They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 NIV
This verse doesn't tell us if Luke is describing personal prayer or group prayer. Everything else in the verse, though, is talking about activities the Christians did together.
Many young Christians are afraid to pray out loud in a group. They are afraid they won't know the right words or they will sound stupid.
If you have a hard time praying in a group, try just saying one sentence. Thank God for something. Ask God to grant a request made by another person in the group. Praying is just talking to God. And like everything else in our lives, we become more comfortable doing it the more we practice.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Spending Time Together
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 NIV
Who do you hang with? While our relationships aren't supposed to be just with other Christians, spending time with our brothers and sisters in Christ strengthens our faith.
I remember feeling very left out at church when I was a child. It seemed like the other kids my age naturally gravitated toward each other; but, not towards me. It wasn't until I was older that I realized that their parents (and as an extension - they) had relationships outside the church building. I didn't realize until later that many of them were related or that their parents had been friends before the church even started. In spite of the fact that I had gone to that church for years, I felt like an outsider because I was an outsider.
The thousands of people who met together daily in Acts couldn't have had close relationships with everyone; but, they all needed to have close relationships with someone. Do you belong to a small group or a host home at your church? You can't get close to other people unless you spend time with them. This was important to the early Christians and it is important for us as we grow together in Christ.
Who do you hang with? While our relationships aren't supposed to be just with other Christians, spending time with our brothers and sisters in Christ strengthens our faith.
I remember feeling very left out at church when I was a child. It seemed like the other kids my age naturally gravitated toward each other; but, not towards me. It wasn't until I was older that I realized that their parents (and as an extension - they) had relationships outside the church building. I didn't realize until later that many of them were related or that their parents had been friends before the church even started. In spite of the fact that I had gone to that church for years, I felt like an outsider because I was an outsider.
The thousands of people who met together daily in Acts couldn't have had close relationships with everyone; but, they all needed to have close relationships with someone. Do you belong to a small group or a host home at your church? You can't get close to other people unless you spend time with them. This was important to the early Christians and it is important for us as we grow together in Christ.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Learning the Word
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 NIV
The Bible is huge. And more than a little imposing. Thinking about diving into the Word of God and actually learning what is in there can seem to be an impossible task.
The early Christians listened to the Apostles. They learned what they needed to know when they came together, which they did as often as they could.
The Bible is full of wisdom and guidance. It comes straight from God. Exposing yourself, either by reading or by listening to others who are teaching, will eventually result in learning. Then the Bible won't seem so imposing. It will just bring you comfort and guidance when you need it.
The Bible is huge. And more than a little imposing. Thinking about diving into the Word of God and actually learning what is in there can seem to be an impossible task.
The early Christians listened to the Apostles. They learned what they needed to know when they came together, which they did as often as they could.
The Bible is full of wisdom and guidance. It comes straight from God. Exposing yourself, either by reading or by listening to others who are teaching, will eventually result in learning. Then the Bible won't seem so imposing. It will just bring you comfort and guidance when you need it.
Monday, June 25, 2012
The Habits of the Christian Life
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (Romans 12:9-13 NIV)
As each of us grow in our Christian walk, we realize that life - and Christian choices -- can be complicated. In Romans 12, Paul gives some clear instructions on how to live in the Christian community. It may not always be easy to be joyful, patient or faithful; but, we are given that ability by the Holy Spirit.
Why did Paul tell the Roman Christians that Love must be sincere? Because flattery never is. Learning to love others above ourselves takes practice. Love is more than nice feelings. It is more than pleasant words. Love is a behavior that puts the welfare of the other person first. Love doesn't always speak softly. There are times when we have to love enough to be stern. We serve Jesus when we treat others well.
The behaviors Paul instructs us to have in Romans 12 are the result of practice and building good habits. Which ones are easy for you? Which ones are hard? What a privilege it is to learn to live the Christian life.
As each of us grow in our Christian walk, we realize that life - and Christian choices -- can be complicated. In Romans 12, Paul gives some clear instructions on how to live in the Christian community. It may not always be easy to be joyful, patient or faithful; but, we are given that ability by the Holy Spirit.
Why did Paul tell the Roman Christians that Love must be sincere? Because flattery never is. Learning to love others above ourselves takes practice. Love is more than nice feelings. It is more than pleasant words. Love is a behavior that puts the welfare of the other person first. Love doesn't always speak softly. There are times when we have to love enough to be stern. We serve Jesus when we treat others well.
The behaviors Paul instructs us to have in Romans 12 are the result of practice and building good habits. Which ones are easy for you? Which ones are hard? What a privilege it is to learn to live the Christian life.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Common Sense or Christ?
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:25-30 NIV
Decisions we make in the cause of Christ often seem to defy common sense - at least as the world sees it. Paul and Silas were in prison in stocks when an unforeseen earthquake set them free. They had been praying and singing praises to God. Had it been me, I would have been praying for my release and would have praised God for answering my prayer with the earthquake.
Paul and Silas must have been praying for something else because they didn't leave. That would have resulted in the death of the jailer. They stayed and reassured the jailer, who was more important to them than their own freedom, that all the prisoners were there. The result was the jailer and his entire household accepted Jesus.
I have some friends who recently sold their house. It had been on the market for a few years and they needed to get out from under two mortgage payments. When their realtor called with an offer which was much lower than their asking price, they decided to pray for God's will. They decided to accept the offer.
Just hours after they accepted the lower offer, a bid came in on their house for the full amount. Legally, they were bound by the first offer. The realtor told them, however, that there was a loophole that could get them out of the contract. Again they prayed -- and decided to honor their Christian convictions.
For the world, this would have been a no brainer. Get out of the contract and go for the better offer. But my friends had been praying that God would put their house into the hands of a family that would be blessed by it.
Do you make decisions that are foolish in the eyes of the world but honor Christ? Are you willing to suffer loss so that some might be brought to the kingdom? What do you base your decisions on -- Common Sense or Christ?
Decisions we make in the cause of Christ often seem to defy common sense - at least as the world sees it. Paul and Silas were in prison in stocks when an unforeseen earthquake set them free. They had been praying and singing praises to God. Had it been me, I would have been praying for my release and would have praised God for answering my prayer with the earthquake.
Paul and Silas must have been praying for something else because they didn't leave. That would have resulted in the death of the jailer. They stayed and reassured the jailer, who was more important to them than their own freedom, that all the prisoners were there. The result was the jailer and his entire household accepted Jesus.
I have some friends who recently sold their house. It had been on the market for a few years and they needed to get out from under two mortgage payments. When their realtor called with an offer which was much lower than their asking price, they decided to pray for God's will. They decided to accept the offer.
Just hours after they accepted the lower offer, a bid came in on their house for the full amount. Legally, they were bound by the first offer. The realtor told them, however, that there was a loophole that could get them out of the contract. Again they prayed -- and decided to honor their Christian convictions.
For the world, this would have been a no brainer. Get out of the contract and go for the better offer. But my friends had been praying that God would put their house into the hands of a family that would be blessed by it.
Do you make decisions that are foolish in the eyes of the world but honor Christ? Are you willing to suffer loss so that some might be brought to the kingdom? What do you base your decisions on -- Common Sense or Christ?
Friday, June 22, 2012
You are Clothed with Christ
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:26,27 NIV
You wouldn't wear a bathing suit to a wedding or a winter coat in the middle of summer. If you were headed to the White House to meet the President, you would not wear your frayed cut off jeans. On the other hand, you wouldn't go hiking in a tuxedo.
What we wear makes a statement, not only about who we are; but also about the setting we find ourselves in. People don't look twice at someone wearing a bathing suit at the beach in the middle of summer. That same bathing suit, worn to an inaugural dinner might raise a few eyebrows, prompt a few questions and wind up on the evening news.
What did Paul mean when he said that those "who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ?" He means that Christ is now appropriate wherever we go. Jesus identifies us. You wouldn't go anywhere (except perhaps the shower) without your clothes. Don't go anywhere without Jesus. You are on the Lord's side. You wear his colors. You wear his life.
You wouldn't wear a bathing suit to a wedding or a winter coat in the middle of summer. If you were headed to the White House to meet the President, you would not wear your frayed cut off jeans. On the other hand, you wouldn't go hiking in a tuxedo.
What we wear makes a statement, not only about who we are; but also about the setting we find ourselves in. People don't look twice at someone wearing a bathing suit at the beach in the middle of summer. That same bathing suit, worn to an inaugural dinner might raise a few eyebrows, prompt a few questions and wind up on the evening news.
What did Paul mean when he said that those "who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ?" He means that Christ is now appropriate wherever we go. Jesus identifies us. You wouldn't go anywhere (except perhaps the shower) without your clothes. Don't go anywhere without Jesus. You are on the Lord's side. You wear his colors. You wear his life.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
A Changed Life
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." Luke 3: 21-22, NIV
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. Matthew 3: 13-15 NIV
Jesus sought to do God's will in everything. Jesus wasn't baptized because everybody else was doing it. He did it to fulfill all righteousness. He did it to please God.
John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. Did Jesus need to repent? Jesus ministry was one of humility. He served others. Claiming to be above the need for repentance would have been contrary to the tone of his ministry. If Jesus considered baptism important enough to submit to it, then it is even more important for us to include in our Christian lives.
Jesus' life changed at his baptism. It marked the beginning of his ministry to mankind. How did your life change when you were baptized? What ministry did it begin for you?
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. Matthew 3: 13-15 NIV
Jesus sought to do God's will in everything. Jesus wasn't baptized because everybody else was doing it. He did it to fulfill all righteousness. He did it to please God.
John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. Did Jesus need to repent? Jesus ministry was one of humility. He served others. Claiming to be above the need for repentance would have been contrary to the tone of his ministry. If Jesus considered baptism important enough to submit to it, then it is even more important for us to include in our Christian lives.
Jesus' life changed at his baptism. It marked the beginning of his ministry to mankind. How did your life change when you were baptized? What ministry did it begin for you?
Monday, June 18, 2012
Is Baptism Necessary?
Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized. Acts 18:8 NIV
Love and marriage, bacon and eggs, belief and baptism. What are three things that go together? No, it isn't a Jeopardy question. But it is an explanation of why we emphasize baptism.
People often ask why they need to be baptized when they already believe. In the New Testament, you never had one without the other. Even Jesus was baptized by his cousin, John the Baptist.
Baptism is a turning point. It is a point in time you can remember and know that was when you left your old life behind and began your new life in Christ.
Is baptism necessary? If you claim to be a follower of Jesus, why would you not follow him through the process of baptism?
Love and marriage, bacon and eggs, belief and baptism. What are three things that go together? No, it isn't a Jeopardy question. But it is an explanation of why we emphasize baptism.
People often ask why they need to be baptized when they already believe. In the New Testament, you never had one without the other. Even Jesus was baptized by his cousin, John the Baptist.
Baptism is a turning point. It is a point in time you can remember and know that was when you left your old life behind and began your new life in Christ.
Is baptism necessary? If you claim to be a follower of Jesus, why would you not follow him through the process of baptism?
Saturday, June 16, 2012
The Way of Submission
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. Titus 3:1-2 NIV
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. Matthew 3: 13-15 NIV
Jesus submitted to all kinds of authority when he was on earth. When he was a child, he submitted to his parents. When his mission was ending, he submitted to the cross. When he was beginning his ministry, he submitted to his cousin, John, in baptism.
John didn't want to do it. It was the position of the leader to baptize the follower and John's purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. So, when Jesus explained that his baptism was needed "to fulfill all righteousness," John submitted back. He followed Jesus' request and baptized him.
The Christian way of submission is never to be forced. Power struggles are to be avoided. We are told in Titus to be peaceable, considerate and gentle. If you are always "one up" on another person, how will you ever bring him to Christ? If Jesus was willing to submit to the flawed authorities of the world, we must be willing to follow his example.
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. Matthew 3: 13-15 NIV
Jesus submitted to all kinds of authority when he was on earth. When he was a child, he submitted to his parents. When his mission was ending, he submitted to the cross. When he was beginning his ministry, he submitted to his cousin, John, in baptism.
John didn't want to do it. It was the position of the leader to baptize the follower and John's purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. So, when Jesus explained that his baptism was needed "to fulfill all righteousness," John submitted back. He followed Jesus' request and baptized him.
The Christian way of submission is never to be forced. Power struggles are to be avoided. We are told in Titus to be peaceable, considerate and gentle. If you are always "one up" on another person, how will you ever bring him to Christ? If Jesus was willing to submit to the flawed authorities of the world, we must be willing to follow his example.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Not a threat, a promise.
These words of Peter's moved them deeply, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"
And Peter replied, "Each one of you must turn from sin, return to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; then you also shall receive this gift, the Holy Spirit. For Christ promised him to each one of you who has been called by the Lord our God, and to your children and even to those in distant lands!" Acts 2:37-39 The Book
Have you ever heard someone say, "It's not a threat, it's a promise?" They mean it in a bad way. They want to emphasize what action they will take if another person does something they don't want to happen.
The people of Israel had already done something bad. They had crucified Jesus. Peter assured them that God had raised him from the dead; but that wasn't enough reassurance for the people listening. They knew they were guilty and they felt the need to DO something to help right the wrong they had committed. Peter told them to, "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;" He told them that by doing this, they would also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. It was a promise.
A promise is not a threat of something bad that will happen; but, of something good. And it is intended to be a certainty. It is why children cry, "You promised!" when they have found out that something they were expecting is not going to happen.
You can count on God to keep his promises. If you repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus, your sins will be forgiven! It was true for those people who were addressed by Peter and it is true for us today.
And Peter replied, "Each one of you must turn from sin, return to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; then you also shall receive this gift, the Holy Spirit. For Christ promised him to each one of you who has been called by the Lord our God, and to your children and even to those in distant lands!" Acts 2:37-39 The Book
Have you ever heard someone say, "It's not a threat, it's a promise?" They mean it in a bad way. They want to emphasize what action they will take if another person does something they don't want to happen.
The people of Israel had already done something bad. They had crucified Jesus. Peter assured them that God had raised him from the dead; but that wasn't enough reassurance for the people listening. They knew they were guilty and they felt the need to DO something to help right the wrong they had committed. Peter told them to, "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;" He told them that by doing this, they would also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. It was a promise.
A promise is not a threat of something bad that will happen; but, of something good. And it is intended to be a certainty. It is why children cry, "You promised!" when they have found out that something they were expecting is not going to happen.
You can count on God to keep his promises. If you repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus, your sins will be forgiven! It was true for those people who were addressed by Peter and it is true for us today.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
What Do You Pray For?
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1,2 NIV
What do you usually pray for? If you are like me, most of your prayers are for your family and friends. You may say a prayer for someone who is sick or has lost a job. We tend to ask God for help with the things that affect us closely -- the things we deal with in our everyday lives.
Paul reminds Timothy that God also deals with bigger matters. He can intervene with kings, even presidents. Ask God to give our political leaders wisdom. All people make mistakes. Ask God to give those who make our laws insight into the long term ramifications of their decisions. Ask God to guide our leaders so that our laws will be in line with His will. And while you're at it, ask God to intervene with laws and practices in other countries, as well. God cares about the details of our lives; but, he cares about political forces, too. Ask God to draw those in power closer to Him. Why not take a moment to ask God for these things right now?
What do you usually pray for? If you are like me, most of your prayers are for your family and friends. You may say a prayer for someone who is sick or has lost a job. We tend to ask God for help with the things that affect us closely -- the things we deal with in our everyday lives.
Paul reminds Timothy that God also deals with bigger matters. He can intervene with kings, even presidents. Ask God to give our political leaders wisdom. All people make mistakes. Ask God to give those who make our laws insight into the long term ramifications of their decisions. Ask God to guide our leaders so that our laws will be in line with His will. And while you're at it, ask God to intervene with laws and practices in other countries, as well. God cares about the details of our lives; but, he cares about political forces, too. Ask God to draw those in power closer to Him. Why not take a moment to ask God for these things right now?
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Even the Demons . . .
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that -- and shudder. James 2:18,19
How has your faith in God changed your life? Paul is making the point that faith in God, alone, does not make a person a Christian. That is because a Christian is a follower of Christ. In order to be a follower of anyone it is necessary to take steps. If we believe in Jesus; but, the steps we take are away from Christ, or in spite of Christ, then our Christianity is pretty worthless. If, in the words of Mama Cass Elliott, we Go where we wanna go, do what we wanna do, with whoever we wanna do it, we are not living a Christ centered life. We are living a Me centered life.
A few years back, the letters WWJD became popular among Christians. What Would Jesus Do? It is an essential question for followers of Jesus. There is no time, place or situation in our lives where the question is not valid. Paul is telling us that we have something in common with demons. We both know what Jesus would do. The difference, for Christians, is that when we figure out what Jesus would do, we do it. The demons ignore it -- and shudder.
How has your faith in God changed your life? Paul is making the point that faith in God, alone, does not make a person a Christian. That is because a Christian is a follower of Christ. In order to be a follower of anyone it is necessary to take steps. If we believe in Jesus; but, the steps we take are away from Christ, or in spite of Christ, then our Christianity is pretty worthless. If, in the words of Mama Cass Elliott, we Go where we wanna go, do what we wanna do, with whoever we wanna do it, we are not living a Christ centered life. We are living a Me centered life.
A few years back, the letters WWJD became popular among Christians. What Would Jesus Do? It is an essential question for followers of Jesus. There is no time, place or situation in our lives where the question is not valid. Paul is telling us that we have something in common with demons. We both know what Jesus would do. The difference, for Christians, is that when we figure out what Jesus would do, we do it. The demons ignore it -- and shudder.
Monday, June 11, 2012
A Gospel for Everyone
So he [Phillip] started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, . . . . This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. . . . As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:27,28,36-39 NIV
The Good News of Jesus is not just for certain people. It is for everyone. The Ethiopian Eunuch would not have been allowed into the inner courts of the Temple in Jerusalem. His body had a defect. He was a eunuch.
He had traveled all the way from Ethiopia to worship at the temple in Jerusalem and was allowed only in the part of the temple where outsiders were allowed.
When he asked Philip why shouldn't he be baptized, there was some history behind the question. God created all people. He doesn't care if you are rich or poor, an introvert or extrovert, intellectual or emotional, healthy or ill. Jesus doesn't care how you dress or what you drive. The Gospel is for you. The blood of Jesus is precious enough to cover everyone.
Do you align yourself with Jesus who accepts you or the world that rejects you? Spend a moment today thanking God that the Gospel is for everyone -- including you.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES 4
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8 NAB)
I'm not discounting random acts of kindness or other observances of God's love in action. Bringing the donuts or catching a runaway shopping cart bearing down on a stranger's car does allow people to witness kindness and love. But sharing a conversation lets them know someone really cares beyond the moment. It also allows you and the Holy Spirit to tell them where the love comes from.
I'm not discounting random acts of kindness or other observances of God's love in action. Bringing the donuts or catching a runaway shopping cart bearing down on a stranger's car does allow people to witness kindness and love. But sharing a conversation lets them know someone really cares beyond the moment. It also allows you and the Holy Spirit to tell them where the love comes from.
Friday, June 8, 2012
YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES 3
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8 NAB)
Someone must actually see the work of God in my life for it to be witnessed. I often was isolating myself from others with an obligatory nod at the neighbors as I drove by, or a wave as I passed their cubicle engrossed in my coffee cup. I doubt that any of them actually saw me at all in any meaningful sense, let alone witnessed that I was a believer from those interactions. Oh maybe because I brought donuts to share? Probably not. Simply greeting others opened the line of communication from God and allowed them to see and hear me! I'm finding the more I talk to the people in my surroundings, the more they share their lives and present opportunities for me to share mine including my faith. Now I can be a good witness often just by saying hello and relying on the Spirit for everything beyond that.
Someone must actually see the work of God in my life for it to be witnessed. I often was isolating myself from others with an obligatory nod at the neighbors as I drove by, or a wave as I passed their cubicle engrossed in my coffee cup. I doubt that any of them actually saw me at all in any meaningful sense, let alone witnessed that I was a believer from those interactions. Oh maybe because I brought donuts to share? Probably not. Simply greeting others opened the line of communication from God and allowed them to see and hear me! I'm finding the more I talk to the people in my surroundings, the more they share their lives and present opportunities for me to share mine including my faith. Now I can be a good witness often just by saying hello and relying on the Spirit for everything beyond that.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
You Will Be My Witnesses 2
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8 NAB)
For a long time, this verse comforted me that the Holy Spirit would be within me and strengthen me to be a good witness. But recently is has become obvious that the call to be Jesus' witness is not a mission trip to be taken, but a daily call to be witnessed.
The Spirit is the power source behind what others witness. Being where He leads and hearing His call is critical. If we miss the cues, we are ineffective by not taking the opportunity. So being yielded to the Spirit even before we have witnesses is the first step in the journey. Whether it is reading God's word, a devotional or worship each morning, We must draw close to Him to keep the power charged for our day ahead.
For a long time, this verse comforted me that the Holy Spirit would be within me and strengthen me to be a good witness. But recently is has become obvious that the call to be Jesus' witness is not a mission trip to be taken, but a daily call to be witnessed.
The Spirit is the power source behind what others witness. Being where He leads and hearing His call is critical. If we miss the cues, we are ineffective by not taking the opportunity. So being yielded to the Spirit even before we have witnesses is the first step in the journey. Whether it is reading God's word, a devotional or worship each morning, We must draw close to Him to keep the power charged for our day ahead.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
You will be my witnesses 1
Being a witness for Jesus isn't a destination to reach.
Where we witness came alive for me with the posters that hang at our church showing our city as Jerusalem, our county as Judea, Chicagoland as Samaria and the ends of the earth being All Nations.
The closest locations are where I live, shop, work and have fun almost exclusively! It is also where I interact with the most potential witnesses.
Think of all the people you encounter each week! We're already there, so our task is just to rely on the Holy Spirit's leading and our willingness to be seen and heard doing what the Spirit calls us to do.
Who will you be a witness for this week?
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