BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

As a Spirit-filled Christian, if you’re not witnessing to people, you’re missing your calling. You’re not fully using the anointing you’ve been given. You ought to be telling someone about Jesus, all the time, everywhere you go. Don’t tell me you never have the opportunity, either. You’re not so closed in that you never see anyone. Don’t you ever buy fuel for your car? Don’t you ever stop at a convenience store? Aren’t there people in those places? Sure, there are. So be a witness to them. Don’t sermonize, just walk up to them with a big smile on your face and say, “Isn’t Jesus wonderful?” Then tell them a little about Him. You’ll be shocked at the results you get. Most people will respond positively. In all the years I’ve been telling people how good Jesus is, I’ve never been insulted. I’ve never been refused when I asked if I could share something with them that He’d put on my heart. I remember one time, years ago, in Las Vegas we were having a gospel meeting in a hotel casino. In between meetings as I was walking through the hotel, The LORD drew my attention to a very nicely dressed man and woman who were walking toward me. 'I want you to speak a word to these people,' He said. “Sure!” I replied. Walking over to them, I said, “Excuse me, would you mind if I shared with you a word from The LORD?” They told me that would be all right, and I shared the brief message The LORD had given me. When I finished, they just looked at me, said, “Thank you,” and went on their way. I’d expected more of a response. But I knew I hadn’t missed it, so I just turned around and quietly prayed for them for a moment. As I did, I noticed a guy who was clearly drunk, leaning up against the wall, looking at me. “I heard what you told those people,” he said. “Will you pray for me?” “Of course!” I answered. We were standing near a men’s room, so we stepped in there to pray, and within moments, he was stone-cold sober. “My God!” he said. “I’m a backslidden Pentecostal preacher, and hearing what you said to that couple saved my life!” Imagine what would have been lost that day if I’d been too timid to be a witness for Jesus. I could have reasoned away The LORD’s leading and thought, 'I don’t know these people. They’re not going to want me to speak a word to them from The LORD.' I might have stayed silent and that Pentecostal preacher might have died in that backslidden condition. That’s why you always want to be ready to speak God’s WORD. You never know who’s listening. I’ve had a lot of people eavesdrop when they heard me telling someone about Jesus, and they’ll eavesdrop on you too! But only if you give them the opportunity. Only if you go out every day believing and acting on the fact that you are anointed to be a witness. 12 : BVOV

• Cover