Psalm 66:16 English Standard Version (ESV) Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.

While seeking scriptures that talk about being an effective witness, this passage came into focus. As was related yesterday, what God has done in us is our most effective witness. Missing from that comment was the identification of our audience. Who are we telling about these God encounters?

First thing identified in this psalm is a willing audience. No one should be forced to hear our witness. Second to that there is a fearful consideration or respect for God. The audience might not know God intimately but should at least acknowledge that there is a God to seek.

Third and most important perhaps is this is a personal witness of what God has done in our lives. That does not mean everyone has to have the same experience. We should never insist that others wait on the Lord according to our needs. BY that I mean we all have a need to hear from God in a way that we know that it is God and that we can accept without being driven away screaming.

Exodus 20:18 English Standard Version (ESV) Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off.

We must choose our words wisely so as not to scare people off. God is drawing them closer with loving kindness. We must not do or say anything in our witness to disturb that peace.

There is a time and place for our stronger witness when we come together with others of strong faith and sound doctrine. Our witness to those seeking God needs to be surrounded by sound doctrine.