In a discussion about spiritual growth in an individual, the subject came up about how to gauge our growth, and how we are reaching out to others and being a witness to unsaved people we come into contact with. Most everyone agreed that they are afraid to share their experiences with others in the congregation for fear it might be misconstrued as bragging. When Mike Crews shared with us one Sunday morning about how the Holy Spirit inspired him to give away his hamburger, he started the story with what amounted to be an apology because he didn't want to sound like he was bragging about himself, when in actuality he was relaying how he was being obedient to the Holy Spirit and giving witness to the Holy Spirit working in his life.
Dave mentioned we should share our stories with each other in order to give each other courage.
Romans 14:19 says So then, we must always aim at those things that bring peace and that help strengthen one another. GNB
Matthew 28:18-19 says Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. NIV
We are to be a witness to others who dont know Christ in our walk with Christ and maybe it is ok to give evidence to each other that we are doing this. We hesitate to share our stories because we dont want to be seen as bragging, but we can do nothing apart from Him. John 15:5 says "I am the vine, and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, and I in Him, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me." GNB So we know it is His work in us. Maybe we can share but in doing so giving credit to the Holy Spirit. There is credit given to the Holy Spirit and God working in him in Acts when it is speaking of Stephen. Acts 6:5.....they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. NIV Acts 6:8 Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people NIV
Witness is given to the Holy Spirit in Acts 10:44 "While Peter was still speaking these words the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message." NIV
Maybe every morning we should pray that the Holy Spirit will use us this day and look for the opportunities to reach out to others no matter where we are. It can be as simple as listening to someone's problem and saying "I'll pray for you" and maybe ask if they want to be put on the prayer list at church. I have never had anyone say no or react in a negative way. Most have said yes with enthusiasm and appreciation. Even if they don't go to church or pick up the bible, they anticipate their prayers will be heard. I suppose that is because they have a sense of God as it says in Romans 1:20 "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--His eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." NIV
Only two come to mind that said yes,without enthusiasm, put them on the prayer list, almost like it didn't matter. That is because, I think, they didn't have much hope left, but we can pray for them about that too.
I recently read a book called The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. He suggests praying
O God and King, please expand my opportunities and my impact in such a way
that I touch more lives for Your glory. Let me do more for you!
We are kids of the Kingdom. Romans 8:14 says because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. NIV Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children NIV
We can do more for the kingdom through the work of the Holy Spirit and support one another by sharing what He's done.
Sue
