Devotion Show Forth His Salvation—Being a Witness?

Read: Matthew 28:19-20
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.-
—-Romans 1:16

In a culture that discourages Christians and their point of view in public forums, it can be frightening to consider sharing the gospel. Yet, that is exactly what Jesus asks of us.

If we truly believe that Jesus came to bring salvation and new life, how can we rationalize not sharing His message of forgiveness and hope? How can we share without getting into trouble, without embarrassment, without getting harassed? Maybe you can’t.

God didn’t say, “Share my message quietly so you won’t have any repercussions.”

God didn’t say, “Ah, if you are going to have problems or lose friends, you don’t have to witness to others.”

God didn’t say, “Sure, I know it is tough. I’ll excuse you from following my express words of drawing others to me.”

Nope! If we truly believe that those without God are going to hell, then we need to figure out how to speak up. Do I love members of my family, friends, and co-workers enough to tell them about Jesus? If not, the question becomes, “Do I really care about them?”

How do I share? By being a friend. By reaching out to help in time of need. By praying for, and with, others. By knowing basic verses of salvation such as Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8 and John 3:16- 17. By taking opportunities presented to share about Jesus who loves and cares and helps in time of need.

Do I, as Psalm 96:2 states, “Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.”?

Help me, Lord, have the courage to share Your message of truth with those around me. Help me do so in Your will and Your way. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Psalm 98
Tuesday: Psalm 1
Wednesday: Romans 1:16-20
Thursday: Mark 8:31-38
Friday: Psalm 40
Saturday: Luke 15:1-10

(C) 2018,2020 Carolyn R Scheidies
From Listen! Who Me?
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Devotions Don’t Let fear Keep You From Sharing God’s Good News

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

As Jim stepped into the backyard, he noticed his neighbor Dave muttering as he bent over his lawn mower. "Need a hand?"

Dave glanced up, the frown on his face forbidding. "Blasted machine! Wouldn't you know the warranty just expired."

Opening the gate between their yards, Jim took a look. "I've had experience with this brand."

As they began to work on the machine, Dave opened up about a problem in his life. Jim thought, I know Christ would help, but...I don't want him to think I'm weird." He said nothing.

Six months later Dave divorced his wife, sold the house and moved away. Jim lost his opportunity to make a difference in Dave's life. We have become so sensitive to what others think of us, so used to focusing on how we feel, how others might view us, that we lose what life is all about.

As Rick Warren says in the Purpose Driven Life, "It's not about me!"

God promises provision and protection. He has a host of promises He wants to fulfill in our lives--if we focus, not on what others think, not on our feelings, but on Jesus Christ. He asks us to be other centered, thinking how we might help others. For we are safe only in Christ.

Maybe Dave would have thought Jim strange. But just maybe a word from Jim might have planted a seed that would have turned Dave's life around.

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the many times I have let what others think keep me from standing up for you and being a witness of your grace. Please help me focus not on fear, but to stand on my faith. Amen.

© 2004, 2020 Carolyn R. Scheidies

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