I am happy to share a devotional article that was published in the Bible Advocate’s Sept-October issue and translated into Spanish. Empowered Witnesses focuses on how God prepares us to do the work to which He has called us.
Excerpt:
Like the believers of old let us step forward boldly recognizing that
Empowered Witnesses by JP Robinson
that we have God And that means we can change the world
Read more on page 12.
My son, Ezekiel, and I just got back from the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and Preserve in Colorado. Of course, he was a natural at “sandboarding” while I… just kind of hung on for dear life!
But I learned that “sandboarding” has a lot in common with life and great writing. You take the plunge then hang on for the ride!
Even if you end up with dirt in your face, the trip is worth it. 🙂
Enjoy today.
JP
” Take the plunge then hang on for the ride! Even if you end up with dirt in your face, the trip is worth it.” —JP Robinson
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While drafting an article for a Christian magazine, I was struck by the rugged nature of the early church. Against all odds, the believers challenged social norms, upended the religious traditions, stymied a pagan empire that spanned the known world, and crushed political opposition.
Who were these warriors?
Ordinary men and women, most of whom couldn’t even write their own name (Acts 4:13). But they possessed the power of the Holy Spirit and, through it, they turned the world upside down.
21st century Christians should look in awe at those early believers. They crossed cultures, conquered resistance with zeal, love and a rugged faith in a miracle-working God. Today, we must also face a world ruled by fear, superstition and, political correctness. Boycotts have become the game of the day as the Bible predicts would happen (Revelations 13:16).
But there are individuals who embody Christ’s answer.
Let us be the warriors that Christ ordained, proclaiming His Word with boldness and faith. Let us challenge the darkness, recognizing we are not weak but strong in Him.
We insist He is alive and prove it by letting Him work His supernatural wonders through us.
Let us be His witnesses, empowered by His Spirit to carry on His life. Fear must be met with faith, darkness with the conquering power of light.
Only then, will the world see God.
For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Matthew 12:37
As an author, I’m well aware of the power that words contain. Despots and dictators have lost their thrones before a few spots of ink on paper. God’s eternal thoughts were breathed into written form, illuminating the way to salvation.
As I fly from one end of the country to the other, and begin my author tour of the Lancaster/Philadelphia, Pennsylvania regions, I feel more constrained than ever to use my words effectively in the service of my God and for the benefit of my fellow man.
Our words can change mindsets, envision the future and immortalize the past. Our words will either empower or enslave; breathe life or destroy it. And in the end, it will be our words that either justify or judge us.
Let us purpose to use them wisely.
JP Robinson
Psalm 118:24
“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Today will have its challenges but, remember, if Christ is in control of your life, there’s nothing you can’t face. True empowerment comes from giving the steering wheel of your day to God.
Put Him in charge of your commute to work, let Him guide your response to emails, and trust Him to move your mountains.
Hey, I think that’s even better than coffee. 🙂
Have a great Monday everyone!
