Day 9: Tell Your Story...

The unfortunate truth for the church today is that many people will never share their faith with others. There are lots of reasons why this happens. Some people feel that they don't know enough, some are afraid they will offend and others think that they will face rejection

I love this story from John 9 about the man who was born blind and was healed by Jesus. You would think that everyone would be excited that someone who had been born blind could now see. But this was not the case. This, however did not stop the man who was healed. He had a story to tell and he did not care what others had to say. He knew he WAS blind but NOW he could see. I'd be excited about that...

A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:24-25).

Tell your story, it's the one thing that you know with absolute certainty. Tell how God is at work in your life-you are an authority on you. When you do that you will be amazed at how God will use that in the lives of others.

Life Way Research recently published an article entitled: Americas Open to Outreach. They surveyed over 15,000 people who do not attend church and found that almost 2 out of 3 would be open to a conversation about faith and church if it came from a family member, friend or a neighbor. 63% of the people you come into contact with would be open to hearing your story and a spiritual discussion. The article goes on to say that the fact that Easter is only a few days away is another reason to tell your story.

So, my question for you is this: Are you telling your story? If not, why not? God will use your story to influence and encourage others. And with Easter coming up, this may be one of your best opportunities to do so. I'm praying for that chance today as I interact with those God brings into my path.

What about you? I would love to hear how you are sharing your story and what God is doing... It's your turn.

Day 8: Stop Throwing Stones...

John 8:1-11

When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. (John 8:7-8)

Jesus and the woman caught in adultery. This is probably one of the most well known portions of the Bible. It is well known because of the audacity of the Pharisees to bring the woman, who was caught in the act of adultery, to Jesus. (I've always wondered why they did not bring the man who was with her if she was caught in the act). It's well known because their motives were not concern for the woman or for what was right, but their concern was to trap Jesus. It's also well known because of the way that Jesus responded to them and to her.

It's easy for me to get upset and angry with the Pharisees because of the way that they treated this woman. It's easy for me to want to throw stones at them for their self righteous attitude. Why is it so easy for me to become like them?

It's easy for me to be quick to criticize others and think I am the one who is so right.

It's easy for me to belittle others and judge them.

It's easy for me to make fun of them.

It's easy for me to want to see others "get it" because they "deserve it".

Why is it so easy for me to do that? I think it's easy because, like the Pharisees, I want to feel good about me so I tear down others. Just like the bully on the playground I want to make others look bad so I can feel good. And, at that point my motives are no better that those of the Pharisees.

I am so glad that Jesus did not get drawn into their little game. Instead, He stopped and took some time to think. He made the point that we all need to take a look at ourselves and our own sin before we are so quick to start throwing stones at each other. Sometimes I allow my ego to get in the way of loving God and loving people.

That does not mean that we have to agree with everyone or never love people enough to point out their sin and shortcomings. Jesus certainly cared enough for this woman and the Pharisees that He did not throw stones at either, but lovingly pointed out where they were wrong.

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” No one, sir,” she said “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:9-11)

I need to take a look long at myself first and make certain that I do what I do because I love God and I love others. Not because I want to look good and be right...

It's time to stop throwing stones...

Day Seven: Are You Thirsty?

One of the things that advertisers know is that we are thirsty people. So, they play into the thirsts and desires that we have. We have all kinds of products out there that promise us life and fulfillment. We have all kinds of celebrities and beautiful people trying to convince us that we can be satisfied if we just buy what they are selling.

I have to admit that there are times when I get sucked into their promises and buy what they are selling. Only to be disappointed after I get it because it does not bring the satisfaction that is promised. How about you-I bet this has happened to you at some point?

But Jesus makes a promise to us with only one condition...

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” (John 7:37-38).

The question I ask of us is this: Are you thirsty?

If you are, where are you looking to have your thirst quenched?

Have you been disappointed lately with the things that have claimed your attention?

Do you find yourself thinking, if only I had this or that, then I would be satisfied?

Jesus makes an amazing promise to those who are tired of running after all of those things to find
fulfillment. He says "if you are thirsty, come to me and drink." When we do he promise us that we will not only find life for ourselves, but we will also become a source of helping others find it as well.

So, are you thirsty today?

John 6: Where else can we go?

John 6 records the Feeding of the 5,000: one of the most amazing chapters in his gospel. Many people began following Him, not because they thought He was the Son of God. They followed simply because they wanted to have their stomachs filled. Jesus wanted them to know that in order to follow Him it would require they give themselves completely to Him as the Son of God, not just someone who could give them food to eat. Some of what He said was hard to understand and difficult to follow. As a result many left him. It was more than they bargained for. Jesus wondered what the twelve disciples would do.

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:66-69).

I love what Peter said to Jesus when He asked him if they wanted to leave. Peter said Lord, where else can we go? You have the words of eternal life and we believe and know you are the Son of God. Peter was saying, Lord we seen to much, experienced things we never thought possible. We may still have some questions, but one thing we know is that you are indeed the Son of God and where else can we go? Where else would we want to go?

I don't know about you, but there have been times in my life when following Christ has been hard to do. There have been times when I have had questions that could not be answered, there have been situations that I thought I would never face and answers I could not give. There have been some moments when I have wondered if it was really worth it. (Can you relate?)

But then I remember all that God has done in my life. I remember all that I have seen and experienced and these words that Peter spoke have been words that i have come back to over and over. And I have to say the same thing that he does. "Where else would I go? Where else would I want to go? Jesus is indeed my only hope for this life and for the one beyond.

I don't know all of the answers, everything doesn't always make sense to me. I don't know all there is to know, but I do know one thing: that Jesus is indeed the Holy One from God and He is the one I can trust with all of my life even when I can't get it all to make sense. I give myself completely again today. Where else would I go?

What about you...

Day 5: Jesus Equal to the Father

Jesus was always challenging the status quo among the religious community. Not just to upset them, but because He cared for people. The Jews became upset with Jesus because he healed a man on the Sabbath. They were far more interested in following man made rules than in observing God's law to love and care for people. They became upset when Jesus called God "My Father" because in so doing he was saying that he and the Father were equal. Then Jesus said these words...

Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does

(John 5:19).

Jesus did not deny their claim that he was making himself equal to God. Instead, he wanted to make it absolutely clear that He was equal to God. The fact that he could heal was just one clear indication that His claim was indeed true.

I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. (John 5:24)

He goes on to make it clear that life, eternal life, comes through Him.

I can rest in the fact that Jesus is the Son of God and that life comes from believing in Him. This message should be an encouragement to us and is one that we must make clear to others as well.

Your thoughts....