Jude 17-25
Jude spends the first 2/3 or so of his letter presenting the state of the union, if you will. But, like any good writer, he shifts gears at verse 17 and calls us to action--in a variety of ways. I found the call to share Christ with others very powerful. "Save others by snatching them out of the fire. . ." (vs. 23). Sharing our faith is so important. Yet, many Christ-followers shy away from it. That's why I was so moved by the way Jude portrays sharing our faith, witnessing, telling others about Christ (whatever you prefer to call it).
Think about it this way. If you happened upon an accident where someone was trapped and in danger of being burned and killed by fire, how would you respond? You wouldn't even think about it. You'd try to rescue them, and you'd be highly motivated to do so. So you know where I'm going with this--every single person that doesn't know Christ is in this exact situation. That being the case, we've got lots of rescuing to do!
So, rescuer, what can you do--starting today--to go all out to show, tell and demonstrate Christ as Savior to others? Tami W.
Good question Tami:
I guess I would have to start with my attitude to challenges. Lately I've been having alot of those at work and its been showing (so to speak). So I'd like to start there. Being more patient and trusting God more to deal with problems.
Next I want to bring Him up on conversation more than I do now. I host a workshop this morning...that's a good place to start.
And I am thinking about setting myself a weekly witnessing target.
show, tell, and demonstrate - hmm. Have mercy stands out to me too. I am focusing lately on all of these with my mother-in-law. I need to spend even more time in this area. All prayers are welcome.
A note of praise about 'pray around the flag pole' yesterday. We had a nice group around ours, including our principal, a few teachers, some parents, and several students, hearing everyone pray aloud at once. I tried to imagine God smiling as he saw gatherings around our nation. This thought ties me to Jude's telling us to 'snatch from the fire' and 'show mercy.' A demonstrating - yes- a heartwarming one!
It all starts with what Jude so beautifully describes in v.20 with "praying in the Holy Spirit"---which reminds me of Paul's words in Galatians 5:16 "...live by the Spirit...". When our thoughts and actions are Spirit fed, and Spirit led, the words that come from our mouths and unspoken volumes from our hands will be Spirit inspired and Spirit required...we will accomplish things that we could never, ever accomplish on our own. This will draw the lost, longing and looking for the way, to you. You can then use your Spirit reliance to show them the truth through word, action and of course, sharing of the Holy Scriptures. They will be open and ready to receive it because the Holy Spirit has paved the way.
I could go on and on about how different "praying in the Holy Spirit" is from just prayer...it's something that took a long time to develop in me and it's crucial to having an effective testimony.
Thank you, Jesus...I love you!
JOHN 13:35 Everyone will know that you are MY disciples because of your love for each other. Amen--Hallelujah!!! Via con Dios amigos!!!
the bible says let your light so shine before men so they can see the good works and glorified our father which art in heaven. thats how i would go about rescuring someone by them seein the life i am livin in christ. i would also pray with them tell them about the bible as this would be a source of insperation to them.