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Witnessing without words
To witness, we think that we must be eloquent. We often put so much
emphasis on words when it comes to witnessing, that the meek or shy or
young - and the list goes on and on - feel that they can't be a witness at
all. Well, if those with weaknesses could not witness, none of us would.
Yet, Christ calls us - even in our weakness - to this very mission:
".You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
Judea, Samaria
and to the very ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Comparatively, today,
this would mean: "You will be my witnesses
in." your community, your state, your country, and the world!
He would not call us to be His witnesses to all people if He had not
provided us with the means to do so. First of all, He knows that His power
is greater than our weakness; and, in fact, His glory is revealed in our
weakness. And, secondly, He has granted us everything we need - our gifts,
resources and, most importantly, His Holy Spirit upon us - which He will
use to His glory.
We aren't all called to be Billy Grahams: international evangelists,
speaking in front of large masses. If we were, we would have been cut from
the same mold. Each of us is completely unique. God has provided us with
different talents that we can use towards the same goal: lifting His name
high.
Some of us are given the gift of hospitality, some carpentry, others mechanics.How can we use our personal gifts -
apportioned to us by God Himself - toward our common mission of effectively
being Christ's disciples? How can we use our gifts to be Christ's hands and
feet?
Thankfully, for us, witnessing does not always require words. Quite often,
to be His hands and feet, it goes far beyond words. In fact, we are told:
".Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in
truth" (1 John 3:18). If it is food or clothing a brother requires,
"do not simply say 'I wish you well.' Provide his physical needs
first" (James 2:14-17).
Words, unless accompanied by actions, often do not cut it. St. Francis of Assisi said:
"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words."
So, when you do not have the proper words or very few words at all, do not
despair! Ask the Lord: How can I use my unique talents and resources to
shine the love of Christ to those in my life?
You will be surprised at the extraordinary ways God will use you. He might
encourage you to build a friendship with your bank teller, whose husband is
dying of cancer and needs hope. It might be cleaning out muck and mire in flooded
homes. It could be bringing a meal to a person who is bed ridden. It may be
providing a pair of shoes to a child whose parents can't afford them.
Please do not underestimate the power of witnessing without words. Through
your obedience, there will come a time when you will have the opportunity
to explain why it is that you do what you do; and, the only words you'll
need to know are: "Jesus loves you and died for you so that you could
live with Him in heaven for eternity." And, even then, the Holy Spirit
will be with you, providing you with the words to say.
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Contagious Christianity: Mission
Moment!
Recently, I was in Thailand
on a short-term mission trip with a medical missions group. I have been
going with them for several years now. I go out into the community with an
interpreter to advertise the free medical clinic, as well as evangelize.
One day we were out in the community and had the opportunity to share the
Gospel with a mother, her son and her granddaughter - the granddaughter was
about 12 or 13. All three had never heard of Jesus before and after we
shared with them, the Holy Spirit worked on their hearts: They all wanted to
pray to receive Jesus into their heart and life. We gave them each a new
testament and encouraged them to start reading the Gospel of John and
informed them of a local Christian church.
My interpreter and I then moved on to another home and sat down to share
the gospel there. And, the best thing you could imagine happened! The young
girl, from the first stop, rounded up one of her friends and brought her
over to the second place; because, she wanted her friend to hear about
Jesus too! Now they both have a common friend in Jesus. How precious is
that? To God alone be the Glory.
Provided by Equipping Newsletter reader, Wisconsin
Anonymous by preference
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Thought of the Day
"Christ is our temple, in whom by faith all believers meet." -
Matthew Henry
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A Note from the Editor:
God is doing awesome things in the lives of His people! If you have a
witnessing story or one of encouragement, please share this with us at equipping@lhm.org. Please contact
us if you have a topic idea for an upcoming Equipping Newsletter as well.
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Disclaimer: References to other websites are for information only and do
not imply endorsement.
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Share freely! Why?
· Everything you have belongs to God.
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any
of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had."
- Acts 4:32
· God blesses you to bless others.
"The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the
one who has food should do the same." - Luke 3:11
· Hospitality is a God-appointed role.
"Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
- Romans 12:13
· God is pleased when you share.
"And do not forget to do good and to share
with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." - Hebrews 13:16
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Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the talents and resources with which you have blessed us!
Help us to never be jealous of others; but rather thankful for the unique
and purposeful assignment you have given us each. Help us to step into our
individual callings boldly and confidently, knowing that it is you working
in us and thru us. To you, we give ourselves, asking that you prepare us
for the work you have set us apart to do. Give us clean hearts. Cause your
love to pour out from us.
And now, we also ask that you be with victims of the flood, whose homes
have been ravaged. We ask you to be with the sick, especially Shari now, as she is treated in the Intensive Care
Unit for cancer and related complications. We know that you love each and
every one of your children specifically, that you know the number of hairs
on our heads and the number of days in our lives. We trust you with all
that we are and all that we have; and, we give it back to you, asking you
to do what you will. You are a powerful and loving God. We ask you for your
divine restoration.
In Jesus' precious, holy name, we pray, Amen.
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In the April 2nd edition of the Equipping Newsletter, we visited
the question: Why don't people go to church? The Lutheran Church-Canada
has conducted a year-long survey to the unchurched
on this very topic. Find out what they've discovered about the unchurched by visiting www.whatyoubelieve.ca!
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To learn to be more effective in reaching
women with the love of Jesus Christ, read Janice Kerper
Brauer's article, Connecting Women to Christ,
found at www.lhm.org/equipping/pdfs/ets_follow_011806.pdf.
And, don't forget! New Woman to Woman radio shows, hosted by Phyllis
Wallace, begin airing on May 4th! To find out more about Woman to Woman and
a list of stations airing, visit www.womantowomanradio.com!
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Mother's Day edition! What is one of the best lessons your mom
taught you about following Christ? To have your submission included in the
next edition of the Equipping Newsletter, send your answer to
equipping@lhm.org!
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