Influencing Others for Jesus

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.

Always be prepared

to give an answer to everyone who asks you

to give the reason for the hope that you have.

But do this with gentleness and respect, ”
I Peter 3:15 NIV

It is important to me that others know that for me personally there is not a shadow of a doubt that there is a God.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1 NIV

I want them to know that I tenaciously believe in heaven and in hell.

"Rejoice and be glad, because great is you reward in heaven," Matthew 5:12a NIV

"How will you escape being condemned to hell?" Matthew 23:33b NIV

I want others to know that I believe that Jesus is God’s son who came to this earth, put on skin, lived, suffered, and died for my personal sin so I could be saved from eternal punishment. I want others to know that this is true for everyone.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not persih but have eternal life." John 3:16 NIV

I want others to know that I believe that Jesus was resurrected so that he could return to heaven and prepare an eternal home for all those who place their trust in him.

"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." Matthew 28:6 NIV

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you." John 14:1-2 NIV

It is also important to me that others know that I believe that all of God’s Word, and that the Bible is totally completely true and infallible.

"All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal." Psalm 119:160 NIV

I want others to know that I believe that there is not one thing written in the Bible that is negotiable.

"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anyting to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away forom this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." Revelation 22:18-19 NIV

I want others to know that there is only one way to God and that it is through accepting Jesus Christ.

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 NIV

I want others to know that my "eternal hope" is placed in Jesus Christ and his righteousness alone.

"...while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing." Titus 2:13 NIV

I want others to know that the God of the universe desires to have a personal relationship with everyone.

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16 NIV

If I want others to know what I believe then how do I share those beliefs? How do I tell others how precious those beliefs are to me? The Bible tells me I must be prepared. I must prepare for any opportunity that may come my way. I do this by spending time with God daily as I read his Word and by spending time in prayer.

Be prepared. Prepared for what? I Peter 3:15 says, “…to give an answer.” To me that must mean that in order to give an answer there must first be a question. Sometimes Jesus asked a question and other times he answered the questions of others by asking another question. We must know what another person believes before we can address their belief. Peter also notes that our conversations should be carried out in gentleness and respect.

God wants me, when asked, to very simply share my personal story of faith. Basically that means, telling the details of my own personal story relating how Jesus Christ became real to me. I can also do this by sharing the details of how and why I accepted Jesus and how he has been faithful to me. Lastly, it is important for me to speak with a smile on my face and a twinkle in my eyes when I speak of the hope that I have for eternity. Being a Christian is a joyful experience and I want others to experience that joy as well.

But most importantly, I believe that if our life silently reflects Jesus Christ it will be our greatest influence as we try to help others find and follow Jesus. This is best modeled in our actions and attitudes, and how we respond to life and to others.

Questions

When was the last time someone asked you about your faith?

Were you comfortable or uncomfortable in responding?

Have you ever written down your own personal story of faith? If not, you may want to try to do so. Start with your earliest remembrance of God.

When did Jesus Christ become real to you? Include that in your story.

How has being a Christian changed your life?

Besides saving you, what was the most amazing thing that God has ever done for you personally? That experience is also a part of your personal story.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

I want to influence others to find you and to follow you. Help me to spend more time alone with you so that I will become better equipped to share my beliefs and my personal story. I pray that your Holy Spirit within me will make me sensitive to the questions of others. Lord, help me to be sensitive to the difference in influencing others vs. convincing others. Lord, I pray that my words will be spoken respectfully in gentleness and with respect. Help me to be a person of influence that will bring glory to you.

In Your Name I pray. Amen.

Teachable Moments

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 NIV

Very early this morning as I went to the garden, I gained access to the garden of my heart as I sat in my favorite spot on my screened in porch. It was dark and damp. The rain was falling in a simple, steady rhythm. It was a rain that was peaceful and comforting because there was no threat of a storm. It was the necessary rain that God provides for his creation. The air smelled fresh and clean. Slowly the darkness of the pre dawn sky changed from darkness into dawn. The birds began to sing a delightful song to God thanking him for the shower. My back yard looked refreshed as the sunlight hit the lush carpet of green grass and kissed the tree tops of my wooded sanctuary. As I sat there with my coffee, God and I began to chat.

I began to thank God for the rain and for a night of rest. I prayed for my family and for myself. Then God began to speak to me about the importance of teachable moments in the garden. I wondered what God was about to teach me this day in the garden.

Experiencing God’s teachable moments can be a little like doing your homework. I have found that it is important for me to do my spiritual homework now so that I will learn new facts, gain new information, and reflect and receive strength from what I already know to be true. In school homework is done in preparation for the test ahead. Spending time alone with God is so important. It not only gives me strength for the day but it also provides opportunity for God to teach me and prepare me for what he knows is up ahead.

I have found that in my teachable moment maybe only one word will come to my mind. It may be a word like trust, mercy, forgiveness, surrender, wait, simplicity, or grace. When this happens it is like God is giving me the first clue in the mystery that lies ahead. It is in the beginning of a teachable moment in time when God begins preparing my heart for the future. Other times God simply speaks the one word that my heart needs to hear for that day.

At this point I am completely clueless as to what is coming down the pike in my life, but God already knows. Because of his great love for me God goes ahead of me and prepares the way. When I become completely still and silent the teaching begins. It is important for me to pay attention and stay alert. For example, if God whispers the word “trust” to me I must listen for additional messages regarding “trust.”

So from that point on I may hear additional messages coming from everywhere regarding “trust”. I’m a little slow but I eventually begin to get it! The pastor speaks on trust. I turn on the car radio when I am out running errands the lyrics of the song I hear is about trusting God. A good friend calls me on the phone and tells me about an amazing speaker she heard and the things that he had to say about trust. I pick up my favorite devotional book and the theme for the day is – you guessed it, trust! Even when I pick up my Bible and begin to read from a collection of 66 books, 1,189 chapters, and 31,103 verses – who would have guessed the exact verse that I read is about trust. Is that not amazing? God intentionally speaks to us in themes. All we have to do is start listening and learning. When he does this he is without a doubt preparing me for the days ahead. God already knows that in the future there will be a situation that will require me to trust him completely.

So today in the garden, I am sensing a teachable moment is on the way. My mind whirls and I almost feel giddy with excitement. I wonder what word Jesus has for me today. I know that this is his way of teaching me incredible things. I know that no matter if I turn to the right or to the left, my ears will hear a voice behind me saying, “Paula, this is the way, walk in it.”

Questions:

Are you comforted to know that God goes before you to prepare the way for you according to your need?

In the past have you experienced a teachable moment from God?

Is God whispering a word that keep showing up everywhere you go?

Have you noticed that God is speaking to you in a theme?

What is that theme?

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

I am amazed that you speak to me in themes. Help me not to be afraid of what lies ahead but rather to trust you because of your great love for me. Help me to view my teachable moments as your protection on my life. I thank you that you are preparing me so that I may respond to the situation, the person or the test that may be in my future. Help me to stay alert to your loving teachings and to be an obedient learner. Help me to respond to your teaching just as you would have me respond.

In Your Name I pray. Amen.

A Heart that Burns

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road

and opened the Scriptures to us?”

Luke 24:32 NIV

I remember the first time my heart burned within me. It was in 1978. I was standing in the middle of my kitchen floor crying out to God. My cry was one that begged an answer, “God why did mom have to die? After all, I know plenty of people who don’t give you a second thought and never go to church. Why didn’t you take them? My mom was a good woman who never said a bad word about anybody and was a loyal and faithful follower of yours. God, why did you have to take her?”

I was in my early thirties and just starting my family. Didn’t God know that I needed my mom and that my children needed a grandmother? Over and over again I argued with God, “God, what were you thinking? You most certainly have made a mistake on this one!” The fact was, I simply loved her and could not let her go.

Now over thirty years later, I still remember the burning in my heart when God lovingly spoke his truth to me. He gently brought to my mind this scripture, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror, then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” I Corinthians 13:12 NIV

Tears streamed down my face and my heart burned within me as I realized that God loved me so much that he would come to my town, my house, my kitchen and into my heart and speak his perfect words of healing to me. I no longer needed to know why. I accepted the fact that here on earth I may only know in part and my vision will be clouded. I embraced the fact that someday in heaven; I would see clearly and understand completely.

If you have never experienced your heart burning within you, you will. God is faithful to all who love and seek him. You may not get answers to all of your questions, or experience God showing up in such a real way on every occasion, but I tell you the truth he knows when and where you need him the most and he will make himself known to you in the places and times that he chooses. When that happens, your heart will burn within you. You will feel the sweet presence and love of God. The truth is that God’s Holy Spirit speaks to you at that time when you need him most. That experience will never leave you. Your heart will burn within you.

Because God has met my need in a few brief “holy moments” I am able to trust him all the more during the times when I do not feel his presence. In the times that I do not feel his presence or hear his voice I will still choose to walk in faith knowing that he is always near. After all, God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Joshua 1:5 NIV I claim that promise for my life.

Questions:

Have you ever experienced you heart burning within you?

If so, what do you remember about that day, that place, that time?

Prayer:

Dear God,

Help me to treasure the moments in my life that you have spoken to me in a very real way. I want to store up those memories in my heart and reflect back on them throughout my life as a source of strengthening my faith. God, it seems that the times when my heart has burned within me are too few and far between. So today, I do not pray for the experience but I do pray to draw closer to you so that when you do speak I will hear. Thank you that you never leave me or forsake me.

In Your Son’s Name I pray. Amen.

Comfort From the Gardner

"Peace I leave with you
my peace I give to you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled
and do not be afraid."

John 14:27 NIV

This beautiful May morning finds me enjoying my screened in porch and it really is true, “Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina in the morning!” The early morning air smells so fresh that it reminds me of camping trips from days gone by. It is true, April showers do bring May flowers. The birds seem to be especially happy this fine day! They seem to know that winter is over and spring is here. The birds are so trusting because they know full well the extent of God’s provision.

In the background I can hear a wise old owl hooting in a steady rhythm. “oho, who, who, whoooo” – “oho, who, who, whoooo.” It seems that this owl might actually be saying, “oho, who, who, whoooo, made all of this?” My reply is, “God.” Then the owl hoots, “oho, who, who, whoooo, controls all of this?” Again my reply is, “God.” Now the not so wise owl asks, “oho, who, who, whoooo is to be trusted?” Once again, my replay is, “God, the creator of heaven and earth.”

I now find my mind is ascending to the Father who says, “Come to the garden.” My heart is eager; and my steps are quick as I run toward the garden. As I enter the arbor gate my heart skips a beat as I see the beautiful deep purple clematis that is climbing up the trellis. With every year that passes it gets more and more beautiful than the year before. In the distance I see my Savior walking towards me. At last we meet and share a warm embrace. We head for the gazebo and Jesus asks me to sit with him and share what is on my heart.

As I begin to share my thoughts he listens. He hears every single word. I explain that this world is a bit uncertain. The future is unclear. I know that he created everything, and that he is in control of everything, and that he can be trusted…but… Jesus I am still having trouble understanding all that goes on around me. I share that my knees are shaky and my heart beats fast when things in this world seem to be flying out of control. There is a long period of silence and then Jesus speaks.

My sweet daughter, you are in need of reassurance, comfort and peace. I want you to close your eyes and wait for the Holy Spirit and while you wait just listen to me. Jesus then reminds me that his ways are indeed higher than my ways, and that his thoughts soar way above the clouds while my thoughts cling to the earth beneath my feet causing me to cast my focus downward. He speaks again and says, “Paula, you lack understanding because what see through the windows of your eyes is cloudy.”

This was a wonderful time in the garden because the Master Gardner reminded me of so many important things. He told me that I am not to despair when life is hard. He simply said for me to do my best and leave the rest to him. There were also some other very important reminders. Paula, do not give in to hopeless thoughts. Remember I am the God of hope. I will sustain you. I will be your help in trouble. The second reminder was trust Me. Give up your worry. He said that worry changes nothing except my own countenance. Worry pulls you down and it steals your joy. Worry shuts out my peace, so please Paula, don’t worry. I am on the job. I know your name; I will provide for all that you will ever need.

Amazingly, my shoulders began to relax, the deep lines of concern left my forehead, my headache went away, my knees stopped knocking and my stomach stopped churning. In their place I felt this amazing peace wash over me. It was a peace that I could not explain; there was now a wonderful comfort that calmed my soul. The Holy Spirit had come and poured out on me his peace and his comfort.

It was now time to leave the garden and go back to all that had previously concerned me. But now, deep in my heart I knew that my needs would be met. I knew that I had hope, and that Jesus was going to go before me to guide me, above me to protect me, behind me to encourage me, and inside of me to give me peace. I knew that Jesus would sustain me in all circumstances and that he would always be more than enough. Jesus knew that I was in need of comfort this day and he met my need.

Questions:

What are you concerned and worried about?

Have you given that worry and concern to Jesus?

Are you lacking hope or trust?

When was the last time that you felt God’s amazing comfort in your life?

Do you think that you could benefit from going to the garden to receive comfort from the Holy Spirit?

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

Thank you that I can be completely honest with you. Thank you that you hear me and that you listen to me. I know that you don’t miss a single word I say. Today I am feeling in need of _______________. Please send your Holy Spirit to provide the peace and comfort that I need this day. I need your help so that I can remain hopeful as I put my complete trust in you.

In Your Name I Pray. Amen

My Proverbs 31 Woman

“A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed with scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

She is clothed in strength and dignity;

and can laugh at the days to come.

She watches over the affairs of her household,

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the Lord, is to be praised.”

Proverbs 31:10-30 NIV

Today is Mother’s Day and although I am always happily looking forward to the attention that I will receive, this day has my mind racing back to my own mother, who has been deceased for many years.

Mom was nineteen years old when she married my Dad. From that time on until her death she gave her full attention to being a wife and mother. She raised her six children and loved her grandchildren. Even though Dad and Mom did not have a lot of financial resources and found themselves struggling during the depression, Mom still managed to keep her very small and simple home spotless and tidy. Mom washed and scrubbed clothes on a washboard; she fed each piece of clothing through a wringer, and then hung the clothes outside on a clothes line to dry. I venture to say that she may have had the whitest laundry in the entire county!

Mom was a seamstress. She made tablecloths, pillows and curtains for her home and she made all her own clothes and her children’s clothes as well. Mom was very resourceful as she used the printed fabric garden seed bags to sew the boy’s shirts and the girl’s dresses. The white cloth sacks that packaged the flour were turned into dish towels and curtains. Nothing was ever wasted! Socks were darned and buttons were replaced. The stitches of her handwork were very small and uniform and when necessary they were next to invisible.

Mom also baked delicious cakes, cookies and bread. I loved to watch her beat a cake batter by hand. Her steady hand whipped the batter in a bowl that was slanted at a dangerous angle resting on her lap. As I watched her beat the cake batter I was almost certain that the batter would end up spilling in her lap as she steadily beat and counted her strokes. Mom was also a wonderful cook and made a fantastic mouth watering pot roast. On Sundays the family would gather to share a wonderful meal. Other specialties were her fried fish and southern fried chicken. In addition her pies and cobblers were second to none! Cooking was something that she excelled in. Despite her meager monetary assets Mom knew how to make a holiday special with very little resources. There was always wonderful food and always a simple but pretty dinner table.

Mom’s teachings were based on biblical principles. Her words were loving and kind. But most importantly, Mom held her entire family in her prayers on a daily basis. She was indeed a Proverbs 31 woman. Mother went home to be with the Lord at the early age of sixty-eight after a long battle with cancer. I will always remember Mom as a soft-spoken lady who never said a bad word about anyone! Mom’s faith was steady and sure. After Mom passed away, I found a small card in her wallet with a picture of Jesus. Under the picture was this motto:

“Only one life ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

- C. T. Studd

My mom lived a very simple life. She only had an eighth grade education, yet she always felt that she had been given the highest calling from God that any woman could be blessed to receive. That calling was to love God, love her family and teach them about Jesus and she did that very well. Her life on this earth is past but her faithfulness to Jesus Christ lives on in my memory. Thank you mom for teaching me how to accept and love Jesus, because now I know that knowing Jesus is truly the only thing that will last!

Today as I am remembering my own mother I am impressed that it is important that I too take this motto that she loved into my own heart. I am satisfied knowing that this calling and service can be lived out under the simplest of conditions and without fanfare or acclaim. Wherever my path may lead me it is my desire to finish this life well and when I leave this world I want to be remembered not as a super Proverbs 31 woman who could do anything and everything, but rather a Proverbs 31 woman who loved God, her family and others. Who lived knowing that only one life would soon be past, only what was done for Christ would last.” Thank you mom for being a great example!

Questions:

Are you conscious of the fact that “Only one life will soon be past, and only what’s done for Christ will last?”

Do you think that raising your family is a God given privilege and calling?

If you are single, who are the people that you are in contact with the most?

Are you living your life before others in such a way that when you are no longer living your example will leave a mark of eternal significance on their life because of your influence?

Do you realize that godly faith, kindness, humility, mercy, compassion, and love can be your greatest assets of influence?

Prayer:

Dear God,

Thank you for all of the people in my life who have been there for me. I am especially thankful for those who have influenced and encouraged me to pursue Jesus Christ. As a mother I am blessed to have the awesome responsibility of training up my children in the way that they should go. Lord, today I pray a special blessing on all the women whose arms are empty and desire to have a child. I pray also that all men and women, married or single, will remember that they too have a blessed calling to be people of eternal influence to all that are within their circle of influence. God help me to remember that only one life will soon be past, and only what’s done for Christ will last.

In Your Son’s Name I Pray. Amen.

Bloom Where You're Planted!

“And whatever you do,

whether in word or deed,

do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:17 NIV

Today I had an opportunity to enter my garden at mid day instead of early morning. My morning had gotten off to a rough start. As the day progressed I began to think about a lot of changes in my life that I did not like. Because of my unrest I decided to go to the garden even if it was in the middle of the day. It really wasn’t because I didn’t have anything else to do; it was because my spirit was in need.

I began to remember all the times that major change had taken place in my life. The fact is I have rarely welcomed major change. Much to my dismay my apple cart has been turned over more than once in my life!

I remember moving to Maryland. I had never moved before and I was leaving precious family and life long friends behind. I was also leaving my daughter in Illinois to attend her first year of college.

Not long after arriving in Maryland I met Linda, who not only had moved one time but many times. One day over lunch she shared with me something that she had learned in her heart’s garden. She said, “Look for those people that God has sent to you to help you get through this life change, and also look for the people that God is sending to you so that you can help and encourage them.” Then she added, “I do that everywhere I go.” Well now that is what I call blooming where you are planted!

When we face major change in our life there are choices to be made. Today I am remembering a major lesson that God taught me one day while I was in the garden looking for answers. On this particular day as I was nonchalantly walking the garden paths. I was enjoying the beautiful red geraniums when I stopped dead in my tracks and stared at the delicate pink Impatiens. The Master Gardener strolled up beside me and said, “Paula, there is a message here.” You are fretting about the change in your life without even giving me a chance to work all things together for your good. Your impatience and discontent is robbing you of the peace and joy that is to be found while you are waiting for your answers. So I got up my courage and asked the Master Gardener, “How long must I wait?” His replay was, “You need to wait as long as it takes.” I got the real impression that God wanted me to stop fretting and questioning. Again, I remembered what my friend Linda had said and so I began trying to discover ways that I could bloom where God had planted me. I now had a choice, I could wait in the garden impatiently with the Impatiens or I could wait in peace with the Peace Lilies. Either way it seemed pretty clear to me that I would be waiting.

I am the type of person that needs examples. I began to question, what does it look like to bloom where you are planted?

I thought about Gladys, who was mentally retarded. She sold greeting cards to earn a little extra money. In addition, she sent birthday cards to everyone in the entire church. I then remembered my brother-in-law Dale, who was confined to a wheelchair and placed in a nursing home at a very young age. Dale always had a smile for everyone and a word of encouragement everywhere he went. I am also thinking of another man. This man has been falsely accused and imprisoned. Even in prison he is currently trying to be an encouragement to others. I know another couple who had looked forward to retirement but are now limited in what they can do because they are caring for an elderly mother. Their gracious treatment of this fine lady is a testament to God’s grace in their life. I fondly think of this same sweet elderly Grandma, who plants a garden every year and will not let me leave without giving me a beautiful head of cabbage. Another couple, living away from family, opens their home to singles in their church every Thanksgiving so that these individuals might have the opportunity to share a dinner with others, instead of eating alone. Yes indeed, these folks have all learned how to bloom where they are planted.

You see, sometimes God gives me the privilege of entering into someone else’s garden as a visitor. These folks share their stories and I listen. I am always amazed at how different their garden is from mine. When we allow God to show us where and how to bloom each heart will flourish with its own unique beauty. Our heart’s garden will become a collection of blooms that are testimonies of God’s love and grace. Today I am reminded that I am not alone in change. Every one of us must choose to bloom wherever God plants us. Wherever we are in our life we must rest assured that God will help us find purpose in this place. We may never know why we are in our current situation but we can still ask God to help us find purpose. Blooming where we are planted is not only serving others but it is also our service to God.

Questions:

Are you struggling with your circumstance?

Have you been thinking that where you are right now is a terrible mistake?

Even if it is a mistake, have you asked God to show you where you might bloom?

How will you bloom where you are planted?

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven,

Please help me to understand that sometimes things that happen to me are completely out of my control. Help me not to drown in self pity but rather look up beyond my circumstances and see your face. God I know with you there are no mistakes. If I trust you, you will help me find ways to bloom where you have planted me. I don’t want to waste a single day. I am so thankful that you have already gone before me and that you already have in place the work I am to do. Thank you also for those that you will send to encourage me along my way. Yes God, help me to find your peace and joy as I bloom where you have planted me.

In Your Son’s Name I Pray. Amen.