June 26 - Acts 4:8 - speaks THROUGH us

Yesterday we said talked about the Spirit talking TO us.

Today we talk about him talking THROUGH us.

 

Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them ...

Acts 4:8

 

Do you know people's biggest barrier to witnessing? Fear.

 

Sometimes we're afraid of what people will think of us. This, then, is a question of faith. Are we looking up and playing for an audience of one? Or are we looking down and concerned about what the world thinks? That's common. Most all of us have some measure of self-consciousness and fear.

 

But there's a second fear that many of us have -- often in addition to the first. We really do love God ... and we really do want to witness to God ... but we're afraid we'll say something wrong. We don't want to mess up anybody's faith -- especially a new believer's -- so we keep our mouth's shut.

 

We need not worry!

 

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If it's because you love God so much that you don't want to mess anything up -- especially a new believer's fragile faith -- then there's an easy solution: Just tell the other person why you love God.

 

If people want details, they can ask an expert or read a book. But you can give them one thing that's not in a book -- love. Just tell them why you love God! 

 

            2

 

Remember that Holy Spirit is with you. He spoke through Peter; therefore, he can speak through you! Indeed, he WILL speak through you.

 

Do you remember when Jesus sent out the disciples for their first experiences of witnessing, he said, "When you are brought before [the] authorities, do not worry about ... what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."

 

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Pray.

 

I'll bet Peter did one thing before speaking that we sometimes forget to do ... He prayed. Read the Book of Acts! Peter and the disciples prayed a lot, and the Spirit descended upon them a lot.

 

If you have an occasion to witness to another person, pray. You may have days to prepare for this encounter ... Pray. But if the occasion arises suddenly, don't worry. You can still pray. In your mind quickly whisper, "Holy Spirit, this person needs you. Therefore, this can't be me. Therefore, Lord, just speak through me. I am yours."

 

In Christ's Love,

a guy who often whispers,

"Lord, speak through me."