Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 19, 2014
But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning. John 15:26-27, NKJV
Some days I forget to bear witness to God’s gifts in my life. I get so busy doing life that I fail to tell someone about the One who gives me life—Jesus Christ. Yet, what a privilege to humbly testify the Truth. Once I was in bondage to my own selfish ways, but now I have been set free by the unselfish sacrifice of Christ on the cross. I can tell the old, old story to new souls who have yet to hear and understand God’s good news of grace and forgiveness. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit within my heart helps me bear witness of Jesus. I testify, so another might be justified.
In the middle of a society hostile to Him as their savior, Jesus instructs His disciples to depend on the Holy Spirit’s work in and through their lives. At Pentecost a proud and impetuous Peter was humbled and inspired by the Spirit to courageously preach the cross and resurrection of Christ. A more timid John and Peter were empowered to pronounce the healing powers of Jesus to the lost and the lame. An unlikely cast of characters were transformed into God’s bold witness bearers.
“You, with the help of wicked men, put him [Jesus] to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead” (Acts 2:23-24).
When the world calls us to the witness stand for God, what do we say? More importantly, how do we say what we say? People take notice when our gratitude to the Lord for His inexhaustible love and forgiveness mark our mannerisms. As an imperfect parents we testify of God’s work of grace in raising our children. We talk of our financial challenges and the timely provision of our heavenly Father. We describe a posture of patience influenced by the Spirit as we wait on Him to open a door of opportunity. In our successes and failures, we point to the faithfulness of Jesus.
Perhaps a good next step is to write out what God has done for you. Testify in writing the story the Lord is writing on your heart. What a gift for those who love you to feel and understand your love for God in words you penned. Moreover, make it a habit to explain to others why you want to help them with their needs. The Holy Spirit is your Helper who empowers you to care for a sick loved one, to endure unfair criticism and to give generous gifts of time and money. Your Spirit filled and Spirit led life is compelling evidence of God’s grace. So, tell His love story.
“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him [Jesus] because of the woman’s testimony” (John 4:39).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to boldly bear witness of Your faithfulness in my life.
Related Readings: Psalm 107:2; John 1:34, 9:25; Acts 10:1-8; 1 Timothy 6:13; 1 Peter 5:12
Post/Tweet today: The Spirit within my heart helps me bear witness of Jesus. I testify, so another might be justified. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: Johnny Hunt’s story: 10 minute video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW9KbGwG2JE
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Folks, it is “bare” witness, not “bear.”
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Please call 641.420.0377
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Why havent you called?
The Holy Spirit… This message is from the Law of Fathers Holy Bible. God made every thing real simple in the Law of everything, and anywhere one could ever dream of. The Spirit of God is pure Love. As is Jesus ,and The Holy Spirit. Truth be it, they have separate forms of Energy in the Spiritual Realm. As a Christian … I try to teach the importance of ones actions and the use of Negative Energy. Fathers Law is made so that He doesn’t even have to look back to adjust anything. Like a perfect Time piece ,,, just ticking away. Look around … One would have to be blind not to see the truth to the scripture…I can only watch now with sorrow in my eyes for the ones that will not go home. Their plane bad actions will bring much pain to many. I wish I could tell you much more “But” this is the Path the Holy Spirit wills of me. Amen and God Bless. Your info is used from time to time to pass on a point to The Christian Body. In South Carolina. We are in for a Bad year. Jesus will be swinging the Sword… Y is a good question. right about now… Love Brother Edward John Paradis… Weldingman3@aol.com
Dear Delores,
I am so sorry for not getting in touch with you sooner. I will be calling you today. I look forward to talking with you later on and appreciate you following up with this.
We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. So much to be thankful for, most importantly, Our Heavenly Father and His Son!!
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
Dear Dr. McNeel,
Thank you so much for following up with us. I took a moment and checked on this myself and it seems to be correct as “bear witness”. Sounds a little strange to me, too, but according to a few different resources, it is correct.
I do want to thank you, again, because we are thankful for our devotional readers that let us know when there is a mistake and take time out of their busy lives to contact us.
Have a wonderful fall day, Dr. McNeel, and a Happy Thanksgiving.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“Be joyful always; pray continually: giving thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Dear Brother Edward John~ Thank you so much for your profound and very thought-provoking comments! I read your email a few different times to really “soak it up”. We appreciate you taking the time to relay your thoughts. What a blessing to hear how the Holy Spirit is guiding you in your life.
You beautifully stated “Fathers Law is made so that He doesn’t even have to look back to adjust anything. Like a perfect Time piece ,,, just ticking away. Look around … One would have to be blind not to see the truth to the scripture…”. Brother Edward, thank you for that clear and wise statement. I love the analogy of the “perfect Time Piece”. How true!
We look forward to hearing from you again. As the week of Thanksgiving approaches, we have so much to be thankful for, most importantly, the Prince of Peace!
Happy Thanksgiving, Brother Edward, to you and your family.
Believing and trusting~
a sister in Christ
“Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.” Psalm 2:12