Episode Transcript
HEAR
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.”
CONSIDER
Today, our Holy Spirit story comes from Joe Sieber! Joe is an active member of the Wake-Up Call community and is an evangelist in the true sense of the word! It's hard not to meet Jesus after just five minutes with Joe. This story from Joe illustrates to us faith in action with the power of the Holy Spirit! I hope you enjoy.
Below, you will read the story in his words, and, if you listen, you will hear it in his own voice.
On the shores of St. Joe Bay is the small town of Port St. Joe.
Our main attraction is world-class fishing. Off-shore fishing, bay fishing, surf fishing, fresh water lake, and river fishing.
People from all over the world come here to fish. I work at the premier sporting goods store here. I am a sales associate at Bluewater Outriggers.
I interact with dozens of people in the course of a work day. From tourists on vacation to salty charter boat captains and fishing guides. I provide customer service to these people.
My primary spiritual gifts are encouragement and evangelization. God sends these people to Bluewater Outriggers for more than bait and tackle.
I’m that peculiar old guy that listens to and prays for all those that have a need and an open heart. On the spot, right-now prayers.
Some come and receive Christ; some healing. Most leave my store with a word of encouragement.
Just yesterday George and April came down from Dothan for a weekend. George asked me if I remembered him. No, I replied. I didn’t.
“You prayed for me last month,” he replied.
George was in a great deal of pain from a back injury. A surgery he had endured made the pain worse. He told me that since we prayed together his pain had daily, gradually decreased.
I was only a conduit. I received Jesus's healing and imparted it to George. His wife, April, was a witness.
My employer is well aware of the ministry God has entrusted and equipped me to do in his store. He encourages me to always pray for our customers. On the spot.
John Wesley once said we must be ready to preach, pray, or die at all times. Bill Gaither also wrote "Because He Lives." As the song says, "I can face tomorrow." With joy and God’s purpose I serve a risen savior. He’s in the world today.
PRAY
Father in heaven, thank you that all we have to do is plant the seeds and by the power at work in us through the Holy Spirit you heal, set free, and speak powerfully to the people we encounter and minister to. Continue to build in us a bold faith to proclaim your goodness to the people you put on our path. Let us continue to show our faith in you through our actions and the formation of our character. Continue to transform us to look more and more like you each day. We love you. Praying this in Jesus's name, amen.
JOURNAL
How is your life set up to pray and encourage the people around you? Are there ways you can grow in your boldness in sharing about Jesus or praying for people? How do you sense the Holy Spirit inviting you to walk out your faith in action?
