Friday, February 13, 2009

Day 37 - Sharing Your Message

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DAY 37

Point To Ponder: God wants to say something to the world through me.

Verse To Remember: "Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15b-16 (TEV)

Question To Consider: As I reflect on my personal story, who does God want me to share it with?


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3 comments:

  1. I picked up on something in this chapter that reminded me of the last one... fear. Rick stated that if you truly love, your love will outweigh your fear, like a parent who would rush into a burning building to save their child. I think that's a pretty cool analogy and something to think about as I strive to develop a heart of love for people.

    I tend to not really consider my life story/experiences share-worthy, but maybe I just haven't thought about it hard enough. I know I have family, friends, and co-workers who need to hear the Good News, just not share how I can use my Life Message to relay it. I'll keep thinking on it and plan to write down my testimony and experiences soon.

    Hope you guys have a great Valentine's!

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  2. Jer, I believe life stories don't always have to be about tragedy or mishaps. A life story can be about how you were steadfast through a tough situation. My biggest respect I have for you that could influence teens and single people is how you waited and didn't waiver on waiting for the RIGHT companion for your life. One aspect of your life story is how you didn't settle for second-best, but waited for God's best. So many single people stray from that point in order to fulfill a certain emotion need. Also, everyone has trials with family or friends and I am sure there is a story to tell about how you worked through it. I love you, bro!

    I find it hard to share my past experiences with people. I have been encouraged as to how it helps people- but it's hard! Sometimes I have re-live the humiliation and the poor choices in order to get to the good stuff; God's forgiveness and grace... and alot of mercy.

    I am not sure of any one person I can share my life story with, but I am willing to keep it open and be ready to share it with someone who is going through a similar situation. I need to pray that I will be sensitive to God's "appointments" and not be too busy to miss it.

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  3. I was awed by the analogy of the parent running into the burning building too. What a passion and overwhelming all consuming powerful love that would take to rush in to die for someone else- and that is what parents feel for their childen. I need to pray to find that passion for everyone- even those who have wronged me- to stop at nothing to help save them. That idea really inspired me.

    I need to continue to share my story with my unsaved friends- I have many- and even learn how to be comfortable enough to talk to neighbors and strangers. We all know I can talk to just about anyone- I need to learn to be able to bring up spiritual topics without being awkward or self-conscious.

    God saved me from a life heading downhill at a fast pace- and I need to remember the faith he had in me and the second chance I was given. I don't intend to reinvite harmful people into my life- but that doesn't mean that I can't pray for them and forgive them- love them through thoughts and prayers. I feel torn with the fact that my whole family- uncles, cousins, aunts, siblings... are all unsaved. I know that being with them physically is not healthy for me and my family- but I can pray for them and that God brings someone into their lives that can be around them and impact them.

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