ARE YOU COMPELLED TO SPEAK?
Read Acts 4:1-22
Acts 4:19-20, "...Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
Do you have a strong sense of urgency to speak to others about the Lord? Many believers pass up great opportunities to witness to others about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Often, we don't speak for fear of some rejection. The apostles spoke as they faced organized opposition and threats from the powerful Jewish leadership. Why? Because they knew it was their responsibility to speak and teach about Jesus.
What have you seen and heard that you have kept silent about? What great things has the Lord revealed to you that you are failing to share with others? Do you know people who are unsaved and need to hear the gospel? Let me encourage you to do two things: first, develop a conviction in your heart of realizing you have been commanded by God to speak to others about His goodness and His saving grace. Next, would you pray and ask the Lord to give you boldness to be effective as a witness, not brazenness, not harshness, not cockiness, but a tender heart to boldly witness to those who need to know more about Jesus? Those in the early church prayed, "...Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word" (Acts 4:29). It will surprise you what God will do with your conviction for the need to speak, and then with the boldness, you receive from Him.
God bless you as you grow as a witness for our Lord and Saviour.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. What do you know to be true about Jesus? Have you spoken to others about Him?
2. Would you continue to speak to others about Jesus even in the face of being threatened?
3. Do you know people who need to trust Christ as their Savior? Will you pray for them? Will you go speak to them? If not, what do you need to compel you?
4. Pray each day that God will give you Holy Spirit's boldness to witness to others.