EVANGELISM IS KEY TO LIVING THE GOOD LIFE.
JESUS PUT IT LIKE THIS IN MARK 8:35 (TLB)
If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.
A natural and non-threatening way to share is to incorporate this acronym into your life:
I’m going to share stories from my summer with three international students and Twila’s success in starting a seeker’s Bible study in her neighborhood. I’ll provide you with scriptures to meditate on each day, and I hope to hear your stories, too. I had 9 students, but I only had 2 times with 7 of them because they got so many jobs. Below, on top of a tower in Door County, are the 3 I had over many times. To my right is Angie, from war-torn Ukraine — not eager to return in a week. Her brother is in the army and her mother has been hurt in the bombing. Medina and Di are from Kazakhstan, a Muslim country.
Sunday: God Hunts
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God last week?
Monday: Pray
I always pray that the Lord will give me the students He wants me to have. I also pray for eyes to see people whom He might be wooing, for they have tender hearts. I saw that, so with Medina, the little gal from Ukraine. Suffering has a way of pressing you into God. She said some things are unforgivable. I surely could understand, given her circumstances. When I told her my story of forgiving the woman who stole the jewelry Steve had given me, and took her to the Rembrandt print of the prodigal sons, she wept.
Twila walks her dog for an hour each day in her neighborhood and prays as she passes the homes, asking God to bring those outside with whom He wants her to connect. This led to seven women coming to her study on Examining the Claims of Jesus. One woman had an adult daughter dying of cancer and found out three others had lost an adult child. Only God could orchestrate that. He bends down and hears our prayers.
2. How have you used prayer to help you in evangelism?
Tuesday: Listen
On the second night I had my students over, I asked them to tell of a childhood experience that shaped the woman they are today. Angie shared that her parents had gotten her into ballroom dancing as a young teen. A few weeks ago my eldest son and his wife were visiting and had just seen a Christian movie about ballroom dancing. So we invited them over to watch that and it led to a great discussion. It was a low-budget movie, and some actors better than others, but still, was a good fit. He bought it — but it will be out soon and is called “Take Time to Dance.”
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30057701/
On the fifth night my son asked Medina about her shirt for it was of a Satanic rock group that sings about suicide. She had no idea — and they had a good discussion, even laughing about it — yet it also caused us to pray, for her friends said she always wore depressing shirts. I also learned that Di is an agnostic and her boyfriend an atheist – -she said, “Because he’s into science.” That gave me ideas for so many scientists became believers because of the wonders they have discovered in this world!
If Twila sees a neighbor outside, she greets them, and if they come over she asks them a few questions about themselves. She says, “I do a lot of listening and hear a lot of stories.”
3. Meditate on Proverbs 20:5
- What metaphor is given to describe our hearts, and what does this tell you?
- What can a person of insight do?
- The proverb mentions “the purposes” of a person’s heart. What does that mean?
- What are some good questions that aren’t intimidating but might help you find common ground with someone?
- What are some more probing questions to draw out the deep waters of another’s heart?
4. How have you really listened to an unbeliever recently, and what did you learn that might help you to connect with him or her or pray more intelligently?
Wednesday: Eat with Them
It doesn’t have to be fancy — my students loved pizza, so we kept getting that. But hospitality, whether you invite them into your home, restaurant, or coffee place. Four of Twila’s neighbors agreed to come to a study on Examining the Claims of Christ, and she did include snacks. Then a neighbor suggested they add a craft time after study, and three more women joined!
5. Find at least three examples of Jesus eating with people. What do you learn from each?
6. Meditate on Romans 12:13:
A. With whom are we directed to practice hospitality here?
B. What does the verb “practice” tell you?
7. Meditate on Hebrews 13:2 — who is mentioned here, and why are we to invite them to our homes?
8. When is the last time you ate with an unbeliever? How did you see God at work, if you did?
9. Challenge: Invite an unbeliever to eat with you in the next two weeks and be ready to share what God does. I’ll ask in two weeks!
Thursday: Serve Them
This is not my gift. I always spy the questions on spiritual gift tests that are for service and don’t check them. A friend says, “That’s a pretty clear sign you don’t have the gift!” But we are all to serve, and I need to be more willing. My students always want to take a whole day to go to one of our bigger cities (Green Bay is two hours away) to shop. And they shop forever. So I talked my friend Debbie into doing it for me this year, and she willingly agreed, but then got sick. It was good for me to do it. They were so grateful, and we had meals at Panda Express and McDonald’s, and I learned a lot more.
Today I’m taking Medina to our Piggly Wiggly where she worked and got cross-ways with her boss. She wants to end well. I told her I’d drive her, as it is a two-mile hilly walk on a busy highway. She said, “What should I say?”
“How about ‘I want to end well. I’m sorry.'” She said, “That’s exactly what I will say.”
Twila’s husband, Doug, is alert to needs in the neighborhood and found a neighbor struggling with his lawnmower. He put it in the back of his truck, went to the repair shop, and was back in an hour. Doug said, “I love hearing him mow now.” Has this neighbor come to church? No — but we are to serve without an ulterior motive!
10. Doug also stressed it is essential to let them serve you. Why do you think that is true, if you do?
11. Meditate on Philippians 2:3-5
A. Because of the curvature of the soul, it’s easy to slip into doing something for someone in hopes of currying favor. We might be more likely to serve the more powerful or popular people. What are we told in verse 2:3A?
B. How are we to value others? And how does this manifest itself?
C. What example are we given?
12. Pray and see if the Lord opens a door to serve an unbeliever. If so, report!
Friday: Share Your Story
I’m going to share how I briefly shared my story with the students using just seven sentences. I actually had 8 minutes, but this is an outline. Then it will be your turn. WHATEVER YOUR STORY, IT SHOULD POINT THEM CLEARLY TO JESUS AND HIS GOSPEL.
1. I always ask my students what their best life would be, and they tell me they want to travel, or get rich, or find their one true love.
2. God gave me those things, but I still wasn’t happy, because there is a God-shaped void, Blaise Pascal says, in each of our hearts that only CHRIST can fill.
3. I was so selfish, but God still loved me and sent my sister to share the good news with me that Jesus was the answer to my life, and had died to pay for my sin in full.
4. As she told me that Jesus was God and wanted my whole life, I wondered, “Could it be true?”
5. I read the New Testament and a couple of books that caused me to be 90% convinced it was true.
6. The fear of the Lord, which the Bible says is “the beginning of wisdom” brought me to my knees in surrender.
7. When I stood up I was 100% convinced, because I was so different — I felt forgiven, joyful, and like I had fallen in love.
YOUR TURN:
SATURDAY: TAKEAWAY
13. What is your takeaway and why?
14. Please tell us whenever God opens a door for you to share your story!
95 comments
I’m on the road so published early this week.
I just went to your site, as it was not in my email. Hopefully, everyone else received it.
I’m sorry Patti — you are a mystery. When I get home I can ask my website guys to look into it.
Praying for traveling mercies to you Dee. Be safe and enjoy.
No worries, dear Dee, it might be my internet. It did show up in the afternoon. ☺️ Praying for safety, good health, and fellowship, as you travel.
That probably is slow internet — would you like me to ask them if they think that is the problem?
Dee, safe travels!
Sunday: God Hunts
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God last week? – For the last four weeks I have been filling in at the church office to help out while our office administrator has been out recovering from a back procedure. She thought she would be back in a week, (the staff new otherwise). It’s been a crazy month and has been part of the reason I haven’t been able to finish the weekly studies. Thursday of this past week, I was in the office and had to do a lot of printing for other ministries as well as the normal office things but I went over to the church building to unlock it and turn the alarm off and when I got back to the office (which is in a modular building on the other side), there was a beautiful bouquet of flowers waiting for me. It was just me and our Pastor in at the time, so he had to of run back out to his car and brought them in while I was in the church. What a blessing those flowers were to me and a special note from him and the staff expressing their appreciation for my help. I wasn’t expecting anything, I help all the time, at least once a week, but oh how that brightened up my day.
You are a true servant!
You are such a blessing to others, Julie. Love that your pastor acknowledged his appreciation.
How lovely to be appreciated, Julie.
Julie, what a servant you are, and so thoughtful of the pastor to bring you flowers!
Monday: Pray
I always pray that the Lord will give me the students He wants me to have. I also pray for eyes to see people whom He might be wooing, for they have tender hearts. I saw that, so with Medina, the little gal from Ukraine. Suffering has a way of pressing you into God. She said some things are unforgivable. I surely could understand, given her circumstances. When I told her my story of forgiving the woman who stole the jewelry Steve had given me, and took her to the Rembrandt print of the prodigal sons, she wept.
Twila walks her dog for an hour each day in her neighborhood and prays as she passes the homes, asking God to bring those outside with whom He wants her to connect. This led to seven women coming to her study on Examining the Claims of Jesus. One woman had an adult daughter dying of cancer and found out three others had lost an adult child. Only God could orchestrate that. He bends down and hears our prayers.
2. How have you used prayer to help you in evangelism? – What comes to mind for me is when I pray for someone on the spot, I don’t always know the outcome. Sometimes I do and healing has come for the issue we prayed for. Another time I prayed for a complete stranger at the mall who was talking to me and Joe about her cancer treatments, and I prayed right there for her. I know she appreciated it, but I don’t know the outcome, I don’t know if she is cancer free or still battling and fighting. I guess I can say that opportunities come because people will ask or text and ask me to pray for things that come up. So being obedient to the Lord’s nudge I guess is being seen by others. I may not know the outcome, but God does and continues to bring me chances to be obedient to him.
Ladies, the below link is to the book B.L.E.S.S by the Ferguson brothers. Our church gave this book out a couple of years ago and it was a great help. It’s not a hard or long read but definitely goes along with the study Dee’s doing.
BLESS: 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World: Ferguson, Dave, Ferguson, Jon: 9781684510887: Amazon.com: Books
Thanks so much for that link!
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God last week?
I have been blessed by the people who came to surround us during a dark few hours of my life last week. I am so sad that my relationship is non-existent now between me and my daughter. I do believe that the Holy Spirit was definitely with us too. Maybe one day I will explain.
I continue to pray for you and the relationship with your daughter, Laura. May God change her heart.
Laura, I was thinking about you and your grandkids a couple of days ago. I pray for you often. You are an inspiration to others whether you know it or not!
Laura, you are thought of here and know that God had you during those hours.
I’m sorry to hear of the broken relationship. This life is not easy. May our God restore this for you as he did Joseph and his brothers, if that be his will. Hard things happen and we don’t understand, trusting in his providence.
Laura,
I feel your pain. Sometimes there are no adequate words. I am grateful you and your husband had caring people with you in dark hours.
I found a little podcast entitled “The Estranged Mom Coach” that has been helpful. This mama has experienced estrangement from her daughter and lived to tell about it and the healing Jesus has brought her. Jenny Good is a Christian Certified Family Estrangement Coach (I didn’t know there was such a thing. Sad that there has to be an estrangement coach.) She has wise, compassionate words for parents with these kinds of wounds.
Hugs Laura
Thanks for the podcast.
Thanks Nila. I will check it out
Thanks everyone. Your kind words help.
2. How have you used prayer to help you in evangelism?
I guess the best I can do here, is that I have prayed over my classroom for the last 3 years. Each year God blesses me with the “best” students. He has made me aware of those who believe and we have reformed a longstanding group that had been silent for many years, called the “Christians in Action (CIA for short!).”
This year, as I explained a few weeks ago, I am challenged with a boy who thinks he is a girl (thank You Lord?). He seems to be quite adept at school and engages well in the class. We will see where this goes…..
I walk often in my neighborhood, but not many others are out. I will try what Twila did, by praying, and see what happens.
I know God is using you in the classroom, Laura.
I agree with Dee, Laura!
You are where you are at such a time as this, Laura!
I just love your CIA group!
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God last week?
God is so good and He is moving and working in my life. Dawn, my daughter from Montana, and her husband were here for 8 days. It was so wonderful and comforting, like being home. We are so close and it has been hard on both of us to be apart. We will see what God has planned. My granddaughter, Hannah and her husband, Tony were also here, from Nashville. Hannah grew up here in Rhode Island. We had wonderful talks and we all enjoyed one another so much. It was so hard to see them all leave. I am also getting to know my new friends here, and Anna Lisa and her mom, joined us for some dinners together. I see God bonding me closer to Dawn and also to my new friends here. Hannah’s husband, Tony and I have grown close and we can spend hours talking about God and the Holy Spirit. They have their first baby due in February, so we are all excited. Praising God for His goodness.
Oh so glad for this, Patti. They have such a wonderful mentor in you.
Much love from family, Patti! You continue to inspire me!
Beautiful!
2. How have you used prayer to help you in evangelism?
I pray before I go to out to dinners or meet with people, or even to my classes that God will give me wisdom and discernment and that He will guide my words and actions. I pray for the Lord to fill me with the Holy Spirit and find ways to connect and build a relationship that will lead to the feet of Jesus.
What a good idea, Patti. My next few weekends are expected to be busy with lunches and family get togethers. I will remember to pray as you have and try to make it a lifelong habit.
Just like Dawn, I would like to make this practice a lifelong habit. Prayer before any meeting is a great idea. I remember a friend telling me that whenever she gets in her car, she would pray that the Lord will direct her steps, and then when she comes home to her family, that the Lord will help her “switch” focus on her family.
I listened to Focus on the Family today, and the guest was Gary Thomas talking about marriage. One of his points was “every day, we should ask how can I bless my spouse today?” That is a prayer I would like to pray as well.
Love all these pray without ceasing ideas!
I like this, too. “…build a relationship that will lead to the feet of Jesus.” Hmm. Humility. Others first. Serving.
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God last week? This past week has been pretty much just physical therapy and recovery. God has shown His goodness in simple things like very little pain, a text from my Dad asking how I’m doing (he never initiates texts with me), family time with my kids and grandkids.
2. How have you used prayer to help you in evangelism? I pray for God to help me to not shy away from opportunities to share the gospel, to open my eyes to people’s needs.
A great prayer on #2, Dawn!
Dawn, Amen to Bing!
Awe. Your dad 🙂
Sunday: God Hunts
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God last week?
I left for Phoenix, AZ, last Wednesday to attend an international convention with P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization). I wasn’t able to share the gospel with anyone, but I had intermittent conversations about God and church with my roommate (we spent four nights together!), interspersed with meals, walking to most meetings, and browsing the displays. She is a widow with one married daughter. Aside from the common bond we had with this organization, we hit it off with other things. I believe we were purposed to be roommates! We shared the same flight coming back to MO. We promised to stay connected through texts since we live about 2 hours apart. God blessed me with a great roommate in Gerry.
I made several friends from other states, and conversations were plentiful about our organization, which led to an even better understanding of P.E.O. for me.
There were other goodness blessings from God, too many to share here. I am very thankful.
Phoenix! Lovely. It’s so pretty with the mountains surrounding the airport. I love that you enjoyed your roommate and live near each other. I had never heard of this organization and just looked it up. How interesting! It’s well over 100 years old. At first glance it has no Christian backing but the about page says it was started by women at a Wesleyan university in Iowa. Their first published PEO record is shown on this page with a quote from George Eliot, “What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?” And it’s clear that is what the organization is about today. I find it so interesting that the membership requires only acknowledging a belief in God and does not limit members with any requirements about their beliefs, but includes anyone who acknowledges God. This is so unique and interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Chris, thank you for your comment. I am interested in reading your find! Could you please send me the link? I love that you found the quote from George Eliot-I don’t think I knew that!
Chris, I found the post on the history of P.E.O.! I have forgotten it is public information. From 7 ladies to 197,000 at this point. It is a very worthwhile organization.
Wow! Dee, you must know that I prayed this morning that God provide someone for me to have a conversation with (not just the weather) so I could (eventually) have a discussion about Jesus, and GUESS WHAT?? I found a sub after school today, whom I know, and we have chatted about superficial things, nothing ever important. The conversation was about how her mother has been in rehab all summer, and trying to bring her home and help her stay healthy. I talked about my mom in rehab and how disappointing it was, the lack of true care. It was a substantive conversation that lasted about 20 min! Maybe she is one I can evangelize to! So uplifted that God is near today!
I love it, Laura!
This is so exciting, Laura!! Thank you Lord!
Monday: Pray
I always pray that the Lord will give me the students He wants me to have. I also pray for eyes to see people whom He might be wooing, for they have tender hearts. I saw that, so with Medina, the little gal from Ukraine. Suffering has a way of pressing you into God. She said some things are unforgivable. I surely could understand, given her circumstances. When I told her my story of forgiving the woman who stole the jewelry Steve had given me, and took her to the Rembrandt print of the prodigal sons, she wept.
Twila walks her dog for an hour each day in her neighborhood and prays as she passes the homes, asking God to bring those outside with whom He wants her to connect. This led to seven women coming to her study on Examining the Claims of Jesus. One woman had an adult daughter dying of cancer and found out three others had lost an adult child. Only God could orchestrate that. He bends down and hears our prayers.
1. How have you used prayer to help you in evangelism?
I love how quickly you grab opportunities to share Jesus with others, Dee. And Twila’s stories always give me a confidence booster.
This answer is not purely related to evangelism: We have had a young couple attending our church since January of this year. They also happen to live across our street! She and I have had some visits and many talks about being a Christian. I am not sure she understands the gospel 100%, and I am excited to draw her out for confirmation or if she needs discipling. She has also asked me if a couple’s Bible Study might be a possible offering in our church in the near future. My heart leaped, and though I am excited she and her husband are interested in studying the Bible, I am not sure Richard and I are ready to take this on with the transition going on at our church. However, I told her I would pray about it and talk to Richard. Richard had a thought of maybe having a couple’s retreat. Please pray for God’s direction in this regard.
Sounds like the Lord placed them across the street from you!
I had such a sense of the Lord’s presence in so many ways during this trip. I almost always pray about my seat mate on planes, and God may have provided someone who can help one of my grand-daughters with a very perplexing problem. I also never take our car insurance, but I did — and had a fender bender, with which my daughter Anne simply took over and made all the hard calls and forms. My son, who was grief-struck for his family in losing their dad and grand-dad to an air crash was so dear in taking over what was a huge funeral. He told me about kindness from people and cried each time he recalled a kindness, as he had when they offered to take care of his dog, or agreed to rent out the next door performance center to the church, or when the Hampton Inn owners let them rent 22 rooms for free. (They were friends with the man who died.) I was able to connect with old friends and my adult grand-children, all who are growing in Him. Thanks for all your prayers.
Oh, Dee! This is such a beautiful example of our Mighty God and His Hand in every situation. This is Glorifying God at every turn! How I Praise His Name! I got tears and chills reading this! Thank you Lord! Praise Your Holy Name!
Thankful for the Lord’s presence on this trip with you, Dee. Wow.
Bing, this is so exciting. I will pray for direction for you and Richard. I know you have lots of changes right now. Lord, I Praise You and Glorify Your Name, and I pray that You speak to the hearts of Bing and Richard, as their church experiences so many transitions. Give them wisdom and discernment, as they seek Your will I’ll this. May You be glorified is all of this. In the Name of Jesus I pray.
I attend a Life group, with my son in law and daughter, which does a light discussion Bible study and a prayer time. It is not a deep dive, but is good. I have never been in one like this before. Two of the couples are new to this area, and looking for community. It is hard to find community here. I am happy that they have welcomed me. Darcy has never been involved in the church before I moved here, so I am thankful that she is doing this. This is a good fit, for this area, but every place is different. Praying with you Bing.
So exciting to find others wanting to study the Bible. Praying with you to know what direction to take.
3. Meditate on Proverbs 20:5
What metaphor is given to describe our hearts, and what does this tell you?
Our hearts are like deep water.
What can a person of insight do?
Draw it out, like water from a well~
The proverb mentions “the purposes” of a person’s heart. What does that mean? Consider our motives; are they for our own benefit or are they godly purposes, to draw others out to our Father
What are some good questions that aren’t intimidating but might help you find common ground with someone? Where are your from? What are your interests? What are your hobbies? Or favorite activities? Where did you grow up? What was your childhood like?
What are some more probing questions to draw out the deep waters of another’s heart?
How can I pray for you? Or if you know they are going through a hard time ~ is there anything I can do to help you? Would you like to have l lunch or coffee together?
4. How have you really listened to an unbeliever recently, and what did you learn that might help you to connect with him or her or pray more intelligently?
Yes. Anna~Lisa, her mother, and daughter, Mariana, are all becoming friends. Her mother and I have a lot in common and she is lovely. She came from a Jewish background and has had bad experiences with religion. I send texts to Mariana, just to say I am praying for you to have a wonderful day with lots of sunshine and good classes. She always responds with love. This family has been through so much, but Anna Lisa wants to know God, because she knows that will help her to make sense of these tragedies.
I pray about what to write and that my conversations will glorify God, with all those I meet, and to be in His will and time. I don’t want my words to be contrived, I just want to show God’s love and I trust that He will let me know in His time, with His words. I pray this with conversations with my kids and grandkids. It
I have met several people that I have become friends with in my ballroom dance class. (I can’t wait to watch that movie!) Two speak like they are Christians. Both are Catholic. Mostly, we talk in class about family etc, so far. I am getting to know four others. One couple, close to my age, are both retired teachers, who met ten months ago, in their doctor’s waiting room. They are asked me about my husband and when they found out he had diabetes, we had lots of talks about that, because they both are dealing with diabetes. Larry is a widower and I don’t know about his girlfriend, Kathy. They are sweet and offered to pick me up for dance if Darcy is too busy. There are two others, who have their stories, who are also becoming friends. I pray that God will direct all my relationships.
So fun you are doing ballroom dancing. You’ll have to have some over to watch that movie. It’s a bit cheesy but still worthwhile.
I just want to jump in and say I I won’t be interacting here for this coming week but I read all the comments so far and am so blessed to have an overview of what God is doing in the lives associated with this blog. I am loving the direction of this study and the emphasis on the Gospel and sharing it with others. I am being encouraged not only here but on other fronts of my own devotional readings and messages I have heard. This group is dear to my heart as I see God at work in all your lives. Keeping you in prayer.
We were on the road over the weekend to attend the funeral of the 97 year old father of one of our closest friends. We had the privilege of knowing him and he was a truly godly man who lived his life well for Jesus. Many know Jesus as their Savior because of him. This coming weekend through next Tuesday we will be in the Black Hills off-roading with good friends who have invited a Mormon couple they know to join us. So that could be interesting. Whatever God wants to do we just want to follow his lead. Praying for safety and a witness for Jesus.
Safe travels, Bev, and blessed times with your friends. May God be with you in all conversations. What a blessing to attend the service for such a man of God, as the 97 year old father of your friends.
Prayers for you, Bev. Your witness is evident to us and may it be to those you meet on this trip and may you know the Lord’s leading and be safe in order to share your love for him more. 🩷
Bev,
You mentioned that you will be spending time with a Mormon couple. I was raised in the heart of Mormon country in Wyoming. My dad’s side of the family is Mormon . My dad came to the Lord in his late 40’s as a result of a long friendship with a Lutheran pastor in our small town. Many of my high school friends were Mormon. I stumbled on to this wonderful testimony of a young man, Micah Wilder, who met the Lord while he was on a two year mission. It is a stunning and beautiful story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEtL3QH2QbQ
Thank you for sharing this link, Nila.
Thank you Nila for the encouragement. I honestly have never been sure how to engage the Mormons. Their “religion” sounds so Christian but it is actually so cultish and complicated.
Bev, safe travels and God given opportunities with the Mormon couple.
I am playing catch up today and lost all my answers but the Lord knows so I’m just starting where I left off.
6. Meditate on Romans 12:13:
A. With whom are we directed to practice hospitality here? The saints-or believers
B. What does the verb “practice” tell you? My version says seek to show hospitality which to me means we are to work at it and look for opportunities.
7. Meditate on Hebrews 13:2 — who is mentioned here, and why are we to invite them to our homes? Strangers-for some may be angels. Such a curious verse. Do we meet angels? If I have I am unaware, but I have heard stories of people who believe they have. Incredible.
8. When is the last time you ate with an unbeliever? How did you see God at work, if you did? The shower for my DIL. I loved the 2 believers from her family who afterward thanked me for the devotional I shared. It was encouraging. I’m still looking for the Lord’s work in hearts of those at the shower.
9. Challenge: Invite an unbeliever to eat with you in the next two weeks and be ready to share what God does. I’ll ask in two weeks! hmm. Okay, I’ll be praying to see who the Lord would bring to us. We are having a neighborhood hay ride to promote unity and community where we live in October-maybe a neighbor who I haven’t gotten to know yet? We shall see.
Has anyone else received an error while using this website that says Gateway time-out and lists an error for deebrestin.com?
I’ve experienced this a couple of times now. It always works when I try again but curious about this new error from the web server. It says to visit Couldflare.com what ever that is.
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God last week?
Well, my husband and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, the 6th. We did a little weekend get-away road trip. We made reservations at a very nice restaurant and when it came time to pay we were told that a friend had paid for our dinner. (We had noticed our son’s father in law was also at the restaurant. What kind generosity from our God through this man.)
Happy Anniversary, Nila! What a wonderful milestone! Wishing you many more years together. Such a blessing from your son’s father in law!💕💕
Congratulations Nila – -you have been through such hard and such wonderful times together.
Wow! 50 yrs! Congratulations!
Nila, Congratulations on 50 years together. May God continue to bless you with more good years together.
Congratulations, Nila! Wow!
3. What metaphor is given to describe our hearts, and what does this tell you?
I don’t understand this scripture very well. I had to read several translations. The Message probably helped me the most. We know the right way deep in our hearts. We need to search our hearts.
What can a person of insight do?
If we are wise we dig deep to find it.
The proverb mentions “the purposes” of a person’s heart. What does that mean?
I think it means the spirit or the guide?
What are some good questions that aren’t intimidating but might help you find common ground with someone?
What vacations did you take over the summer?
Did you go to the movies recently? What did you see?
Are you from this area?
What are some more probing questions to draw out the deep waters of another’s heart?
Did you grow up going to church?
What does your family do for fun?
What do you do on the weekends?
5. Find at least three examples of Jesus eating with people. What do you learn from each?
Jesus ate with people who were “lower class” compared to others. He also ate with the upper class.
They eat a lot of fish and bread!
Jesus teaches as He eats.
6. Meditate on Romans 12:13:
A. With whom are we directed to practice hospitality here?
God’s people!
B. What does the verb “practice” tell you?
To actually serve others when ever you can.
7. Meditate on Hebrews 13:2 — who is mentioned here, and why are we to invite them to our homes?
Strangers. We are to show them hospitality.
8. When is the last time you ate with an unbeliever? How did you see God at work, if you did?
I suppose I eat with unbelievers when I join our science crew for lunch, usually twice a week. I will say the teachers in our department care about each other, at least on the surface. I don’t think I’ve had much of an opportunity to share a meal with a non-believer other than that. I’m usually with those who are believers. I guess I should venture out. This is reminding me of a time we studied this idea long ago. I decided to have a tea party. It was a lot of fun! I don’t really think I have much time for a tea party though, anytime soon. I guess I will need to think on this one a bit.
7. Meditate on Hebrews 13:2 — who is mentioned here, and why are we to invite them to our homes?
Strangers. We are to show them hospitality.
8. When is the last time you ate with an unbeliever? How did you see God at work, if you did?
I suppose I eat with unbelievers when I join our science crew for lunch, usually twice a week. I will say the teachers in our department care about each other, at least on the surface. I don’t think I’ve had much of an opportunity to share a meal with a non-believer other than that. I’m usually with those who are believers. I guess I should venture out. This is reminding me of a time we studied this idea long ago. I decided to have a tea party. It was a lot of fun! I don’t really think I have much time for a tea party though, anytime soon. I guess I will need to think on this one a bit.
Jesus did say that the least of those we serve, we would be serving Him.
““And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”
Matthew 25:40 NLT
Thursday: Serve them
10. Doug also stressed it is essential to let them serve you. Why do you think that is true, if you do? Allowing someone to serve you requires humility. Our culture is very DYI oriented and this does not encourage community. Even when my husband goes to the hardware store, he doesn’t like help-mostly, because he knows more than the person working there, but then we are not giving that person purpose. It is always good to help someone feel useful.
11. Meditate on Philippians 2:3-5
A. Because of the curvature of the soul, it’s easy to slip into doing something for someone in hopes of currying favor. We might be more likely to serve the more powerful or popular people. What are we told in verse 2:3A? Do nothing from rivalry or conceit
B. How are we to value others? And how does this manifest itself? We are to consider others more valuable than ourselves-ooh. This is not always easy. We need to put others first, even in small things.
C. What example are we given? Jesus, who made himself nothing to become man
12. Pray and see if the Lord opens a door to serve an unbeliever. If so, report! okay. I will pray. I know of a need and may see if that has been met.
I discovered the need had not been met and I took care of that and prayed. Not sure what will come of it but hopefully build relationships.
4. How have you really listened to an unbeliever recently, and what did you learn that might help you to connect with him or her or pray more intelligently?
—I just have to jump in here today because yesterday when I had my nails done the young man named Yuri who did them happens to be from the Ukraine and so I engaged him in discussion about the war. He has been in America since he was nineteen. He was very open to answering my questions and tell me his thoughts. I asked about what kind of church they had in Ukraine and found out his thoughts about the Orthodox Church and a little on the Bible. No doubt in my mind that Yurii needs Jesus. He must be in his late 20s or early 30s and is married to one of the Asian girls who works there also. They have a 3 year old boy. He gave me his phone number so I can contact him when I want my next appt with him. I have gone to this salon off and on for at least 5 years and I have observed Yurii and wondered about him and his wife. I am excited about this new relationship and feel it is God ordained. I had asked God to let me engage with someone and to let the conversation feel natural. I felt a freedom to not have an agenda with Yuri but to just establish a relationship. I want to let God be the Evangelist. I prayed, I’m listening and we will see where God takes this. 💕😊
So exciting, Bev! I will pray for your time with Yuri!
I love the no agenda and see what God does.
Awesome!!
Wonderful !
This is wonderful, Bev. God is working.
Tuesday: Listen
3. Meditate on Proverbs 20:5
What metaphor is given to describe our hearts, and what does this tell you?
Deep waters
What can a person of insight do?
A person of insight can draw them out.
The proverb mentions “the purposes” of a person’s heart. What does that mean?
Intentions, objectives, reasoning
What are some good questions that aren’t intimidating but might help you find common ground with someone?
Asking them what they love to do, what music they listen to, and hobbies
What are some more probing questions to draw out the deep waters of another’s heart?
If they say they love to do crafts, maybe a follow-up question would be, What does that particular craft mean to them? Or if, like me, who loves to garden nowadays, I love to garden because of the lessons they give me in life, like patience, a deeper appreciation of God’s creativity, working with my hands, etc. Tell them the story of my initial dislike of gardening due to bugs, heat, and icky stuff, and discovering the One who gives joy and establishing the work of my hands… Rabbit trailing for the nth time!
1. How have you really listened to an unbeliever recently, and what did you learn that might help you to connect with him or her or pray more intelligently?
At the P.E.O. convention that I went to, I sat next to a lady who told me that she will be working part-time only next year and looks forward to gardening! Yeah, Lord! So I asked her what kind of gardening she would want to do. And she said, “I am not sure yet because it will be my first time!” Yeah, Lord! So, I shared briefly how I got started with my garden as a novice. In the course of that conversation over lunch, we exchanged cell numbers, and I offered to share the lessons I learned from my gardening if she wanted to give me a call later. I am not sure if she is an unbeliever, but this experience gave me some “practice” on how to develop deeper connections with others. Questions like how about chickens(?) lol, soil qualities kept us engaged with each other.
Wednesday: Eat with Them
It doesn’t have to be fancy — my students loved pizza, so we kept getting that. But hospitality, whether you invite them into your home, restaurant, or coffee place. Four of Twila’s neighbors agreed to come to a study on Examining the Claims of Christ, and she did include snacks. Then a neighbor suggested they add a craft time after study, and three more women joined!
1. Find at least three examples of Jesus eating with people. What do you learn from each?
I found a link to a writer who wrote about the 14x Jesus ate with others. I have noticed that He did not just eat with his disciples (5x) but ate with those who were critical of Him or just watching for a time to trap Him. (7x) The other 2 times were Him feeding the crowds.
Wedding in Cana
Matthew’s house with tax collectors and sinners
The house of Mary and Martha
Dee, thank you for this question! This is very convicting. I need to pray for more opportunities to eat with people who are unbelievers. And to do it!
6. Meditate on Romans 12:13:
A. With whom are we directed to practice hospitality here?
With those who are in need. Interestingly, there were no limits to the “Who”. And it says to practice.
B. What does the verb “practice” tell you?
Somebody said when we practice hospitality, it is a practice in progress and does not require perfection: clean house, gourmet food, etc. You will make mistakes (burnt food), but you will continue to learn (easy desserts like frozen cookie dough stashed in the freezer!)
7. Meditate on Hebrews 13:2 — who is mentioned here, and why are we to invite them to our homes?
We are to invite strangers to our homes. One could be showing hospitality to angels!
8. When is the last time you ate with an unbeliever? How did you see God at work, if you did?
This past July! God showed me that it was an opportunity to connect with my daughter’s friend and genuinely care for her.
9. Challenge: Invite an unbeliever to eat with you in the next two weeks and be ready to share what God does. I’ll ask in two weeks!
Lord, bring that person to me soon, and may I be sensitive to your leading!
10. Doug also stressed it is essential to let them serve you. Why do you think that is true, if you do?
I think that people feel guilty if they are always served but don’t serve themselves. That is for non Christians and Christians alike. Plus, it makes you feel good to help others, even if you aren’t a Christian. God put it there, in everyone!
11. Meditate on Philippians 2:3-5
A. Because of the curvature of the soul, it’s easy to slip into doing something for someone in hopes of currying favor. We might be more likely to serve the more powerful or popular people. What are we told in verse 2:3A?
To not be selfish and to not try to impress.
B. How are we to value others? And how does this manifest itself?
Better than myself and by being humble.
C. What example are we given?
Christ!
Looking forward to joining this blog.
So glad to have you Lisa!
You are in the right place! Welcome!
Welcome, Lisa!
5. Find at least three examples of Jesus eating with people. What do you learn from each?
a.) The wedding feast in Cana; Jesus turned the water into wine, when the host ran out of wine. John 2
b.) Jesus ate with the Pharisees and tax collectors, talked about fasting and repentance. Matthew 9
c.) The Last Supper. Jesus talked about His betrayal, washed the disciples feet, being a servant and Peter denying Him, taking the bread and wine in remembrance of what He was going to do.
Is this what you want Dee?
1. Have you ever heard God speak to you?
2. I heard God when I was 12. My dad was dying in the hospital and as I stood by his bed, God said, “it will be okay, I will always be your Father.” It was not my own inner voice speaking, rather a man’s voice. I knew it was Him!
3. Although I had attended church my entire life, I fell away from church and the “good life” by pursuing the things I wanted. I never got to really know Jesus. When our teens were driving us crazy, I gave up control and asked God to take over. He did!
4. Because I gave up, God entered my heart again, and once again, I found peace within myself. I knew He was taking charge. The struggle with our family subsided at that time.
5. I began to really learn about who Jesus was and what He did for me by dying on the cross and taking my sin on Himself. This was so I would be able to enter heaven and live with Him in eternity!
6. I have learned that I will never be perfect and with my daily repentance, the things of the past are forgiven. That is so freeing! Thank You Lord!
7. Jesus says that in this life we will have trouble, but not to worry because He has overcome the world. (John 16:33) I can rest in that because He shows me this better way, which leads to the Father’s world where I will experience peace, joy, and love forever.
That’s a great example, Laura. It also can happen when a verse gets radioactive or a friend’s words seem from Him…
SATURDAY: TAKEAWAY
13. What is your takeaway and why?
I still have a lot to learn about how to bless others, especially unbelievers.
I am still working on my story, Dee! Thank you for the challenge!
14. Please tell us whenever God opens a door for you to share your story!