Monday, July 30, 2012

Power to be a Witness


Today’s Scripture:  Acts 19:1-2

“Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said to him, ‘No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”

Words of Devotion

As a former slave, Amanda Smith had been set free from her earthly masters. But she also had been set on fire for the Gospel. Even though she faced prejudice because of her race, she continued to serve God with her whole being.

In 1870, she felt called to be a full-time evangelist. She spoke in many meetings and often witnessed in the streets. Author Wesley Duewel describes how, during a meeting in Salem, New Jersey, she was given the opportunity to share her testimony. She felt called to speak on Acts 19. God moved powerfully in this service, and many were saved. She was invited back to speak again the next night, and word spread that God was doing something special.

A revival broke out, lasting for two weeks. People began coming to services from miles around. Night after night, the altar was flooded. As Duewel reports, “Some people were so convicted of their sins they could not work.”

Amanda began receiving invitations to speak throughout the world. As a result, this former slave found herself ministering in England, India, and Africa. Because of her sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, thousands of lives were impacted for the Gospel.

Today, God looks for men and women with this same commitment to boldly witness for Christ. But we must realize that we cannot be witnesses in our own strength. Like Amanda Smith, we need the power of the Holy Spirit.

In your life, cry out for the Holy Spirit. Listen to His voice. Seek His power, His wisdom, His discernment, His anointing, and His guidance. He will use you to be His witness!


Inspirational Prayer: Father, fill me anew with Your Spirit. Give me sensitivity to His leading. I need Your power, Your wisdom, and Your direction in my life. Use me to change the world. In Jesus’ name  Amen

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