Read Today’s Passages (June 3, 2022)
Guiding Scripture: Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
🔴The Holy Spirit Power to Evangelize
by: Detria Moore
Why is witnessing so hard? We make so many excuses about how we should do it or why we can’t do it. In my life, the pendulum has swung to the extremes. Feeling like I either have to be in the public square holding signs and preaching to the passerby or sitting passively and just letting my little light shine for Jesus. I remember vividly one day asking for the power of the Holy Spirit to help me evangelize the gospel and then being afraid that He was going to send me to some street corner with a sign.
Jesus, in Acts 1:8, tells the disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. And the purpose is for them to be witnesses.
But how are we to witness?
It starts with asking for and receiving the Holy Spirit if you haven’t already. Power to help spread the gospel is what it’s about, not necessarily shouting hell and damnation. Ask the Holy Spirit for the ability to do whatever God has placed in your hands that will advance the kingdom. The goal is to advance the kingdom by whatever means and resources God provides to us.
What gifts and talents have the Lord given to you?
Use these resources to advance the kingdom. This is your evangelism. Please realize that we can’t do this in our own strength; we need the Holy Spirit.
For some, praying to and praying for the Holy Spirit might seem foreign. The Holy Spirit is often one of the most overlooked and misunderstood in the Godhead. Throughout history, the Holy Spirit has been blamed for many questionable things that we’ve seen in the church. People supposedly acting under the power of the Holy Spirit have done some odd things. But this isn’t a mysterious subject we need to be frightened to engage.
Again, in Acts 1, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to the disciples. While the Holy Spirit is known as many things (the comforter, the intercessor, the paraclete, etc.), His power is the focus in Acts 1:8. This power gives us the ability to proclaim the good news with boldness.
In the Old Testament, before the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, He worked through and rushed upon individuals to allow them to accomplish things they wouldn’t have been able to do in their strength.
What is the Lord calling you to do?
Invite the Holy Spirit into that space. He can help empower you to accomplish the Lord’s will in your life. He gives good gifts.
How will you use God’s good gifts to bring others to Jesus?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, we need you. We need your power. Equip us with your boldness. Help us use our spirit-given gifts to witness and testify of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let everything we say and do bring glory to your Name. And may your Name spread throughout our communities and the world.
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Friday, June 3, 2022
2 Samuel 20:14-21:22 , Acts 1:1-26, Psalm 121:1-8, Proverbs 16:18
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
Connect with Detria Moore at www.detriamoore.com
Detria Moore, J.D. is a believer, wife, mother, college professor, intercessor, community servant, writer, speaker, and volunteer of all things. Above all else, she is enamored with her Savior. Her main goal is to serve the Lord, walk in a manner worthy of her calling, and bring glory to her Savior. Detria enjoys reading and teaching the Bible, praying for others, and walking the Lynchburg trails.
