Growing In Grace

Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional June 17, 2024

“…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” —2 Peter 3:18

“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…” (Romans 12:6). “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another…” (1 Peter 4:10).

“Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…” —Ephesians 4:11-12

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19-20

From studying the Scriptures on growing in grace, God tells us He has equipped all believers to use our spiritual gifts to edify [build up] the body of Christ. We easily use our spiritual gifts to fulfill Inreach efforts [within the church], yet, most members avoid using their gifts for Outreach community witnessing. Reminding ourselves that God gave us our spiritual gifts and talents clarifies that God will instruct us on how to use them for His honor and glory.

Face-to-face witnessing will always be the most effective way to witness and is the only activity that completely fulfills Jesus’ command to “Go” and make disciples. I can write countless inspirational devotionals, publish them, and pray for the readers to receive a blessing, still, my website does not replace Jesus’ command to witness in my neighborhood or when I am in the community performing the routine activities of life or traveling.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” —Revelation 22:12

Many are longing to grow in grace; they pray over the matter, and are surprised that their prayers are not answered. The Master has given them a work to do whereby they shall grow…Are they seeking to save souls for whom Christ died? Spiritual growth depends upon giving to others the light that God has given to you. You are to put forth your best thoughts in active labor to do good…in your family, in your church, and in your neighborhood. EGW, The Divine Prescription

“So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ ” —Acts 16:31

Witnessing is telling others that Jesus loves us and saves us from sin. Whether we utilize technology or seize the countless opportunities in social settings, shopping, or walking in the park, we can always tell everyone “Jesus loves you.” Witnessing is the work for which our reward of Revelation 22:12 is based. Our faith in the saving power of Christ, our Redeemer propels us to tell others that Jesus saves and the Holy Spirit will complete our efforts.

Last week, I began watching a series by Voice of the Martyrs, The Torchbearers who were men and women of God who witnessed, passed out religious tracts, and remained faithful despite severe persecution. Last night the Holy Spirit reminded me that I had religious tracts on the healthy benefits of drinking water which transitions the reader into the benefits of drinking “The Living Water.”

This morning I had a scheduled delivery and was prepared to give the tract with life-changing words to the driver. As I handed the tract to her, I observed the weary face of a young woman who appeared to be beaten down by the vicissitudes of life. She had the dark bruises of physical abuse around her right eye. When I gave her the tract she smiled, and said, thank you, which filled my heart with joy. My only response was, “Enjoy your day.”

As I closed the door, I whispered a prayer that Jesus would wrap His loving arms around her and give her the courage to accept Him as her Savior and to walk away from the abusive relationship. This morning the Holy Spirit instructed me not to use spoken words to witness after giving her the tract. Everything she needs to know about accepting Christ is written in the tract and the Holy Spirit will speak to her heart.

Although Mark 13:11 is specific to persecution, our witnessing must be guided by the Holy Spirit. “This verse means not to worry or plan what to say beforehand, but to speak whatever is given in that moment because it is the Holy Spirit speaking, not you.”

We do not know every person’s needs, so we pray for the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and guidance in approaching them and the right words to speak. The immense joy I feel from seeing the young woman’s smiling face helps me realize that I have great work to do for Jesus and I am humbled that God uses a sinner saved by grace to further His work.

Words of Life Ministry Excerpt on “Paul: A True and Effective Witness

Acts chapter 26: “In verse 22 the apostle tells us that he was constantly witnessing both to small and great. Wherever he went he talked to others about his Lord; whether his audience consisted of one or many, rich or poor, young or old, educated or illiterate, Jews or Gentiles, kings or commoners, soldiers or sailors – always, in every place, he was an effective witness.”

“See him at work in the synagogue (Acts 13:5); at the riverside (Acts 16:13); in prison (Acts 16:25-32); in the market-place (Acts 17:17); going from house to house (Acts 20:20); at home (Acts 28:30-31); and in the palace (Philippians 1:12-13).”

“Everyone whom Paul met was a soul for whom Christ died and was therefore a potential Christian. Have we this vision? An effective witness has a passion for souls and he is willing to adapt himself that he might ‘by all possible means save some.’ “

“So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ ” —Acts 16:31

I appeal to all Christian believers to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to impart the wisdom to develop a two-sided Bible-based tract with Acts 16:31 as the focus. Who will tell them? We will! It’s time to return to the old-school methods of face-to-face witnessing. Like Christ, we seek God’s will and actively fulfill His Divine plans by being foot soldiers in God’s Army.

Our salvation, spiritual growth, and transformation depend on our willingness to surrender and obey God’s commands. To grow in grace requires immense love and devotion to Jesus Christ, letting go of our desires, and walking off the beaten path to tell the neglected, “Jesus loves you.”

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ ” — Matthew 25:40, NIV

Lord, we desire to do Your will. We ask that you reveal opportunities to witness Your love and saving power, to give hope, and to be a beacon of light to those suffering from sin’s plight in this dark world. In Jesus’ Righteous Name, we pray, Amen.

© 2024 SDJ—Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions