Without Fear.

A common theme of our conversation lately has been that of sharing our faith.  Shelli and I agree wholeheartedly that we desire our home and family to constantly be inviting others into knowing Christ as we do.  With this desire has come a learning curve.  I have never been what I would consider and effective evangelist...over the past 7 years, I have done it but not necessarily well.  Finally, the book "Share Jesus without Fear" has given me a model for sharing my faith that is relational, conversational, intentional and effective!

As my whole clan arrived at Brandt's soccer practice last Thursday, I was immediately drawn to notice one of the fathers who we had shared T ball with last fall...yet I had  not made a connection with him.
Following an informal time of introductions, through a random comment he made it known that the mother of his children was his girlfriend, not his wife.  At this point Christians have two options (and I fear we often choose incorrectly), we can offer correction and proclaim how living together is sinful and sex outside of marriage is wrong (which it is)...or we can inquire into the heart and find out what is keeping them from God's best in their life.  I chose to pursue the heart.

- How long have you dated?
- Seven years.
- Dude!  What are you waiting on???!!!

This time around, the light hearted pursuit of the heart landed us exactly where we wanted to be.  This young man shared his fear of divorce that was based on a misunderstanding of marriage and an elevated view of his own flaws.  He was afraid that if they married, she would leave him at some point.
At this point, there was an open door to the gospel.  We proceeded by finding out he had no real spiritual beliefs, a correct identification of the person of Jesus (without knowing Jesus personally), belief in life after death and the assumption that he would arrive in hell based on everything that he has done and continues to do wrong.  Our conversation took a dramatic turn as I asked him, "What would you say if I told you that God has made another way, other than being good?"  As his interest peaked, he shared a great attentiveness to what I would say next.
Together, we went through the gospel Scriptures and discussed what they meant to him.  I believe the Holy Spirit is at work in this young man's life even though he was unable to surrender his life the Lord on that day...I continue praying for his salvation.
What struck me as the conversation closed was this statement that he made, "My girlfriend will be so happy that you told me this!  She has been praying for me and for God to send someone to me!  She will be happy!"

A few months ago I had the opportunity to share a story with our church, where some of our friends were an answer to someone else's prayer...I then asked, "Do we want to be the answer to other people's prayer more often?"  Being a blessing is such a blessing.  May our family grow more in more in our telling of the Story...may we be an answer to prayer more and more as we take advantage every opportunity to do good.

As We Have Opportunity

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone...  (Galatians 6:10)

Opportunity comes daily.  Opportunities are daily missed.

I am grateful for a wife who seeks opportunity to do good as we journey life together.  Last Sunday evening we were out to eat with other families the church and opportunity knocked.  Our waitress conversed with us openly about her three sons (ages 10, 5, and 2)...we get much kid talk as we take 14 kids to dinner most Sunday evenings!  Shelli made the observation that this woman was without a wedding ring and was working late on a Labor day weekend...so this is an opportunity to do good.  

Shelli proposes we go above the normal tip, and offer this young lady a few extra dollars to bless her day.  Instead of merely leaving the cash, we see an opportunity to connect with her personally as the restaurant is closing down.

Me - "Do you have any spiritual beliefs?"

Waitress - "Oh yes, it is God who is getting me by every day.  I am rehabbing from drug addiction and I believe God is the reason I am still going."

Me - "If I asked you who Jesus was to you...what would you say?"

Waitress - "He is my Lord and Savior!"

Me - "When did that happen?"

Waitress - "I was baptized when I was 7...but when I was 13 I really realized my need for Him.  That is when I was saved."

Me - "We have a few extra dollars we would like to bless you with tonight."

Waitress - "Thank you!  I am saving up to buy a car!  My boys were taken from me because of my drug addiction.  Now that I am clean, I've moved to Benton and am working to buy a car so that I can get my boys back into my life."

Shelli - "Can we pray for you right now?"

Waitress - "Yes!  That'd be great."

After encouraging her to jump in with a church (inviting her to Sharon) that could walk with her and encourage her in her journey, we took the kids and went home.

Sometimes the opportunity to do good gives others a chance to receive eternal life for the first time...sometimes the opportunity is to encourage the saints and experience the eternal life we've been given.

Opportunities come daily.  Opportunities are daily missed.

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone...