Empowered for the Mission
09/07/2025
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8 (NIV)
The book of Acts opens with a promise that has shaped the entire history of the Church. Jesus, just before His ascension, tells His disciples that they will receive power, not political influence, not worldly wealth, not military strength, but the very power of the Holy Spirit. This power wasn’t meant to be hoarded or displayed for personal gain. It was given for a purpose: to be His witnesses.
Think of it this way: a witness simply tells what they have seen and experienced. If you’ve ever been called into court as a witness, the judge doesn’t expect you to invent stories or become a lawyer; you’re asked to speak truthfully about what you know. In the same way, Jesus doesn’t ask us to carry the weight of saving people, that’s His job. He asks us to share what He has done in our lives.
Notice, too, the expanding circles: Jerusalem (home), Judea (community), Samaria (across divides and differences), and the ends of the earth (global mission). The Spirit equips us to start where we are and then to step outward, carrying the Good News further than we ever thought possible.
I once heard the story of a shy young man who was terrified to speak about his faith. After praying for the Spirit’s boldness, he found himself simply telling his co-worker about how God helped him through a tough season. That co-worker came to faith, and years later became a pastor who has led hundreds to Christ. What started as a trembling witness became a ripple of transformation. That’s the Spirit’s power at work!
Action steps to help on your journey:
Pray today for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit to give you boldness.
Think of one person in your “Jerusalem,” your home, workplace, or circle, who needs encouragement, and share something God has done for you.
Ask God to open your eyes to opportunities beyond your comfort zone, even across cultural or relational divides.
Today’s Challenge:
Tell one person today something simple about what Jesus means to you. Don’t overthink it, just be a witness.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who empowers me. Help me not to shrink back in fear or keep silent, but to boldly and lovingly share what You have done in my life. Begin in my home, extend to my community, and reach through me to places I may never go on my own. Use my witness to draw others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8 (NIV)
The book of Acts opens with a promise that has shaped the entire history of the Church. Jesus, just before His ascension, tells His disciples that they will receive power, not political influence, not worldly wealth, not military strength, but the very power of the Holy Spirit. This power wasn’t meant to be hoarded or displayed for personal gain. It was given for a purpose: to be His witnesses.
Think of it this way: a witness simply tells what they have seen and experienced. If you’ve ever been called into court as a witness, the judge doesn’t expect you to invent stories or become a lawyer; you’re asked to speak truthfully about what you know. In the same way, Jesus doesn’t ask us to carry the weight of saving people, that’s His job. He asks us to share what He has done in our lives.
Notice, too, the expanding circles: Jerusalem (home), Judea (community), Samaria (across divides and differences), and the ends of the earth (global mission). The Spirit equips us to start where we are and then to step outward, carrying the Good News further than we ever thought possible.
I once heard the story of a shy young man who was terrified to speak about his faith. After praying for the Spirit’s boldness, he found himself simply telling his co-worker about how God helped him through a tough season. That co-worker came to faith, and years later became a pastor who has led hundreds to Christ. What started as a trembling witness became a ripple of transformation. That’s the Spirit’s power at work!
Action steps to help on your journey:
Pray today for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit to give you boldness.
Think of one person in your “Jerusalem,” your home, workplace, or circle, who needs encouragement, and share something God has done for you.
Ask God to open your eyes to opportunities beyond your comfort zone, even across cultural or relational divides.
Today’s Challenge:
Tell one person today something simple about what Jesus means to you. Don’t overthink it, just be a witness.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who empowers me. Help me not to shrink back in fear or keep silent, but to boldly and lovingly share what You have done in my life. Begin in my home, extend to my community, and reach through me to places I may never go on my own. Use my witness to draw others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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2025
January
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February
Drawing Near with ConfidenceDaily Bread and Daily TrustEvery Good and Perfect GiftA Call to BlessingWalking by the SpiritStrength in the Lord’s RewardThe Power of Your WordsLiving in the Grace of GodOvercoming Evil with GoodPerfect Peace in an Imperfect WorldFrom Death to LifeOvercoming Evil with GoodResting in God’s WorkA Friend Who Loves at All TimesThe Lord Delights Over YouGo Into All the WorldImitating What Is GoodStrength in WeaknessBe Still and KnowTake Heart in Troubled TimesGuarded by God’s PeacePursuing PeacePeace That Cannot Be ShakenLiving Out the Law of LoveBlessing the Poor, Honoring the LordSinging of God’s Strength and LoveWorthy, Worthy, WorthyA Vision of Heaven’s Multitude
March
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