September 25, 2014

Open to Hear

Written by Boyd Bailey

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 25, 2014

The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. Acts 8:34-35

Spirited filled followers of Christ are always on the look out for those who will listen to the good news about Jesus. They believe the Lord is at work all around them in the hearts of men and women, boys and girls and everyone in between. Daily encounters with people are not accidents, but divine appointments. The Christian life is an adventure of blessing others with the knowledge of the hope, love and forgiveness found in Jesus. We can be confident that God is on the hunt for His own.

Philip, once tentative in his trust of Jesus is now,post resurrection, a flaming evangelist for the gospel. His angelic forerunner led him to converse with a prominent foreigner traveling home from his time of worship in Jerusalem. Philip explained the Old Testament passage that pointed to the New Testament messiah–Jesus Christ. The convicting power of God’s word immediately brought this man to faith. No longer a lost seeker, he was a found follower desiring baptism!

“I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I (Isaiah 65:1).’

Is your spiritual antennae up throughout the day for those who need the good news about Jesus? Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit, even the Lord’s angelic messengers, to prepare the way for you to show others the Way. Store clerks, restaurant servers, cashiers, garbage men, UPS deliverers, telemarketers, neighbors, work associates, vendors, customers, taxi drivers, friends and family can all use prayer. Lovingly ask how you can pray for them. God uses prayer to draw precious people to Himself. Prayer breaks down barriers and blesses. It’s a bridge to God’s word.

Furthermore, take the time to lead receptive ones through a Bible study. Host it in your home or over breakfast or lunch. Study the life of Christ and ask questions like: Who did He claim to be (John 14:6)? How did He define His purpose in life (John 17:4)? How did God express His love through Jesus (John 3:16)? What evidence was there of His resurrection (Acts 1:3, 2:21-39)? Pray for the Spirit to lead you to those in whom He is using life circumstances to draw them closer to Christ. The human soul wants spiritual answers. Lovingly share Jesus with open hearts to hear!

“I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me’” (Acts 26:17-18).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead me by Your Spirit to bless others with the good news about Jesus Christ.

Related Readings: Psalm 68:31; Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 13:51, 22:9; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 14:16-17

Post/Tweet today: God uses prayer to draw precious people to Himself. Prayer breaks down barriers and blesses. #wisdomhunters

Additional Resource: Our new book, The Way of Wisdom: A Journey Towards Spiritual Growth, coming in      October!  Pre-order your copy today.

Boyd’s one minute video about the new book- http://bit.ly/1nhZ2bt

Recent Posts