take the witness stand
"He will bear witness on My behalf. You must bear witness as well." —John 15:26-27
The Holy Spirit bears witness for Jesus and gives us the power to bear witness for Jesus (Acts 1:8). Witnesses provide the information through which critical decisions are made.
The most important decision a human being can make is to decide for or against Christ. Thousands of people look at the witness of our lives to see whether they should decide for or against Christ. Many people have decided against accepting the radical demands of Jesus. This is their decision, but it may also indicate that Jesus' witnesses are too lukewarm, cowardly, or worldly to draw unbelievers to Jesus.
Because witnessing is such a critical element in God's plan, Satan makes witnessing as difficult as possible. He bribes witnesses to make their witness ambiguous and therefore almost useless. He tries to intimidate witnesses by persecuting and even murdering them. Thus, the word "witness" in Greek became the word for "martyr." Jesus bluntly stated: "A time will come when anyone who puts you to death will claim to be serving God!" (Jn 16:2)
Witnesses, witness verbally, publicly, clearly, and boldly by your life in the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Father, make my witness for Jesus compelling.
Promise: "The Lord opened her heart to accept what Paul was saying. After she and her household had been baptized, she extended us an invitation: 'If you are convinced that I believe in the Lord, come and stay at my house.' " —Acts 16:14-15
Praise: George had no dramatic conversion story, but his constant faithfulness drew others to Christ and His Church.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order Fr. Lauer's tape on Prophetic Life-Style on audio AV 75-3 or video V-75.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 9, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2000