Looking with the Eyes of the Spirit

The Samaritan woman at the well was just trying to get some water. Yet, her conversation with Jesus caused her spiritual thirst to be quenched with the eternal living water of the gospel. (John 4)

The lame beggar at the temple was just trying to get some money to live. But one encounter with Peter and John got him healed of his illness altogether. (Acts 3)

The Ethiopian eunuch was just riding along the road reading the Scriptures. But a talk with Philip opened his eyes to the revelation of Jesus' saving power that those Scriptures pointed to. (Acts 8)

Jesus, Peter, John, and Philip were able to recognize opportunities to minister the gospel. Jesus was able to look into the heart of the Samaritan woman and see all the troubles that she wrestled with. Peter and John knew that a few coins would not help the lame man in the long run. Philip heard the discerned that the Ethiopian eunuch was trying to find his way to God's Truth.

All of these men looked with eyes of the Spirit and was able to see each person where they were and allow the power of God to meet their every need.

How often do you look at those around you with the eyes of the Spirit? Do you just see people passing by, or do you look closer and allow the Lord to show you their needs? Once you see what is wrong, do you step out on faith and allow God to use you to meet that need?

We have been given a command to go into the world and share the gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15). Sharing that gospel can start with just an awareness to our surroundings.

That person looking for a handout has a greater need than some money. Your friend who is agonizing over their marriage needs more than your words. The neighbor's child needs more than just an interested mentor.

They need the power of Jesus Christ.

You hold that power.

Don't let it go to waste.

Verse of the Day: And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 2 Corinthians 5:18-20