Stories of Change

January 31

(Luke 4:37 NIV) “And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.”

(Acts 1:8 NIV) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

(Acts 19:18-20 NIV) “Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. {19} A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. {20} In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”

News of Christ spread rapidly because His preaching and healing changed people. Word of mouth carried His name far and wide as people told others what they had witnessed. Stories of change still produce results for the Kingdom of God. Changed lives are evidence of God’s presence and power here on Earth. The best advertising a church can produce are people changed by Jesus -- disciples who live a Spirit filled life in front of their neighbors and friends. When we live like Jesus, our words of witness carry weight. This requires a people who are bold enough to live for Christ, and give glory to His name when others notice. At least once this week, make it your goal to mention the name of Jesus to someone. At least once, share how Jesus has changed your life. Release your witness. Genuine stories of change produce results for the Kingdom of God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day