“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 NIV) 

Witnessing becomes powerful when you give the Holy Spirit control 

The passage at top says you will become a powerful witness everywhere you go when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. The key is to ask Him to fill you and to speak powerfully through you. Be His ambassador and represent Him faithfully everywhere you go, expecting Him to work powerfully in and through you. 

You are a powerful ambassador as Christ makes His appeal through you

“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor. 5:18-25 ESV)

God will give you the words to speak even in the most trying circumstances

“You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” (Matt. 10:18–20)

Quote

“If you had the cure to cancer wouldn't you share it? ... You have the cure to death ... get out there and share it.” - Kirk Cameron

“Let every skillful man among you come, and make all that the LORD has commanded.” (Exo. 25:10) 

The answer to “when” should you work with excellence and skill” is, “Always!” As followers of God we must work hard to excel at everything we do! 

“But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.” (2 Cor. 8:7 ESV) 

Doing things with skill brings big rewards

“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings;

 he will not stand before obscure men.” (Prov. 22:29 ESV) 

“Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.” (Dan. 6:3 ESV)

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)

Therefore

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” (Col. 3:23 ESV)

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity…” (Titus 2:7 ESV)

Quote 

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well’.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Renew your mind

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2 ESV)

Take every thought captive

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” (2 Cor. 10:5 ESV)

Set your mind on the things of the Spirit

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Rom. 8:5-6 ESV)

Therefore

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil. 4:8 ESV)

Quote

“Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become habits. Watch your habits for they become your character. And watch your character for it becomes your destiny. What we think, we become. My father always said that... and I think I am fine.” - Margaret Thatcher

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:3-5 ESV)

Take up the whole armor of God

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (Eph. 6:13-18 ESV)

Therefore

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36 ESV)

Quote:

“Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.” - Warren Wiersbe

“You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” (Deuteronomy 8:18 ESV) 

The Purpose

This passage emphasizes that God is the one who “gives the power to get wealth.” It also explains the reason behind this provision: “that he may confirm his covenant.” God’s covenant is the agreement between Him and humanity, consisting of two parts: the Old Testament covenant and the New Testament covenant. The New Covenant, which replaced the Old, was instituted by Jesus during the Passover meal and sealed by His own blood when He died on the cross. Thus, the wealth we receive is intended to confirm and proclaim God’s covenant. 

Seek God First 

The foundation for having abundance always begins with God. When you seek Him first in all things, you need not worry about wealth.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 ESV) 

Be Cautious!

However, it is important to exercise caution. 

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10 NKJV)

Honor the Lord 

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” (Prov. 3:9-10 ESV) 

Be faithful

“Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you?” (Luke 16:11)

Tithe fully

The following is the only place in the Bible where we are told to test God.

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” (Mal. 3:10 ESV)

Give generously

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38 ESV)

Therefore…

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Tim. 6:17-19 ESV)

Quote:

“The use of means ought not to lessen our faith in God, and our faith in God ought not to hinder our using whatever means He has given us for the accomplishment of His own purposes.” - Hudson Taylor

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you..” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)

Faith and fear are choices to choose between… choose faith!

Bad things happen from time to time to everyone; the Bible says so: “Both good and bad things happen to everyone...” (Ecclesiastes 9:2). However, no matter what negative situation you may encounter, you are faced with a choice regarding how to react. You can respond with fear, or you can respond with faith. Both faith and fear are choices we must make.

In chapter three of the book of Daniel, three Hebrew men—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—refused to bow down to the king’s image, even when they were told they would be thrown into the furnace if they did not comply. Instead of succumbing to fear, they chose faith and trusted God, regardless of the outcome, whether good or bad. As we know, God ultimately delivered them. The key point to remember is that they chose to trust God, regardless of how things appeared or what the outcome might be. That is true faith.

The Bible tells us that we cannot please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is believing in God’s word over fear, no matter how dire the circumstances may seem. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as being “certain of what we do not see.” It is an unwavering belief that God is constantly working behind the scenes in every area of our lives, even when there is no tangible evidence to support that belief. It means standing firmly on God’s Word, regardless of the situation.

There are thousands of promises in the Bible that address all possible situations and needs, and they are all “Yes” for you (2 Corinthians 1:20). When faced with any fearful situation, seek out the related promises and stand firmly on them.

A few examples of problems and Bible promises to stand firmly on

·      When faced with financial trouble

 “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)

·      When faced with disease, pestilence or any pandemic

“I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.” (Psalms 91:2-8 NIV)

·      When faced with uncertain future

·      “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you..” (Psalm 32:8)

·      When someone turns against you

 “If God is for us who can be against us!” (Rom. 8:31)

·      When fearful about anything at all

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).

Quote:

“How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, In a believer’s ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, And drives away his fear.” - John Newton

“Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” (Matt. 7:22-23 NIV)

Fake Christians Who Have Been Fooled

Imagine believing you were saved, only to hear Jesus say on Judgment Day that you were not saved because He never knew you. That would be a shocking revelation! According to Jesus, many will hear those words.

Consider this

They may have sincerely believed they were Christians because they faithfully attended church, participated in religious activities such as baptism, attended a religious school, held positions in the church, or even served as deacons or pastors. However, none of that matters if they were merely religious; being religious is simply not enough!

Being Religious vs. Being Born Again

There are countless religious people in the world, and it can be confusing to differentiate among them. In fact, trying to do so could be a waste of time. There is a significant difference between being “religious” and being “born again.” As someone once put it: “Religion” is what man does to reach God, but “Jesus” is what God did to reach man. Jesus expressed it clearly in John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” In John 3:3, He said, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” In other words, there is only one way to God, and that is through faith in Jesus.

Be Wise and Careful

While you don’t want to go around judging others, it is essential to exercise caution and good sense. The Bible reminds us that “Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.” A true Christian must have a changed heart.

What the Bible says about fake Christians

“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” (Matt. 15:8) 

• They follow man made rules -  “And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.” (Isa. 29:13)

• They hate other believers - “Those who say that they are in the light but hate other believers are still in the dark.” (1 John 2:9) 

• They are detestable and disobedient - “They claim to know God, but they deny him by what they do. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit to do anything good.” (Titus 1:16)

• They disobey God’s commands - “Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.” (1 John 2:4)

• They practice sin - “The person who practices sin belongs to the evil one, because the Devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason that the Son of God was revealed was to destroy what the Devil has been doing. No one who has been born from God practices sin, because God’s seed abides in him. Indeed, he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born from God. This is how God’s children and the Devil’s children are distinguished. No person who fails to practice righteousness and to love his brother is from God.” (1 John 3:8-10)

• They do what is evil - “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” (3 John 1:11)

• They don’t obey what God says - “Why do you call me Lord but don’t do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46)

• They produce bad fruits – “You will recognize them by their fruits…” (Matt. 7:16)

Therefore, make sure you are truly saved

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13 ESV)

HOW TO RECEIVE CHRIST

1. RECOGNIZE GOD’S PLAN—PEACE AND LIFE God loves you and wants you to experience His peace and life. The BIBLE says ... “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

2. REALIZE OUR PROBLEM—SEPARATION FROM GOD People choose to disobey God and go their own way. This results in separation from God. The BIBLE says ... “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23, NKJV

3. RESPOND TO GOD’S REMEDY—THE CROSS God sent His Son to bridge the gap. Christ did this by paying the penalty for our sins when He died on the cross and rose from the grave. The BIBLE says ... “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

4. RECEIVE CHRIST—AS LORD AND SAVIOR You cross the bridge into God’s family when you prayerfully ask Christ to come into your life. The BIBLE says ... “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

• Admit your need (I am a sinner).

• Be willing to turn from your sins, and ask God to forgive you (repent).

• Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.

• Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit (receive Christ as Lord and Savior).

PRAYER OF COMMITMENT

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus’ Name, amen

Note:

If you prayed this prayer for the first time, please let us know so that we can rejoice with you and then we will continue to lift you up in prayer.

“The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exo. 33:14 NIV)

Rest defined: Cessation from labor, refreshment.

We have forgotten how to rest our minds

While we still take breaks and vacations from time to time, we rarely give our minds a chance to rest. Instead, we remain constantly connected to our devices, which keep our minds engaged without pause. This has led to a national addiction, with our devices—especially cell phones. They are often the last thing we check before bed and the first thing we reach for in the morning. If we accidentally leave our devices behind, even for a short trip, we frequently turn back to retrieve them. The persistent distractions from smartphones can greatly diminish our productivity. Research shows that it takes an average of 23 minutes to fully regain focus after an interruption. Consider how often your phone interrupts you each day.

If you recognize signs of device addiction, you may find the following excerpt from a NeuroLaunch article helpful.

Strategies for Overcoming Smartphone Addiction

The first step is self-assessment and awareness. Start by tracking your phone usage. Many smartphones now have built-in screen time tracking features, or you can use third-party apps. Be honest with yourself about how much time you’re spending on your device and what you’re using it for.

Digital detox strategies can be incredibly effective. This doesn’t necessarily mean going cold turkey (although a “phone-free” day can be eye-opening).

Start small:

• Set specific times for checking emails and social media

• Create phone-free zones in your home, like the dinner table

• Use “Do Not Disturb” mode during work hours or at night

• Remove social media apps from your home screen to reduce temptation

Mindfulness and alternative activities are crucial in breaking the smartphone habit. When you feel the urge to reach for your phone, pause and ask yourself why. Are you bored? Anxious? Looking for a distraction? Once you identify the underlying need, try to address it in a non-digital way. This could be through meditation, exercise, reading, or engaging in a hobby.” - NeuroLaunch

The ultimate answer to find true rest is Jesus!

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30 ESV) 

Therefore

“Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.” (Psalm. 116:7)

Quote:

“Our rest lies in looking to the Lord, not to ourselves.” - Watchman Nee

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” (Matt. 6.33 CSB)

There’s an old story about a shoe company that wanted to expand its business to other countries. So they sent two salesmen to a developing country to explore potential opportunities. One salesman immediately sent back a message saying, “I’m coming home; it’s a waste of time here; nobody wears shoes!” The other salesman also sent a message back to headquarters saying: “Send me 10,000 pairs of shoes; everyone here needs them!” Both men had first impressions, and it determined their actions and ultimately, their success level. This story reminds me of the often quoted axiom, “All’s well that ends well.” However, it's also usually true to say, "All's well that begins well." That's because the beginning of things often determines their outcome.

Always seek God first in things!

At the top of the page is a Bible promise, one of my favorites, which says to seek God first, along with His Kingdom and His righteousness. After you do this: ‘All these things will be provided.’ You can read the verses preceding this promise in Matthew 6:33 to discover what these promised things are.

Therefore

In everything you do, whether in word or in deed, put God first in it and you’ll experience His provision. It’s a wonderful and powerful promise!

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col 3:17)

“Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Prov. 3. 5-6)