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Wednesday, April 14, 2004

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Easter Week


Acts 3:1-10
Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9
Luke 24:13-35

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local and global opportunities for willing witnesses

"I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have I give you! In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, walk!" —Acts 3:6

Because Jesus loves people so much, He insists that those who have renewed their Baptisms and stated their faith in His resurrection should be His witnesses (see Acts 1:8; 2:32; 10:41; 13:31). Jesus wants to make sure that a world enslaved by the fear of death hears the greatest news of all: that "death is swallowed up in victory" — the victory of the risen Christ (1 Cor 15:54). Therefore, the risen Jesus requires all His disciples to be His witnesses both locally and globally (Acts 1:8).

Although we may feel inadequate at being a witness for Jesus, especially an international witness, Jesus will provide opportunities for those who will seize these opportunities. For example, you may have not been used by the Lord to heal dramatically very many people, but, if you will witness for the risen Lord, you may see the lame walk, the blind see, the deaf hear, and the dumb speak. The Lord wants to give you a forum for proclaiming His resurrection in an extremely powerful and far reaching way (see Acts 3:1ff). The Lord has promised to work with you and to confirm your witness through accompanying signs (Mk 16:20) to the point that your witness will echo to the ends of the earth. Examine your life for maximum opportunities to witness for the risen Christ locally and globally.

Prayer:  Father, make me both evangelistic and catholic, that is, universal.

Promise:  "Were not our hearts burning inside us as He talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?" —Lk 24:32

Praise:  Praise Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life! (Jn 11:25) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia forever!

Reference:  (Are you desiring to grow more deeply in love and holiness? We offer a ten-day series of Discipleship Retreats April 23-May 2, 2004. This is a great opportunity to abide in God's Word. Call 937-587-5464 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, October 9, 2003


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 14, 2003