Mar 08

Jesus used words to convince the woman that he was the Messiah. But these words led to deeds by the woman herself: She went back to her village and told the people there about Jesus. She went (a deed) and she told (words). Words and actions must work together when we witness to others about Jesus.

What was the result of her witness to her neighbors? They too believed:

"They said to the woman, 'We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.'" (John 4:42)

People can come to church because you invite them; they can hear the Word of God from your own lips as you visit with them in daily life. But until their spirit is prepared to address spiritual matters, all these words may have little or no effect. They need to see two things:

(1) deeds that back up the words by real-life demonstrations of their truth;
(2) a personal encounter with Jesus Christ himself.

Regarding the second requirement, how can people have a personal encounter with Jesus if they cannot see him in you? You yourself must first have had such a personal encounter with Jesus, just as the woman at the well did, before you can then go out and bring others to him.

Scripture for today: John 4:4-42
Thought for today: Do others see Jesus in me?
Prayer for today: Lord Jesus, help me to encounter you every day: in your Word, in my prayers, in daily life -- every single moment I want to know that you are there, so that others may have this same joy.

MAR 08