TAKING OPPORTUNITIES!
Recently at the Wednesday night study at our church, the discussion was on what keeps us from taking the opportunities to evangelize? Many talked about fears of failure and being rejected; Some felt they didn't know enough to give answers; Some mentioned that they especially liked difficult situations which spurs them on to evangelize. It was a good discussion!
We were reminded through scriptures that Paul used every opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ even if it became detrimental to his health. Jesus said profound things that caused fear and hatred in those he taught. The evening concluded with the fact that even we should be ready to share the gospel in spite of our insecurities and fears.

I was reminded of taking the opportunity to teach a ladies Sunday morning class so I could reach one young woman. In the process I was able to lift up and encourage many women who were in that class, and who have since gone home to be with the Lord. I was also reminded about Morning Glory and writing this blog. This was an opportunity for me to share what I have learned in my lifetime about my relationship of walking and talking with God.

One of the things that we did not discuss at this session, but perhaps at a later one, is that we are a living gospel of Jesus Christ. We don't have to know everything that is written in God's word to evangelize. We don't need to have all the answers! What we need is our story. The story about how we came to know Jesus as our Savior! We all know how He came into our lives and changed us. We all know how His love and promise of eternal life has given us a future. We all know how we love to hear someone else's story, so why wouldn't someone want to hear ours. Take every opportunity to let someone know just how God has made a difference!

I think I mentioned before that it has been said; "We are the only Bible some people will read!"
As you walk and talk let yourself be known around town as the person God has created you to be. Try not to mix in the old you, so that as you are being read, the reader won't be confused.

I think I mentioned before that it has been said; "You are the only Christ that some people will meet!" "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification, according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29 Also, let your actions be bold and honest so they can be heard without a word spoken. Sometimes actions speak louder than words; don't they?

When people become acquainted with you they will know that your yes will be yes and your no will be no. "Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another." Ephesians 4:25 In doing these things, they will know although you are not perfect, your trust is in the Lord. Those who look to you, will learn from you on how to seek God and call upon His name. The only place you need to start when you are ready to evangelize is where you are. A child can do this. A new Christian is the best! Any Christian knows his own story.

Remember the story of the lame man sitting at the door of the Gate Beautiful? Peter and John were just about to enter the gate when the man caught their eye. Peter looked directly at him and said; "Look at us!" Then Peter said; "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have, I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." Acts 3:1-6 Further on in this same chapter, this man leaps to his feet and began walking and leaping along side John and Peter into the temple. He was praising God! And all the people who saw him walking and leaping an praising, God, were amazed. They new who he had been and now they saw him as he was. This man had a story! They wanted to hear his story and others want to hear yours. Jane Ann