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http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/devotionals/encouragement/
3/30/06
Encouragement for Today
“What a Privilege”
Melissa Taylor, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/speaker_melissa.htm
Key Verse:
“Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.” Romans 1:5 (NLT)
What a privilege! Do I consider it a privilege to tell others what God has done for me? I don’t always think of it that way, but it is. It’s so amazing what God has done for me in my life that I should take the opportunity to share it with others more often.
I admit, instead of a privilege, I sometimes feel like it’s an obligation. When I’m in Bible study or speaking at a retreat or conference, it’s my “calling” or “responsibility” to tell about the transforming power of the Lord in my life. Even though I do believe that I have an obligation to do this (I would be disobeying God if I didn’t), I like Paul’s wording in his letter to the Romans better. Paul calls it a “privilege” to tell people everywhere what God has done…a privilege…now that’s a joy!
According to Webster’s online dictionary and thesaurus, here are a few of the meanings of privilege: a right, an honor, and a benefit. As one of God’s children, it is my honor to share the love of Christ with this lost world. Have you ever thought of it that way?
Romans 1:5 says that God gave us this privilege through Jesus Christ. Think about that for a minute. If God gave us the privilege that means it’s a gift from God. He has given me an incredible gift, not to be hoarded, but to share. The verse goes on to say that He has also given us the authority to tell. Wow! Because of His power within us, not only is it a privilege for us to share the Good News, but we have the authority from Him to do so! We should be honored each time we have even the smallest opportunity to tell what the Lord is doing in our lives.
When God gives gifts, He has reasons for doing so. No gift from God is intended to go unused. This verse in Romans goes on to tell us why sharing our faith is a privilege and why He’s given us the authority to do it. Why have we been given this gift? “So that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.” (Romans 1:5, NLT)
Friends, if the Lord has touched or transformed your life in some way, don’t keep it to yourself. Share your story! Because of your boldness to share, someone else may come to know Jesus and believe. Someone else may be encouraged to trust or obey Him. Most importantly, as you share what God has done for you, He Himself is glorified! Now that’s a privilege indeed!
My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, I thank You for the honor and privilege you have given me to be Your child. Please give me the opportunity to share my faith and equip me with the words to tell others about You so that they may know You better. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Today, write down three ways that you can share your faith over the next week. Maybe you can talk to a friend or family member. If you are a mom with kids at home, you could start a family devotion time. Maybe you are a part of a group, company or organization where you can weave your faith into your conversations or daily work. My son shares his faith through writing. Whatever way you share your faith really doesn’t matter, just write it down and then pray the prayer above.
Reflection Points:
Do I seriously believe it is an honor to share my faith with others?
Am I scared or nervous about it? If so, why?
When was the last time I told someone about what God had done in my life?
Power Verses:
Romans 12:11, “Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.” (NLT)
1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong.” (NLT)
Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” (NIV)
Psalm 78:4, “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” (NIV)
3/30/06
Encouragement for Today
“What a Privilege”
Melissa Taylor, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/speaker_melissa.htm
Key Verse:
“Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.” Romans 1:5 (NLT)
What a privilege! Do I consider it a privilege to tell others what God has done for me? I don’t always think of it that way, but it is. It’s so amazing what God has done for me in my life that I should take the opportunity to share it with others more often.
I admit, instead of a privilege, I sometimes feel like it’s an obligation. When I’m in Bible study or speaking at a retreat or conference, it’s my “calling” or “responsibility” to tell about the transforming power of the Lord in my life. Even though I do believe that I have an obligation to do this (I would be disobeying God if I didn’t), I like Paul’s wording in his letter to the Romans better. Paul calls it a “privilege” to tell people everywhere what God has done…a privilege…now that’s a joy!
According to Webster’s online dictionary and thesaurus, here are a few of the meanings of privilege: a right, an honor, and a benefit. As one of God’s children, it is my honor to share the love of Christ with this lost world. Have you ever thought of it that way?
Romans 1:5 says that God gave us this privilege through Jesus Christ. Think about that for a minute. If God gave us the privilege that means it’s a gift from God. He has given me an incredible gift, not to be hoarded, but to share. The verse goes on to say that He has also given us the authority to tell. Wow! Because of His power within us, not only is it a privilege for us to share the Good News, but we have the authority from Him to do so! We should be honored each time we have even the smallest opportunity to tell what the Lord is doing in our lives.
When God gives gifts, He has reasons for doing so. No gift from God is intended to go unused. This verse in Romans goes on to tell us why sharing our faith is a privilege and why He’s given us the authority to do it. Why have we been given this gift? “So that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.” (Romans 1:5, NLT)
Friends, if the Lord has touched or transformed your life in some way, don’t keep it to yourself. Share your story! Because of your boldness to share, someone else may come to know Jesus and believe. Someone else may be encouraged to trust or obey Him. Most importantly, as you share what God has done for you, He Himself is glorified! Now that’s a privilege indeed!
My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, I thank You for the honor and privilege you have given me to be Your child. Please give me the opportunity to share my faith and equip me with the words to tell others about You so that they may know You better. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Today, write down three ways that you can share your faith over the next week. Maybe you can talk to a friend or family member. If you are a mom with kids at home, you could start a family devotion time. Maybe you are a part of a group, company or organization where you can weave your faith into your conversations or daily work. My son shares his faith through writing. Whatever way you share your faith really doesn’t matter, just write it down and then pray the prayer above.
Reflection Points:
Do I seriously believe it is an honor to share my faith with others?
Am I scared or nervous about it? If so, why?
When was the last time I told someone about what God had done in my life?
Power Verses:
Romans 12:11, “Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.” (NLT)
1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong.” (NLT)
Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” (NIV)
Psalm 78:4, “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” (NIV)