Day 2
Read Matthew 5:18-19, 2 Timothy 3:14-16
In what ways, if any, does your confidence in God’s word shape the advice you give others? In what area of your relationships is this most difficult? What holds you back (fear, hurry, anger, fatigue, doubt)?
I am home this morning after teaching a PE class to some of YHS finest 9th graders and thought I would jump in for Jill for a change. So here goes nothing.
As far as difficult goes I think my work relationships are definitely a hard place to share Christian advice. The truth is I still worry about what others will think of me. Through this series, our Lifegroup, and my institute class I am feeling the confidence rising. It is amazing what the word of God can do!
Yet again, I am finding overlap in all of my studies I'm doing. The verses in 2 Timothy are actually verses that we had to memorize for Bible Basics class last week. All scripture is God-breathed, coming from God himself. What could make us any more confident? I am really challenging myself to memorize more scripture so that as I encounter others, it will 'spill' out of me more naturally, so that I may use it to do every good work God calls me to do.
ReplyDeleteScott and I both agreed that fear tends to get in the way of us sharing Gods words with others. Worried thatit will drive others away from Jesus instead of towards Him. I think that we are both becoming more cnfident in what the Word is teaching us. We just need to do a netter jib allowing God to work through us... Take time to allow his holy spirit to guide and direct isnwhen we interact with others.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that my confidence is rising. Last week, my office endured the very sudden passing of a 19 year old (on my team) from "natural causes". Who dies from natural causes at the age of 19? This only solidifies the reminder that our time on earth is VERY brief, and we cannot let opportunities pass us by to share Christ with others. I was chatting with another peer in the office about this very subject [i.e. don't know when it's your time to go] and I felt God tugging on my heart. So I said something like, "I sure hope she knew Jesus" and then said "[NAME], do you know Jesus?" He kinda stumbled (like he didn't really know what that meant), so I asked, "Do you know if you'd go to heaven if you died tomorrow?" Maybe my approach was a little blunt, but it got us talking. He shared that he's 'not perfect', and I responded 'that's exactly why we need Jesus'. Rewind the clock a year ago and I would have never been so bold to have such a conversation like this with someone at work. In case you were wondering, that was basically the end of that convo, but I'm excited that the seed is planted. The rest is up to God, and I want to be a willing participant in His plan to tell others about Him. [So, LORD, I pray for courage each day to share your good news!]
ReplyDeleteKelli - that is amazing! Way to go! I'm sure you might have felt a little anxious as you made that statement to your co-worker. Makes me think of Ephesians 6:19-20..."Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."
ReplyDeleteA great verse that ties in perfectly to your prayer for courage to share the good news!