others to celebrate with us when we are celebrating and grieve with us when we are grieving. This is what Paul is writing about in our Scripture for today. Paul has experienced the excitement of a new life devoted to Christ. He says he joins with the psalmist in saying, “I believed in God, and so I speak.” Now Paul had a very radical experience of God. Not all of us have had a Damascus road type of experience with Christ. But we have had experience with Christ. When we experienced salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, we experienced a new life devoted to Christ. I know when I experienced this saving relationship through Jesus Christ I wanted to tell anyone who would listen. It was amazing news and, if I had them, I would have pulled out the slides and the projector and shared with everyone. Today may be a slide show kind of day for you. It may be a day where you are asked to say I believed in God and so I speak. One way to have this type of day is to be open to it. Ask God to reveal to you at least one opportunity to speak in the name of Jesus today. Maybe someone you work with needs to hear your faith story today. Perhaps you can speak words of life into your family today. There may be an opportunity to offer words of comfort and support to a friend who is going through a tough time. Allow your belief in God to go verbal. If we believe in God we will have opportunity to speak. Prayer: Holy God, give me opportunities to speak about my belief in you today. I don’t know what the words will be and I trust that you will give me the words to say. May my words be a blessing to everyone I speak with today. May you receive all honor, glory, and praise through me today. Amen.