Listen to this devotion
Joy in Proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior
In the Word
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).
Of the Word
The words of a lively contemporary Christian song speak about singing and shouting praise to the Lord. How easy it is to sing along, clap the rhythm, maybe even move with the music! But how hard it is for us to act out those words in the workplace, on the street, or even at home.
Why? Are we unsure of the words we should use? Are we concerned about what “they” will think of us? Are we afraid of cold rejection — or worse yet — outright ridicule? Just before leaving His disciples, Jesus said … you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses … (Acts 1:8a).
The Holy Spirit frees us from shyness, unwillingness, fear or whatever prevents us from proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior. Through Him we have the … spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7b). Because of Him we can share the Good News with joy and confidence.
Walking with my Lord
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help me to share Your love with others. Forgive me when I become fearful, and remind me that the power to witness comes from You and not from within myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Living in Joy. Authors: Dcs. Betty Knapp, Irene Mensing, Myrna Lou Meyer, Margaret White. 7/30 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
