“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." Jn.13:35
Jesus promises Divine empowerment:
· “…Don’t worry about what to say in your defense, because you will be given the right words at the right time. For it won't be you doing the talking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Matt. 10:19-20
· “All that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is Mine and make it known to you.” Jn. 16:15
Stephen experiences Divine empowerment:
· “None of them was able to stand against the wisdom and Spirit by which Stephen spoke.” Acts 6:10
We each can experience Divine empowerment:
Personal example:
Last week while viewing an amazing mountain top sunset (with 4 teenagers in tow), God graced Betsy with a divine appointment with an Iranian Muslim man who was there watching this same spectacular celestial display. After some small talk, this man squared his shoulders, looked intently at Betsy, and with tender eyes and demeanor exclaimed, “You have the Spirit of God in you.” Betsy compassionately replied, “Yes I do. Jesus Christ put His Spirit in me nearly 28 years ago and changed my life forever.”
Longer story short, through God’s empowerment, spiritual conversation ensued and Jesus’ grace and love was communicated in a way this man embraced. ~~The 4 teenagers now stood quiet, watching with their mouth’s opened in amazement as this Muslim man warmly hugged this Christian woman and waved exuberantly on tippy toe as we boarded our vehicle and drove away.
~The ensuing conversation was rich, with this particular truth becoming quite clear: There is something built into the human heart that either desires the grace and love of God or because of pride, despises the grace and love of God. Only God knows who are destined to be His and who are destined to choose their own way. Our job is to prayerfully share/radiate His truths in love as He leads. God’s job is to do the rest.
· “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. 2Jn. 3:1
· “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Cor. 13:14
God bless you this week as you reach out and touch someone with His love and grace!
Much love,
Shaun and Betsy
