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Loving Others

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I remember when I met Susan. She called in to our live television show a few years ago. Her voice was shaking, and she was very nervous. Susan said that she felt like God had thrown her out of His life.

When I asked why she felt that way, Susan told me, “In every church I have attended, people judge me when they find out about my past.” Apparently, she had been married multiple times, and had some past sins that she was ashamed about. Susan felt that she didnt fit in at any church.

Isnt that sad? What Susan needed was Christians to really show her Christ-like love. To accept her for where she was, not judge her past, and encourage her to grow in the Lord. Jesus Himself commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

So why is it so difficult to love others sincerely? Because loving as Jesus loves is impossible to do on our own. We need Gods love in us, to show that love to our world.

First John 4:19 says, “We love because He first loved us.”

Loving well takes practice, and resting in the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. But its absolutely essential if you want to see people changed. Love, my friend, is the essence of reaching your world for Jesus Christ.

Is it Time to Re-Surrender?

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Some years ago I was visiting a church where a successful Christian businessman was telling his story to the congregation. “As a young man,” he said, “I answered an altar call to follow Christ and I surrendered all. I accepted Christ into my life and gave Him everything!” From somewhere in the back of the church a voice rang out – “I dare you to do it again!”

Many of us, when we were young, surrendered all to the Lord. It seemed easy to do when all we owned was a few pairs of jeans and a beat up car. Maybe thats why God often uses young people – because young men and women are more willing to give everything to the Lord.

Today, listen to Gods voice: is He challenging you once again to surrender all to Him? Dont hold back! Hebrews 3:15 says, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”

I pray that you will hear Gods call to re-surrender and re-commit your lives to His service. Once you do, youll experience a renewal of your spiritual passion that will strengthen you as you reach out to others with the Good News. When you surrender yourself 100% to proclaiming the way of salvation, God can use you in a big way.

Fragrance of Christ

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Second Corinthians chapter 2:14 and 15 is a super verse. It starts with this: “…Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession.” Triumphal procession: that means thrilling, successful evangelism that only comes from Christs power. Jesus is the one who does it. He leads us in it. You and I just need to follow His ways, His Word, His voice.

The next part of the verse explains how the Lord leads us in evangelism victory. It says, “Through us [Christ] spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” Thats really what evangelism is – “spreading around the perfume of Jesus Christ.” Thats what you and I are doing – as we walk in the power of Jesus Christ living inside us.

As we talk to people, chat with them, even joking, playing, and working. We are spreading the fragrance of Christ. We are showing our world real love, true joy, inner peace and lasting hope — the blessings that are found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

So ask the Lord to help others see Him in you – through the words you speak, the smiles you give, and the reactions you make. Christ takes the lead – and asks you to follow. As you do, youll be spreading His aroma to the people in your world.

He Gives Power

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How many of us want power, fight for power, dream of power, and dream of power? We all long for power – in spiritual areas and in human areas. But do you know how to achieve the kind of power that comes from God?

Jesus Christ tells us how to receive His power in Acts 1:8: He says, “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and even to the ends of the world.”

Real power is the power of God indwelling us. When we have His Holy Spirit in us, we have authority to be Christs witnesses to our world. How does this work? As you listen to the Spirit of God, and obey Him, youll be making wise choices.

Youll be speaking winsome and prophetic words. If you do what the Spirit tells you to do, there is authority and theres power as you act with conviction. Youll have a supernatural authority thats delegated from God to you.

And the world will take notice! If you obey the voice of Jesus, there will be power unleashed. And things will happen that you cant even begin to imagine!

The Holy Spirit will give us power to see the impossible accomplished. So dont give up sharing the Good News with your world. Remember, you have power and authority from on high!

Just Do It

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The indwelling, living Holy Spirit longs to lead you and I in successful evangelism. Romans 8:14 tells us this. It says these fabulous words, “…those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” There you have it – the Holy Spirit of God leads us in every situation, every day. Isnt that awesome?

Now, being led by the Spirit takes some practice. As we learn more about the Lord, and grow in our relationship with Him, we begin discerning His voice. In fact, Gods Spirit is calling you today – right now! Do you recognize His voice?

If you feel Him prodding you in a certain direction, do what He says. When the Spirit puts a thought in your heart, do it as quickly as you possibly can. Dont delay. Dont start analyzing and wondering where the thought came from.

Just do it and see what will happen. When you obey, youll experience exciting results in your evangelism efforts. And youll also realize that you can, indeed, hear the Lords voice!

As you spend time in the Word, and in prayer, youll be more conscious of the Holy Spirits presence. Then, when He leads you to share Gods love with your world, youll know what to do! And the results will be changed lives!