unbelief

Tell me what you know in a few sentences?

The opening question of a kitchen conversation with the elder-in-law... an unexpected opportunity... I told him about Jesus... the most important thing I know... the only good that I know... the source of all wisdom... knowledge... peace... freedom...

Why don't all people believe?

My answer... sin... rebellion... people would rather believe lies than the truth...

Then the Word came to mind... from my Bible I read what He says about unbelief...

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they were without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:18-21 ESV (emphasis added)

As I read God's Word... he looked... he heard... For what can be known about God is plain... he came near... eyeing the Book... pointing... when I finished he asked me to "index" it for him... I did... on an index card... which he stuck in his pocket... along with a desire to believe when he is free of doubts...

I'm amazed... God's Word captures the attention of an elderly atheist... my words... nothing... God's Word... rapt attention... and a desire to possess...

Pray with me... for the elder-in-law... that he might be blessed with enough faith to pray...

"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

And pray for me... that I will speak the Word... that opens eyes... turns darkness to light...

important talks

It's a pretty important thing.

The words of one with doubts... concerning faith in God...

Yes... it is a pretty important thing... one worth talking about to those who doubt...

Yet... those conversations are the hardest to start... the ones about God... and faith... conversations with those who don't believe... or those you don't know what they believe...

But... it's a pretty important thing...

Giving invitations to a Bible study... one at my house... prompted to ask neighbors... Hard to invite when you don't know... awkward... for an introvert... maybe for one extroverted too... when it has to do with faith...

Still... I asked... invited...
One attended... one who purchased a Bible to come... she did not have one of her own... but she does now...

Another conversation... with a doubter...
over cookies and coffee...
I offered thanks to him for talking with me... he responded with thanks for talking to him... saying...

It's a pretty important thing...

Yes... it's a pretty important thing...

"...The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for

"'In him we live and move and have our being';

as even some of your own poets have said,

"'For we are indeed his offspring.'

Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."   Acts 17: 24-31 ESV

Heavenly Father... do not let me miss another opportunity to talk with others about the only thing that is truly important... Jesus... 

not so pretty feet...

As it is written,

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Romans 10:15

The Good News... so often I fail to share it... maybe... because I don't always feel it...

My life... not a consistent picture of good news...

Recently... I read...

The great commission was given to us through the disciples. Like Genesis 1:28, where God gives basic and crucial commands to all people through Adam and Eve, so Jesus here gives his marching orders to Christians. This is what they are to devote their lives to. Genesis 1:28 is often called the cultural mandate. With that in mind, we can call Matthew 28:18-20 the gospel mandate. It is the mandate to subdue the earth with the gospel. We are the voice of the Lord on the earth. After all, "How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?" (Rom. 10:14).

---Dan B. Allender & Tremper Longman III, Intimate Allies (emphasis mine)

The brokenness of a rebellious world... and a self-centered heart... steal the good news... silence my voice for God...

When I fail to speak... to live... good news... I allow the world to subdue me... rather than me subdue the earth with the gospel...

Failing... to speak... to live... good news... leaves me with ugly feet...

Father God... forgive me... for not speaking... sharing... living... the Good News... forgive my ugly feet...

What shape are your feet in?
Do you need a spiritual pedicure?

stories of light

Our stories witness to the evidence of Christ...
offering Light to a dark world...
refreshment in the wilderness...
hope...

Our stories should be like that of John...

the voice calling in the wilderness...

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

John 1:6-8

What is your story of Light?

rooted in thanksgiving

I am continually amazed at how quickly God answers my concerns...
The very issue I wrestled with yesterday was dealt with in the book I took to my treadmill today.Yesterday's feelings have turned into today's hope.  Amazing...

The chapter I turned to focused on evangelism, sharing Christ's story through our own story. The author encouraged Believers to learn Christ's story more fully so we can see Him clearly in ours. The more we know the story of Christ the easier it is for us to recognize the elements of His life in ours.

His story brings our story hope and from that hope spring forth faith and love. These are the elements of our life we need to be willing to share for the express purpose of introducing Him to others.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6, 7

Since I received Jesus as Lord,

my life is firmly rooted in Him.

As I build on the foundation of this truth,

walking with Him, being strengthened in faith,

I overflow with thanksgiving.

Yesterday's desire brings hope and new questions today:

How does Jesus' story fit into mine?

Where is His story evident in my story?

Do you know your story?

Join me in getting a clear picture of the hope of Christ for the glory of God, with the express purpose of sharing that hope with others.

feeling selfish and unappreciative

I must not fully appreciate what I have through Christ.
The changes He has made in my life.
The freedom, peace, and confidence that I walk in daily...
not perfectly... is so different than I used to be.

So why don't I share what I know with others who are struggling? People -- loved ones -- who I know are far from God. Why don't I share the mystery of faith, the presence of Christ, the hope of glory? Why do I hold back?

I long for everyone to know Christ.
I want to say with Paul:

We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

Colossians 1:28, 29

Is His energy powerfully at work in me? Is it available to me? I think I look for open doors in conversations... but today I feel, I don't know ...selfish... like I must not want to share what I have with someone who might not understand...

Lord, forgive me for missed opportunities, for lack of faith, for not opening my mouth and sharing how You have changed my life. Help me to remember my story and tell others without shame or fear. Teach me how to share my personal experiences with others.