Offensive words may be intentional or completely unintentional. But either way, the offence is offensive and unacceptable. But our problem is that we commonly accept and internalize the offence.
Once we accept and begin to internalize each of the offences we encounter, those offences become ours. They take root within us and begin to produce fruit. And that kind of fruit is not at all pleasant.
But you can choose to reject the offence. Refuse to internalize each offence you face. Acknowledge it and refuse to let it take root within you and be free.
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Fear is the most common response when you’re backed into a corner. Many are fearful of “the corner.” Of course it is a fearful place when you have no options and are threatened.
But if you truly believe the words of Jesus, your response can shift from fear to trust. He said he’ll be with us till the end (Matt 28:20). You’ll still end up in “the corner.” But you won’t be alone.
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When we look for our personal benefit in any relationship, the red flags should go up. When the “other” comes first in every decision, that is true love.Now if you keep putting the “other” first too often, you put yourself in danger of extinction. Maybe that’s the point of love. Giving yourself up for others…till the point of death.
Like Jesus (John 3:16).
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Sharing Good News shouldn’t be so hard – especially when you know it will benefit those who receive it. But too many struggle with how to begin. How do I start? What should I share?
Make sure you begin with the mindset that you are not speaking to them to get anything from them. The conversation is entirely for their benefit – it really is. Jesus said, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). Remember, just like Jesus, you are not a taker, but a giver.
Here we go. We will use the words S T A R T as an acronym to help you in the process.
S – Start with a question. Start where that person is. Begin with their situation. Let the conversation begin naturally with a question regarding what you both are engaged in at that time. It could be your travel, waiting at the bus station, at the restaurant, looking for products at the store, or any anything else.
T – Turn the conversation deeper. Find the appropriate time to move from the superficial conversation to a deeper one. Begin with the mind and move toward the heart. As you are a person who truly cares for them and are deeply interested in their welfare, their hearts will open up. They will reveal their pain. Go ahead and move the conversation in that direction.
A – Apply your story to communicate Good News. There is nothing more natural and compelling than your own story. Share it with boldness and clarity. Make a list of the areas in your life where Jesus has come and transformed the situation. In some areas he has brought healing. He gave peace. He opened doors that were closed. Impossible situations were turned around by the power of Jesus. Share it boldly and with joy. It’s your story within the His-Story of God’s love for the lost world.
R – Reveal Jesus, the reason for the Good News. Make sure you share that Jesus is the sole reason for the difference. Because he is. By all means, don’t leave out his name. With joy and delight, mention the beautiful name of Jesus that oozes with love and compassion for the broken and downtrodden. Reveal Jesus every chance you get.
T – Take the good responses. When you reveal Jesus, you will get several responses. Some will respond with anger and irritation. That’s not a problem. Just excuse yourself from their presence and go away. Some are neutral. They will say something like “Finding god is like climbing a mountain. Whichever direction you take, as long you keep walking up, you will eventually get to the top.” This sounds wonderful, but Jesus doesn’t live on a mountain. Sorry. Finally, there will be a few who listen intently with an open mind and heart. Speak to them and tell them the Good News.
Now, let’s go share the Good News.
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Cheap has a lower price tag. But the cost is high.
What you give up for the lower price is the true measure of the cost of cheap.
It truly is a cheap illusion.
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Someone called me on the phone and referred to me as a “fraud” who is only after money. Surprise! I just received a new designation.
The man went on to mention other pastors and churches in our area (where they had attended) and said they’re way better than us. Certainly, they are better. But why didn’t he stay there? Why did he move on to other churches? Obviously, he was looking for something better, bigger, or more.
Those who go from church to church are missing something vital. The goal ought to be to grow in Christ and to serve him and the community.
Unfortunately for This man, the goal was something other than Jesus and his Church.
Most probably he’ll move on. He’ll keep searching for something other than Jesus.
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Words express ideas of the mind and heart. Silence can also express ideas quite clearly. Now, the recipients may not always grasp those inherent messages immediately. But just give them some time. Eventually, they’ll get it.
Some never get it. Their hearts are set in a particular direction. For such people, your silence, nor your words will get through. We can hope that life will eventually get them on the right track. Maybe their hearts will be softened by the work of God’s Spirit within them.
For those whose hearts are open, your silence at the appropriate times will communicate a clear message. Silence will have a better effect than words because it gives an opportunity for self discovery. Rather than being told, they “learn” it or they “discover” it for themselves..
Thus silence at the appropriate times will produce greater and longer lasting results than your words.
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Resources are available to most people in their troubles. Some reach out and take advantage of those resources, while others ignore it and continue to struggle deeply in their agony.
Those who use the resources may initially view them as a coping mechanism. But as they continue to deal with their issues, something amazing begins within them. Hope begins to emerge. The caring presence of others in their struggles will put a new perspective on their pain.
Then, as part of a small group, they begin to receive prayer for their situation. As God’s presence is invited, they begin to experience healing of their emotions and bodies as well.
Those who don’t use the resources continue in the same condition without any change. They are needy, in pain, and all alone in the midst of caring communities.
You do have a choice.
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A few drops of water can’t fill a bucket. But if the drops continue, the bucket will eventually get filled.
Some water will evaporate and some will get used up. But the continuous dripping will keep the bucket full in spite of constant use. The dripping will eventually exceed the usage.
If the dripping is too much of a hassle, you could wait for a downpour, but you may end up waiting a long time. It’s nice to get the downpour and get filled up quickly, but the downpours are few and far in between. While you wait for the next one, you’ll surely get empty.
The dripping is better. Dripping comes in various forms: Reading, exercise, eating healthy, good relationships, writing, investing, etc.
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Sometimes, there are special God ordained events that will surprise us. We speak to someone for the first time, and the discussion begins to move in a fruitful direction. Within a short time, they are ready to make a full commitment to Jesus (like Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40). And we are surprised.
But the surprise should be unwarranted. You see, the Holy Spirit is working in hearts all over the globe at this very moment. He is drawing people to himself in ways we do not see. This goes on in the hearts of many people for many years. Then finally one day, they meet up with you (or God brings them to you). Their hearts are ripe for the harvest of the Gospel because the Spirit of God was working in them for years.
No need to be surprised. One day evangelism is rare and maybe non existent as God was already at work in them for a long time. And when that one day thing happens, don’t get too hung up with your special evangelistic gifting. The Master Evangelist, the Holy Spirit was already at work.
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