Today’s Key Scripture

“Rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.”

—Acts 26:16

Before God healed my stuttering tongue, I would avoid speaking if at all possible. Even as a young Christian, I would never volunteer to read the Scriptures in public or give even a short testimony. But a change took place when God healed me as I preached my first sermon on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1974. My tongue was loosed, and God has used me around the globe ever since to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Is it any wonder why I love reading the Word about the apostle Paul, who took every opportunity to present his testimony. His defense before King Agrippa was so strong it has been a model of study for legal scholars. There was strength in his witness and power in his words as he told of the stunning change of direction from persecutor of the church to an advocate, to preach to both Jews and Gentiles, “to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts 26:18).

When he was finished, King Agrippa said, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28).

Almost anyone can produce a speech, but only the Spirit of God can produce a testimony!

 

A Prayer for Today

Father God, thank You for all the wonderful things You have done in my life. I’m so grateful for the opportunities ahead of me to be able to witness of Your love and salvation. I lift up Your holy name. Help me to remember that it is not by might, nor by power, but by Your Holy Spirit. Take charge of my life. Help me to step into the miraculous breakthroughs that You have planned for me today—in my spiritual walk, my relationships, my career, and even in my finances. I pray all this in the name of King Jesus, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.