Romans 10:9

Romans 10:9 - That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Confess and believe. This is where our journey with Christ begins. It is a simple start to an amazing life. I made this step many years ago as a child. The exact date is foggy, but I remember the night clearly. I was about 9 or 10.
It was a Saturday. My family and I had just returned home from a Christmas shopping trip with our church. I don’t remember what sparked the conversation, but my step father, John, began sharing with me the path to salvation.
I grew up in what you would more or less call a Christian home. We went to church regularly and reading the Bible was a common occurrence. I knew about Jesus, but this was the night I officially made a commitment to Him. At church the next morning I answered the altar call and confessed Christ in front of our church body.
Since then it has not been easy. There have been highs and lows. To be honest, there have been times when I didn't know how I would continue on. Giving your life to God does not mean it will get easier, in fact, there are times when it will be harder. But through those times you will always have someone to lean on.
Some call Jesus a crutch. I couldn't agree more. There are times when I might even call Him a stretcher, because without Him carrying me there is no way I would have made it through.
So, is following Jesus hard? Yes, but the alternative is even worse. God changed my life for the better and serving Him is definitely worth it. If you choose Him, you will never regret it.

Acts 1:8

Acts 1:8 - 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.

You are a witness. In your life you have seen and experienced something that God has done. If you have received Christ in your life you have undergone a change. That’s what God wants you to talk about. Tell people about your experiences with God. Make it personal because that is what will touch people.
I know that it sounds scary sometimes, but that is why God has given us the Holy Spirit. He is our helper and our strength in weakness. Let Him flow through you and guide you in all you do and say. And make sure you are a witness everywhere you go.
Notice as Jesus gave these instructions to His disciples He began with Jerusalem and then worked His way out to ‘the ends of the earth.’ Jerusalem was where they were currently at. Jesus was telling them to start where they were, at home, and then broaden their circle of influence.
If you are not being a witness to those in your home and community you have no business going to other places and ministering. You must start with those closest to you. Let your life reflect what God has done in your heart.
The bible says that people are saved by the blood of the lamb and the word of your testimony. Your testimony will lead others to Jesus. Make sure you are using it.

Acts 25:23

Acts 25:23 - The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience with the high ranking officers and leading men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.

When Festus took over as governor Paul had already been in prison for at least two years. As new Governor Festus did not know all the details of why the Jews wanted Paul dead, so he brought him before them at Caesarea to stand trial. All the chief priests and Jewish leaders were trying to figure out a way to kill Paul, but there accusation did not hold any truth. To keep from being sent back to Jerusalem Paul appealed to Caesar.

As a Roman citizen he had the right to stand before Caesar, so Festus granted his request. Meanwhile, while waiting to be transferred, Paul was left in prison. Then king Agrippa and Bernice came to pay their respects to the new governor. Intrigued by Paul’s story, they asked to hear him speak. Festus granted their request and brought Paul before them.

At first glance it is hard to see how this story relates to us. Think about Paul’s situation, though. He’s in prison and has been for quite some time. He just stood on trial before the governor and now has to wait until he can be sent to Rome.

Now he has an opportunity that he would not have gotten in normal circumstances. God opens the door for him to share his story and the story of Jesus with a king and all the high ranking officers and leading men of the city.

This is a reminder to us to always be prepared. The Word says be prepared in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). You never know when a door might be opened to you to share your story of Jesus. Always be ready and God will give you opportunity.