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Knowledge matters most when it is put into practice. Good morning listeners and welcome to The Point, a podcast devoted to weaving the timeless truth of God's word into everyday life through short, practical, and easy to remember episodes that fit in the moments that make up your life. This opening episode is entitled Be Bold and our scriptured passage comes from the Old Testament book of Ezra chapter five and verse number eleven, where it reads This was their reply to us. We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. While rebuilding the temple, the workers were confronted by the governor, demanding to know who gave permission for their construction project. In this moment the leaders of Israel respond to opposition with clarity and courage. They declare who they are, whom they serve, and why they are rebuilding, grounding their boldness not in themselves, but in the calling and authority of the God of heaven and earth. The way to deal with pressure and intimidation is to recognize that we work for God. Our allegiance is to God first, people second. If we make a policy of offending no one or pleasing everyone, our service to God will lose its effectiveness. God is our leader, and his rewards are most important. Remember, don't be intimidated. Let others know by your actions and words who you are and whom you serve. Amen. This concludes the first episode of To the Point. Regular weekly episodes will begin on Monday, november sixteenth and continue every Monday until further notice. And finally, God bless. Thanks so very much for listening. And remember, your feedback is important.