I've been invigorated with a fresh passion for souls. After all, isn't it what Christ is all about? Wasn't his mission to seek and save the lost? And if it was his mission, shouldn't it be my Christ-like mission as well?
A few weeks ago, I was inspired by a 17 year old in our church to make a faith project list. Sure, I've done these in the past and applied my faith toward a certain goal, but it really got me thinking about a few things I've let slip in my personal life. You know how it is. You say you want to share the gospel with people and give life, but then life happens. Distractions come. Fear shows its ugly face. Self-consciousness plays its little tune of doubt in your head. Before long, you feel stuck. The aforementioned foes pile up around you, gripping any idea of forward motion like quicksand. Your only hope of freedom is grabbing onto a lifeline. Remember when Peter began to sink after stepping out of the boat and walking on water? What happened? He reached up and held tight to the hand of His savior.
Christ has stretched out his hand to us, beckoning us, to partner with him in this mission of reaching the lost. I'm taking his hand and have a few new goals for the next phase of Shockwave in my life.
1. I will personally pray with over 100 people to be saved this year.
2. I will finish and publish my book, Shockwave.
Like the initial Shockwave Challenge, I went public with it before I was even fully convinced that I could do it. It was a public challenge that I, myself, had to accept.
Will you commit to taking the Shockwave Challenge? Will you share the gospel with one person a day for the next seven days?
Challenge accepted!
Showing posts with label God's love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's love. Show all posts
2.14.2013
10.21.2011
.shockwave challenge - day 62
We were all over town today and I didn't create any opportunities to share the gospel at all. There weren't any opportunities that were blaring, but I didn't make any either. I did talk with a personal banker about church and found out she was already saved, but I knew that didn't count as my shockwave challenge today.
As we got home tonight around 10, I kept thinking about my day and how I had completely missed it. I also knew that the day wasn't over and I still had time to get my challenge completed. I began thinking about family members or friends of friends that I could call with the purpose of sharing the gospel. So I texted my mom to get her stepson's phone number. I knew from conversations we've had previously that he really needed to hear the truth about God's love and grace. I had already been praying for him, but I said another quick prayer before I gave him a call and asked God for just the right words to say and that his heart would be open and receptive.
I called and we talked for a few minutes and then he asked me to hold on for a minute. I prayed in the Spirit while I was on hold. He said he had to go help his aunt move some furniture. I almost let him go and then I stopped him to ask the million dollar question. I told him how important it was and that I would regret not asking him. He said he knew he would go to heaven because he believed. He talked about how his mom and dad had raised him and then I asked what he believed about how a person gets to heaven. He said he wasn't really sure. I shared the gospel with him and found out that he had prayed the prayer of salvation when he was younger. I knew he had to go, but I assured him of his salvation and told him to call anytime with any questions.
Who is it in your life that you know needs to hear the truth about God's love and grace? Why not give them a call tonight or in the next few days and tell them how much you care and how much more God cares about them? Ask them the million dollar question and make sure they know they would go to heaven when they die. That's the most important thing you can do for someone. Why would you hesitate when it comes to those you care about?
As we got home tonight around 10, I kept thinking about my day and how I had completely missed it. I also knew that the day wasn't over and I still had time to get my challenge completed. I began thinking about family members or friends of friends that I could call with the purpose of sharing the gospel. So I texted my mom to get her stepson's phone number. I knew from conversations we've had previously that he really needed to hear the truth about God's love and grace. I had already been praying for him, but I said another quick prayer before I gave him a call and asked God for just the right words to say and that his heart would be open and receptive.
I called and we talked for a few minutes and then he asked me to hold on for a minute. I prayed in the Spirit while I was on hold. He said he had to go help his aunt move some furniture. I almost let him go and then I stopped him to ask the million dollar question. I told him how important it was and that I would regret not asking him. He said he knew he would go to heaven because he believed. He talked about how his mom and dad had raised him and then I asked what he believed about how a person gets to heaven. He said he wasn't really sure. I shared the gospel with him and found out that he had prayed the prayer of salvation when he was younger. I knew he had to go, but I assured him of his salvation and told him to call anytime with any questions.
Who is it in your life that you know needs to hear the truth about God's love and grace? Why not give them a call tonight or in the next few days and tell them how much you care and how much more God cares about them? Ask them the million dollar question and make sure they know they would go to heaven when they die. That's the most important thing you can do for someone. Why would you hesitate when it comes to those you care about?
9.22.2011
.shockwave challenge - day 33
Last night while I was preaching for Overflow, we were talking about friends and family members that we need to reach with the gospel. I was suddenly convicted because several years ago while we were doing the Impact meetings, God had brought a couple of uncles to my mind to pray for them. Well, I prayed for them at the time, but did nothing to reach out to them. You see, we don't really have a current relationship because they live out of town and we just aren't very close. But they are still family and God wants them all to be saved!
During the service, while the students were in their small groups, I texted my mom to get their phone numbers. She replied with one phone number and I immediately went to my office to call my uncle. As my heart was racing and I anticipated what I might say, the call went straight to voicemail. I left a message and said I would try to call again tomorrow. My heart sank because I wondered if I might have been too late. I kept thinking, "What if I didn't share the gospel with them and they died tonight?" Then I was reminded about 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Thank God for His patience and all of the chances He gives us to respond to Him.
I made the phone call again today. I got to talk to both of my uncles and found out that one of them was already saved and gave his life to Christ a few years ago before he was about to be operated on to remove a tumor from his throat! The other uncle laughed when I asked him the question and said, "That's the reason you called me?" I was sincere and shared the gospel with him. He wasn't ready to receive and said he was set in his ways and didn't want to change. He grew up in a children's home and learned about the Bible and he believes in the Bible and in Jesus, but wasn't willing to confess Jesus as Lord. He said he'd had religion shoved down his throat too many times. I tried explaining to him that religion isn't the way to heaven and that the people who had forced it on him were wrong. While he didn't pray the prayer, he did let me pray for him before we ended our call.
I hate religion. It has warped the view of God for so many people and well-meaning believers have turned people away through their tirades about people getting their lives right before they come to Christ.
Nevertheless, I was finally obedient and made the call to share the gospel with those family members whom God had placed on my heart. I know I've done my part and I believe God will continue to work in the lives of my uncles.
Do you have some family members or friends that you are unsure of whether they will go to heaven or not? How about you ask them right now? Go look up their phone number and give them a call! What's stopping you?
During the service, while the students were in their small groups, I texted my mom to get their phone numbers. She replied with one phone number and I immediately went to my office to call my uncle. As my heart was racing and I anticipated what I might say, the call went straight to voicemail. I left a message and said I would try to call again tomorrow. My heart sank because I wondered if I might have been too late. I kept thinking, "What if I didn't share the gospel with them and they died tonight?" Then I was reminded about 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Thank God for His patience and all of the chances He gives us to respond to Him.
I made the phone call again today. I got to talk to both of my uncles and found out that one of them was already saved and gave his life to Christ a few years ago before he was about to be operated on to remove a tumor from his throat! The other uncle laughed when I asked him the question and said, "That's the reason you called me?" I was sincere and shared the gospel with him. He wasn't ready to receive and said he was set in his ways and didn't want to change. He grew up in a children's home and learned about the Bible and he believes in the Bible and in Jesus, but wasn't willing to confess Jesus as Lord. He said he'd had religion shoved down his throat too many times. I tried explaining to him that religion isn't the way to heaven and that the people who had forced it on him were wrong. While he didn't pray the prayer, he did let me pray for him before we ended our call.
I hate religion. It has warped the view of God for so many people and well-meaning believers have turned people away through their tirades about people getting their lives right before they come to Christ.
Nevertheless, I was finally obedient and made the call to share the gospel with those family members whom God had placed on my heart. I know I've done my part and I believe God will continue to work in the lives of my uncles.
Do you have some family members or friends that you are unsure of whether they will go to heaven or not? How about you ask them right now? Go look up their phone number and give them a call! What's stopping you?
9.21.2011
.shockwave challenge - day 32
I hit up one of my favorite dining establishments for lunch today with two Jesus Freaks - Jason Netzler and Cullen Grady. While talking about evangelism and the Holy Spirit, we were all fired up! I had it on my heart for some time now to share the gospel with one of the employees there because every time I go in, he always serves me up right...but I had a feeling it wasn't because of his Christian character and attitude. Every time I've been in before, the restaurant has always been so busy that I haven't gotten an opportunity to talk with him. Well, we were there so long that I noticed they weren't very busy at the time. I quietly prayed under my breath, "God, give me an opportunity to share the gospel with him today!" And no sooner had I said the prayer than it was answered. The guy came out from the back into the dining room and gave me the "pez" - the "what's up" head nod. I jumped out of my seat and walked over to him thanking him for the excellent service and deliciousness he had once again whipped up for me. I then asked how long he'd been working there. He said he'd been there for a couple of years. I told him I saw him in there all the time and he laughed and said, "Yeah, you come here a lot!" We both laughed.
I then told him that there's been something I've been wanting to ask him for a long time, but never had the chance. I asked him the million dollar question and he said he would probably go to heaven. Then I asked him why. He said he was a good person and that he believed in God. I shared the gospel with him and then I told him that even the demons believe in God, but what gets you into heaven is believing in the resurrection of Jesus and confessing Him as Lord. I asked him if he'd like to do that and he said, "Of course!!" So we walked out behind the restaurant and I led him in the prayer of salvation. After we prayed, I asked him if he meant it from his heart. He said yes and that he was feeling good! He pulled his hand out of his pocket and said, "my hand's not even burning anymore!" He had burnt two of his fingers earlier and God healed him as soon as he said the prayer of salvation!!!! Ha! I explained more about salvation to him and how it included deliverance, healing, preservation and a whole slew of other benefits that are now available to him! You should have seen the smile on his face. He said, "That made my day!" As I was telling the fellas about the conversation later, Cullen said, "You didn't just make his day. You made his life! You made his eternity!"
After we prayed, his boss came out and when he found out what we were doing, he jumped right in the conversation and shared a number of testimonies about God's provision in his own life. When I invited the employee to church, his boss said he has about 5 or 6 to choose from because of all the people that have been working on him and praying for him. He said that he kept telling them he wanted to get his life right and be pure before he came to church. This was another chance to share another facet of the true gospel that God isn't so much concerned with perfect people as He is about perfecting people through the sacrifice of Christ. As we walked back in so he could get back to work, I told him that he was a new person now, that his spirit was made new and he won't be satisfied with the things that he used to do.
It's so amazing to be a part of God's mission and seeing Him do work in people's lives. What an honor to take part in the great commission!
How about you? Are you taking part in God's mission? Are you giving Him something to work with as you open your mouth and present the good news to people? If not, then start today. It just might make someone's day, life or eternity!
I then told him that there's been something I've been wanting to ask him for a long time, but never had the chance. I asked him the million dollar question and he said he would probably go to heaven. Then I asked him why. He said he was a good person and that he believed in God. I shared the gospel with him and then I told him that even the demons believe in God, but what gets you into heaven is believing in the resurrection of Jesus and confessing Him as Lord. I asked him if he'd like to do that and he said, "Of course!!" So we walked out behind the restaurant and I led him in the prayer of salvation. After we prayed, I asked him if he meant it from his heart. He said yes and that he was feeling good! He pulled his hand out of his pocket and said, "my hand's not even burning anymore!" He had burnt two of his fingers earlier and God healed him as soon as he said the prayer of salvation!!!! Ha! I explained more about salvation to him and how it included deliverance, healing, preservation and a whole slew of other benefits that are now available to him! You should have seen the smile on his face. He said, "That made my day!" As I was telling the fellas about the conversation later, Cullen said, "You didn't just make his day. You made his life! You made his eternity!"
After we prayed, his boss came out and when he found out what we were doing, he jumped right in the conversation and shared a number of testimonies about God's provision in his own life. When I invited the employee to church, his boss said he has about 5 or 6 to choose from because of all the people that have been working on him and praying for him. He said that he kept telling them he wanted to get his life right and be pure before he came to church. This was another chance to share another facet of the true gospel that God isn't so much concerned with perfect people as He is about perfecting people through the sacrifice of Christ. As we walked back in so he could get back to work, I told him that he was a new person now, that his spirit was made new and he won't be satisfied with the things that he used to do.
It's so amazing to be a part of God's mission and seeing Him do work in people's lives. What an honor to take part in the great commission!
How about you? Are you taking part in God's mission? Are you giving Him something to work with as you open your mouth and present the good news to people? If not, then start today. It just might make someone's day, life or eternity!
9.13.2011
.silenced by selfishness message
Here's the link to the message I did a few weeks ago on Shockwave. Hope you're encouraged to let God create an explosion within you that results in a God kind of shockwave to your world!
Shockwave: Silenced by Selfishness
Shockwave: Silenced by Selfishness
3.20.2009
.kidnapped
A couple of weeks ago one of my favorite superman dolls was kidnapped from my office. (aside to Superman dolls - don't worry, guys, you're all my favorite). I came back to work after a long weekend to find an email in my inbox addressing part of the terrorist's demands.
The email went as follows: Since you have seemed to not have taken me seriously, the ransom for your stuffed friend has increased. You Must Now include O2 shirts in the ransom, one large and one small!!!! Here are some pics to show that your friend is still alive, barely!
P.S. AGAIN NO COPS OR HE GETS THE SUPER CYCLE!!!!!
I was heartbroken. I looked in the place where my Superman once stood only to find a bloody outline on yellow legal pad paper displaying the napper's first round of wants...a white chocolate reese's and hershey's symphony bar. Apparently, our criminal has a sweet tooth. I immediately went into CSI mode and noted all the clues that would let me in on who the deviant mastermind could be. My lightning fast mind quickly figured it out and I felt like a 3rd grader who'd won "Where in the world is Carmen San Diego?" I responded to the email with one line: "We do NOT negotiate with terrorists!" But of course, after scrolling down, the fiend could see that I would give in to his requests. And I did. I tracked down what he needed (with a trucker hat in the place of O2 shirts) and immediately sent them to the appropriate destination. Within a few days, Superman had returned!!! My heart was full again! I held him and squeezed him and loved him so. He knew I had missed him.
And this thought followed: If I care this much about a "stupid doll" (aside to Superman dolls - You guys aren't stupid to me, I love you all!), how much more does God care about me?! He was willing to pay the highest price necessary to get us back from the evil mastermind, satan. He purchased our ransom with the blood of Jesus Christ. What must God have felt like once He had paid the ransom for you and I and we were returned to Him? We once were kidnapped, but now we're back into His loving embrace! Thank God for His magnificent love!
P.S. AGAIN NO COPS OR HE GETS THE SUPER CYCLE!!!!!
I was heartbroken. I looked in the place where my Superman once stood only to find a bloody outline on yellow legal pad paper displaying the napper's first round of wants...a white chocolate reese's and hershey's symphony bar. Apparently, our criminal has a sweet tooth. I immediately went into CSI mode and noted all the clues that would let me in on who the deviant mastermind could be. My lightning fast mind quickly figured it out and I felt like a 3rd grader who'd won "Where in the world is Carmen San Diego?" I responded to the email with one line: "We do NOT negotiate with terrorists!" But of course, after scrolling down, the fiend could see that I would give in to his requests. And I did. I tracked down what he needed (with a trucker hat in the place of O2 shirts) and immediately sent them to the appropriate destination. Within a few days, Superman had returned!!! My heart was full again! I held him and squeezed him and loved him so. He knew I had missed him.
And this thought followed: If I care this much about a "stupid doll" (aside to Superman dolls - You guys aren't stupid to me, I love you all!), how much more does God care about me?! He was willing to pay the highest price necessary to get us back from the evil mastermind, satan. He purchased our ransom with the blood of Jesus Christ. What must God have felt like once He had paid the ransom for you and I and we were returned to Him? We once were kidnapped, but now we're back into His loving embrace! Thank God for His magnificent love!
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