What We Have Seen and Heard
Date: July 24, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: "As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." - Acts 4:20
L - Listen for God's Word and pray: Dear God, open my ears to listen and my heart to receive Your Word. Help me to speak boldly about the truth of Your gospel, just like the early believers did in Acts. May my life and words be a testimony of Your love and grace to those around me. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: The book of Acts was written by Luke, a physician and companion of the apostle Paul. In this verse, Peter and John, two of the early disciples, are responding to the religious leaders who commanded them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Peter and John boldly declare that they cannot remain silent about what they have witnessed and experienced in their relationship with Jesus. They are compelled to share the life-transforming message of the gospel with others, despite facing opposition and threats from religious authorities.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
"We cannot help": Peter and John's conviction and passion to share the gospel cannot be restrained.
"Speaking": They are vocal and unreserved in proclaiming the truth.
"What we have seen and heard": Their message is based on firsthand experiences and encounters with Jesus.
S - Summarize and Share:
Acts 4:20 shows us the incredible passion of the early disciples, Peter and John, as they faced opposition and were commanded not to speak about Jesus. Their response? "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Can you feel the fire in their hearts?
Just like them, we, too, have a story to share—a testimony of God's grace and love in our lives. When we encounter Jesus and experience His transformative power, it becomes impossible to keep it to ourselves. His love compels us to share with others, to be a light in a world that needs hope.
But you know what's amazing? We don't have to have it all together or be eloquent speakers. It's not about fancy words or polished speeches. It's about speaking from the heart, sharing the real, raw, and authentic encounters with Jesus. When we speak from our experiences, it becomes powerful and relatable.
Don't let fear hold you back. Just like Peter and John, let's be bold in sharing what Jesus has done in our lives. Let's be unapologetic about our faith, knowing that our words have the potential to impact someone's life forever. The world needs to hear the Good News, and we get to be messengers of hope.
So, take a deep breath, speak with confidence, and trust that God will use our words to touch hearts. We may face challenges, but the truth of Jesus is worth sharing. Step into the calling to share your story, for it may be the very thing that leads someone to experience the life-changing love of Jesus Christ. Let's go out there and spread His love like wildfire!
Bible Cross References:
Psalm 66:16 - "Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me."
Mark 5:19 - "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."
Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes."