Good morning to everyone. Grace and peace be with you.
The first snow has fallen…yippee (insert sarcastic tone). It is beautiful and not over abundant; however, I am not retired yet … so it is too early for me … haha.
For whatever the reason, firearms have been in the forefront of my thoughts here the last couple of days. I am not exactly sure why, but the different caliber and size of firearms. It could be that it is coming up on rifle season. It could be the unrest in the bigger towns creeping out to the rural areas. It could be a number of reasons. Which one exactly…I cannot pinpoint. However, this thought pattern has given me an interesting analogy.
Now, let me see if I can get on paper without twelve sheets of rhetoric.
I was watching a show once, where a couple of friends were WWII groupies. They liked to recreate the battles and the weapons. They found a way to build a ‘bazooka’ in their garage, with ordnance. For those unfamiliar, the bazooka is like a rocket launcher that you can carry and hold to fire. Not something to be playing with in your garage. In the process of their experiment, the ordnance did not go off at first, but when it did, one of the friends was now in front of the weapon. The weapon discharged, struck the man, lodged in abdomen, then ultimately detonated leaving him obviously dead.
In today’s society, that large example is what non-believers feel like when Christians ask a simple question, “Do you believe in Jesus?” or “Do you know where you are spending eternity?” Those two questions can have bazooka damage affect. The enemy has conveniently filtered his way into the heart and minds of everyone to symbolize that you get a sermon from a question. The mere mention of our Saviors names starts a flood of chaos. That is how intertwined the enemy has woven himself into the truth. As soon as you ask the question, he pops in with here we go, here’s another one, where do they get off asking me that, my ‘religion’ is none of their business, and so on.
There are multitude of reasons this happens, but it is possible to avoid this scene and have a smoother interaction. Simply choose a smaller caliber weapon … same result you are trying to accomplish (death of the enemy) but less brash.
When I am working my window at my office, my customers are my mission field. Politics and religion are not to be discussed anywhere right? Ever? However, when God lays it on your heart to minister, the consequences from this world do not matter. So, I seek out those He wants me to talk to. When I see someone I feel might not be covered in Light, I start the conversation with, “May I ask you an odd question … it is kinda personal.” If they decline, I thank them and internally pray. Because I have such a good report with my customers, they generally say sure but with a slight hesitation. Then, while I am doing my job to process their mail, I ask them one of the above questions that I mentioned prior. Some have answered (NO) firmly which is an indicator this is not the time to witness, so I simply thank them for the opportunity, and we conclude our business. Some have answered (no) more softly with a hint of curiosity of why I would ask such a question and an invitation to have a conversation. Then of course, there are the yeses with the same tones. Like how dare you ask me, of course I am or yes, why do you ask? In either case, avenues for discussion are opened or closed based on the approach we take in the beginning and the relationship we have with whom we are speaking with.
My point is this, if you walk up to someone you believe REALLY needs Jesus and beat them over the head with the bible telling them all that they are doing wrong and they are going to Hell…you probably wont get very far in the spreading of Unconditional Love. However, if you choose a smaller caliber weapon such as a .22 (a weapon that barely scratches the surface of most targets but will need attention) then you can peak interest. A little harder target may require a .9MM (can penetrate some vests of armor and implant itself for attention) thus creating perhaps a debate in which you can allow the Holy Spirit to lead your words. You may not be the victor in the debate exactly; however the seeds are firmly planted. The caliber of the weapon used in any hunting or defense should be chosen appropriately for the situation.
Take a moment today and look at your style of witness. Are you a what the enemy portrays as a bible thumper only reading what applies to you when you want it to; or are you a child of God attempting to spread the Good News who fails many times but lives or tries to live their best Christ-like life as possible.
I am not, in any means, perfect at witnessing. Sometimes I pull my bazooka out and thought I had a .22 only to see that I lost the witness. So I am well aware of the damage the wrong weapon will deliver.
Be blessed today my friends.
***The mind of a sinful man is death, but the mind of controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; -- Romans 8:6
The first snow has fallen…yippee (insert sarcastic tone). It is beautiful and not over abundant; however, I am not retired yet … so it is too early for me … haha.
For whatever the reason, firearms have been in the forefront of my thoughts here the last couple of days. I am not exactly sure why, but the different caliber and size of firearms. It could be that it is coming up on rifle season. It could be the unrest in the bigger towns creeping out to the rural areas. It could be a number of reasons. Which one exactly…I cannot pinpoint. However, this thought pattern has given me an interesting analogy.
Now, let me see if I can get on paper without twelve sheets of rhetoric.
I was watching a show once, where a couple of friends were WWII groupies. They liked to recreate the battles and the weapons. They found a way to build a ‘bazooka’ in their garage, with ordnance. For those unfamiliar, the bazooka is like a rocket launcher that you can carry and hold to fire. Not something to be playing with in your garage. In the process of their experiment, the ordnance did not go off at first, but when it did, one of the friends was now in front of the weapon. The weapon discharged, struck the man, lodged in abdomen, then ultimately detonated leaving him obviously dead.
In today’s society, that large example is what non-believers feel like when Christians ask a simple question, “Do you believe in Jesus?” or “Do you know where you are spending eternity?” Those two questions can have bazooka damage affect. The enemy has conveniently filtered his way into the heart and minds of everyone to symbolize that you get a sermon from a question. The mere mention of our Saviors names starts a flood of chaos. That is how intertwined the enemy has woven himself into the truth. As soon as you ask the question, he pops in with here we go, here’s another one, where do they get off asking me that, my ‘religion’ is none of their business, and so on.
There are multitude of reasons this happens, but it is possible to avoid this scene and have a smoother interaction. Simply choose a smaller caliber weapon … same result you are trying to accomplish (death of the enemy) but less brash.
When I am working my window at my office, my customers are my mission field. Politics and religion are not to be discussed anywhere right? Ever? However, when God lays it on your heart to minister, the consequences from this world do not matter. So, I seek out those He wants me to talk to. When I see someone I feel might not be covered in Light, I start the conversation with, “May I ask you an odd question … it is kinda personal.” If they decline, I thank them and internally pray. Because I have such a good report with my customers, they generally say sure but with a slight hesitation. Then, while I am doing my job to process their mail, I ask them one of the above questions that I mentioned prior. Some have answered (NO) firmly which is an indicator this is not the time to witness, so I simply thank them for the opportunity, and we conclude our business. Some have answered (no) more softly with a hint of curiosity of why I would ask such a question and an invitation to have a conversation. Then of course, there are the yeses with the same tones. Like how dare you ask me, of course I am or yes, why do you ask? In either case, avenues for discussion are opened or closed based on the approach we take in the beginning and the relationship we have with whom we are speaking with.
My point is this, if you walk up to someone you believe REALLY needs Jesus and beat them over the head with the bible telling them all that they are doing wrong and they are going to Hell…you probably wont get very far in the spreading of Unconditional Love. However, if you choose a smaller caliber weapon such as a .22 (a weapon that barely scratches the surface of most targets but will need attention) then you can peak interest. A little harder target may require a .9MM (can penetrate some vests of armor and implant itself for attention) thus creating perhaps a debate in which you can allow the Holy Spirit to lead your words. You may not be the victor in the debate exactly; however the seeds are firmly planted. The caliber of the weapon used in any hunting or defense should be chosen appropriately for the situation.
Take a moment today and look at your style of witness. Are you a what the enemy portrays as a bible thumper only reading what applies to you when you want it to; or are you a child of God attempting to spread the Good News who fails many times but lives or tries to live their best Christ-like life as possible.
I am not, in any means, perfect at witnessing. Sometimes I pull my bazooka out and thought I had a .22 only to see that I lost the witness. So I am well aware of the damage the wrong weapon will deliver.
Be blessed today my friends.
***The mind of a sinful man is death, but the mind of controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; -- Romans 8:6
Good morning to everyone. Grace and peace be with you.
The first snow has fallen…yippee (insert sarcastic tone). It is beautiful and not over abundant; however, I am not retired yet … so it is too early for me … haha.
For whatever the reason, firearms have been in the forefront of my thoughts here the last couple of days. I am not exactly sure why, but the different caliber and size of firearms. It could be that it is coming up on rifle season. It could be the unrest in the bigger towns creeping out to the rural areas. It could be a number of reasons. Which one exactly…I cannot pinpoint. However, this thought pattern has given me an interesting analogy.
Now, let me see if I can get on paper without twelve sheets of rhetoric.
I was watching a show once, where a couple of friends were WWII groupies. They liked to recreate the battles and the weapons. They found a way to build a ‘bazooka’ in their garage, with ordnance. For those unfamiliar, the bazooka is like a rocket launcher that you can carry and hold to fire. Not something to be playing with in your garage. In the process of their experiment, the ordnance did not go off at first, but when it did, one of the friends was now in front of the weapon. The weapon discharged, struck the man, lodged in abdomen, then ultimately detonated leaving him obviously dead.
In today’s society, that large example is what non-believers feel like when Christians ask a simple question, “Do you believe in Jesus?” or “Do you know where you are spending eternity?” Those two questions can have bazooka damage affect. The enemy has conveniently filtered his way into the heart and minds of everyone to symbolize that you get a sermon from a question. The mere mention of our Saviors names starts a flood of chaos. That is how intertwined the enemy has woven himself into the truth. As soon as you ask the question, he pops in with here we go, here’s another one, where do they get off asking me that, my ‘religion’ is none of their business, and so on.
There are multitude of reasons this happens, but it is possible to avoid this scene and have a smoother interaction. Simply choose a smaller caliber weapon … same result you are trying to accomplish (death of the enemy) but less brash.
When I am working my window at my office, my customers are my mission field. Politics and religion are not to be discussed anywhere right? Ever? However, when God lays it on your heart to minister, the consequences from this world do not matter. So, I seek out those He wants me to talk to. When I see someone I feel might not be covered in Light, I start the conversation with, “May I ask you an odd question … it is kinda personal.” If they decline, I thank them and internally pray. Because I have such a good report with my customers, they generally say sure but with a slight hesitation. Then, while I am doing my job to process their mail, I ask them one of the above questions that I mentioned prior. Some have answered (NO) firmly which is an indicator this is not the time to witness, so I simply thank them for the opportunity, and we conclude our business. Some have answered (no) more softly with a hint of curiosity of why I would ask such a question and an invitation to have a conversation. Then of course, there are the yeses with the same tones. Like how dare you ask me, of course I am or yes, why do you ask? In either case, avenues for discussion are opened or closed based on the approach we take in the beginning and the relationship we have with whom we are speaking with.
My point is this, if you walk up to someone you believe REALLY needs Jesus and beat them over the head with the bible telling them all that they are doing wrong and they are going to Hell…you probably wont get very far in the spreading of Unconditional Love. However, if you choose a smaller caliber weapon such as a .22 (a weapon that barely scratches the surface of most targets but will need attention) then you can peak interest. A little harder target may require a .9MM (can penetrate some vests of armor and implant itself for attention) thus creating perhaps a debate in which you can allow the Holy Spirit to lead your words. You may not be the victor in the debate exactly; however the seeds are firmly planted. The caliber of the weapon used in any hunting or defense should be chosen appropriately for the situation.
Take a moment today and look at your style of witness. Are you a what the enemy portrays as a bible thumper only reading what applies to you when you want it to; or are you a child of God attempting to spread the Good News who fails many times but lives or tries to live their best Christ-like life as possible.
I am not, in any means, perfect at witnessing. Sometimes I pull my bazooka out and thought I had a .22 only to see that I lost the witness. So I am well aware of the damage the wrong weapon will deliver.
Be blessed today my friends.
***The mind of a sinful man is death, but the mind of controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; -- Romans 8:6
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