Daily Disciples - Aug. 25, 2010
August 25
Today's Reading: Psalms 119; 1 Corinthians 7
Today's Thoughts: Our Witness to Our Faith
Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come--that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles." Acts 26:22-23
My husband has been working with a client who was born and raised Buddhist. She is vice president of a large publishing company. She is smart, tenacious, tough and lost. In working with her over the past few months, my husband has made his faith very clear to her. As the project comes to a close, it seems that their conversations on faith have increased even more. At least she is open to talking with him about the subject. So often, we find ourselves in situations where we either get that one shot to witness, or we get shut down before even starting. In this case, my husband and this high-powered executive keep debating the issues. These conversations have brought her to a point of admitting how little she truly knows about her own religion. He has been asking her to tell him exactly what she believes. How does it work? And most importantly, he asked her a simple question, "Do you really believe in it?"
Jesus asks this question to those around Him, "Do you believe in the Son of God?" Many people find a place in organized religion but have no idea of what or whom they really believe in. We are born and raised in religious traditions. We like the routines, the fellowship, and the comfort such activities bring to our lives. Since when did Jesus use the word "comfort" to describe our walk with Him? Yes, He gives us comfort and peace through His Holy Spirit. But Jesus was clear in saying that He came with a sword, dividing friends and families. (Matthew 10:34-35) Placing anyone or anything, including church traditions, above Jesus Christ will bring division between people who choose Him against those who choose their religion.
For us, it is a tough place to stand and walk in at times. We receive comments and questions on a regular basis about witnessing. Many people do not know what to do or what to say at these times. What do we say? How much do we say? When should we speak about our faith? And on and on we wonder and ponder. I like what Paul says in today's verses. First, he says that he gets "help from God." The Holy Spirit will impress, lead and direct us in what to do. Next, Paul knows he must "stand." Sometimes we need to stand, hold our position, be honest, but not start debates unless we are led to do so. Then, Paul says he witnessed "both to small and great." We must seize the opportunity when we know it is time, regardless of who it is, how many there are, or whatever the circumstances. Sometimes we need to not think too much and just let the Lord work through us. And finally, Paul stuck to the message as given by Moses that the Christ would come and suffer. We need to stick to the simple message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we express our heart sincerely, people will most likely listen when we tell them about our Lord and Savior.
I hope that today's message stirs you to prayerfully commit to being a faithful witness for Jesus Christ. Our commission given by Christ is to evangelize the nations, and we have opportunity to do so right here in our own backyards. Pray and wait for the Spirit to guide you. You will know when the time comes. You might be nervous at first or unsure of what to say or of what the person will think of you, but just trust the Lord and honor His name. The rest is up to Him anyway.
I know that my husband's client will have a lasting impression of his faith, and we pray that she will come to Jesus. He has done his job. Now we wait on the Lord.
Our mission is to evangelize the lost and awaken the saved to live empowered lives by the Work of God and His Holy Spirit. Daily Disciples Ministries makes a difference for the kingdom of God by teaching and training believers how to be in God's Word, how to pray and how to walk with Jesus every day, as His daily disciple.
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