Archive for the ‘Evangelization’ Category

QUIET EVERYONE!

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

The other night I listened to a story about a person accepting Jesus Christ. I knew that for a long time he was the object of much prayer. The brother that worked aside of him, prayed for him and asked others to pray for him, had the honor of leading him to Christ and seeing the fruit of his faithfulness as a witness. And, he isn’t the only one. Our brother has talked about Christ to other co-workers.

As I listened to the details of the many months and events leading to this glorious day, I was taken by something else. What I was taken with was what led this man to go to our brother with his troubled heart to find peace. There is a scripture verse that tells the story:

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

The true work and testimony of Jesus Christ is in your daily life. It is how you live. And, it is how others see you.

Imagine today how a quiet life speaks volumes. Everyone is filled with hyperactivity, chatter, the latest thing, last nights TV show, what we bought, and an endless stream of busyness. Quietness among this atmosphere attracts attention. It speaks peace, tranquility, and confidence.

Minding your own business – it seems today everyone believes it is their right to know everything and they are unafraid of asking very pointed questions. What is even worse, we feel the necessity to answer these questions. One who doesn’t practice this American art of conversation attracts attention.

Industrious, hard working, focused on productivity and doing your job with a passion also stands out. Although Americans are known for their hard work and productivity, there are many today that wile away the work hours without producing much. An industrious life attracts attention.

Quietness, minding your own business and industriousness together with the Spirit of Christ in you wins the respect of outsiders. I have personally witnessed this over the years as people I have worked with have come to me and ask what is it that I have that they don’t. Our brother is seeing the same results.

Yes, I was taken with the great testimony our brother gave. The great joy of another coming to Christ was exciting, yet to me the greatness of it all was to watch this mature brother stand as a light in the midst of his co-workers.

What is even greater is that we can do the same. We don’t need to be anything but who we are in Christ and lead quiet, minding our own business and industrious lives. Today, more than ever, people are filled with fear, troubled over many things in our country and their lives and they are looking for answers, peace and security. We know and hold these truths that Jesus Christ is the answer. You hold the answer in your life to be that testimony to others.

“I tell you … there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent”

Jesus in Luke 15:7

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MEETING JACK

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

This past Saturday I met Jack. I was entering the Target store when he came up from behind me, put his hand on my shoulder while I was still walking in and said, “Can I ask you a question about your Handicap Parking Permit?” I was startled at first, so I swung around and said (rather loud), “What?” Standing there inside Target’s entrance with a steady stream of people pouring in, Jack repeated the question. There he was, about my height, little scraggly and using a cane. His personality seem o.k., so those of you who know me – I started firing off my questions. What is your medical condition? Your diagnosis? Do you have heart problems? After answering all these, I said “no problem,” you just need to ask your doctor. Well, that headed to next question, “My heart doctor or family doctor?” “It doesn’t matter,” I replied. Then he tells me that his heart doctor is very strict. “O.k., go to your family doctor,” thinking he meant that doctor wouldn’t think he needed a handicap permit.

It is at this point that it was becoming clear the conversation was not ending and I had to decide to cut it off or listen to where it was all headed. I am thinking this isn’t a big deal, but he really now wants to digress into his medical problems. His heart doctor wants him to have an operation to replace his heart valve. The doctor wants to use a pig valve. He tells me he isn’t Jewish and that isn’t the problem. The problem, it turns out, is his father had an operation and died and his uncle had the same heart operation and died a few weeks later.

It was becoming clear to me he feared dying. I looked him in the eye and I said, “But, if you don’t have a value replacement, your valve can shut at anytime and you will die.” He said he knew that! I then recounted the story of a friend who had that happen, but survived and got his heart valve replaced and lived many years after. I then asked how old he was; 82 years old. I was very surprised as he seemed very spry and he did not look that old. In fact, I learned later in our conversation he was still climbing roofs a year ago and doing repair work. So, another clue popped up concerning his sudden accumulation of health problems that have now restricted him. Add to that the fact that he really wanted to continue to talk to me as long as he could. Maybe he was lonely.

At this point, after hearing all this, I told him that I live each day of my life in Christ and He was the one that sustains me [mind you, I do not believe these events occur by circumstance or luck]. I went on to elaborate a little and how it released me from anxiety and fear because my life is in His hands. There was no reaction or response to that statement. It isn’t unusual. What is more important is that the testimony is given. After some more talking, I suggested he get a second opinion to help him make his decision and gave him the name of my cardiologist. I started to print my name and telephone number and he immediately said, “You don’t need to do that. No, I don’t need that.” It revealed one more aspect of his nature. I said, putting my hand on his shoulder this time, “Jack, if there is anything else I can do to help you, call me.”

My prayer is that this encounter may spark a light inside his heart to inquire of his final destination. Pray that Jack may know Christ.

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