June 27, 2025

WE ARE CALLED TO BE WITNESSES

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

After Jesus’ resurrection, His disciples were still thinking in terms of an earthly kingdom. They expected political power and national restoration. But Jesus shifts the conversation—from earthly ambition to heavenly empowerment. He redirects their focus from ruling to witnessing.

This is a critical pivot. Our natural mindset often gravitates toward comfort, reward, and recognition. But God’s kingdom operates on eternal and spiritual priorities. Jesus wasn’t promising political dominance or personal ease—He was promising power to be His witnesses.

Jesus is more concerned with what the Holy Spirit will do through us than what we might gain for ourselves. Our calling is to be living testimonies of God’s transforming presence—people whose priorities and passions have been changed by the Spirit of God.

Here are three observations from this powerful passage:

1. A Witness Must Have First-Hand Experience

In a courtroom, a valid witness can only speak to what they’ve personally seen or experienced. Secondhand stories don’t hold weight.

The same is true in the kingdom of God: to be an effective witness for Jesus, I must have encountered the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit for myself. I need a personal testimony of His work in my life.

When something great happens to us, we don’t need to be prompted to talk about it. If I hit an amazing golf shot (a rare moment!), you better believe others will hear about it. In the same way, when the Holy Spirit transforms our lives, our story should be naturally shared.

2. A Witness Must Speak

Jesus made it clear—after the Spirit empowers you, you must speak. We can’t be “undercover Christians.” A witness who stays silent isn’t fulfilling their role.

Businesses often ask for testimonials from satisfied customers, not only to improve but also to share with others. In the same way, God wants us to speak up—to tell our story so others can be drawn to the Spirit’s power.

We don’t need polished sermons—just honest words led by the Holy Spirit. He will guide what we say and who we say it to.

3. Our Witness Must Be Global

Jesus laid out the scope of our witness: start where you are (Jerusalem), move to those near but different (Judea and Samaria), and then to those far away (the ends of the earth).

The Spirit’s empowerment isn’t just for personal renewal—it’s for global mission. The Holy Spirit expands our vision and enlarges our hearts beyond our comfort zones. Every Spirit-filled believer should carry a burden for world evangelism and be involved in supporting missions in some way.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, empower me to be the witness You’ve called me to be. Fill me with Your presence and transform my heart. Give me the courage to speak, the wisdom to know what to say, and the passion to see Your gospel spread—from my neighborhood to the nations. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”