Starve Me to Life

Praying To or Walking With?

smiley — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:33:00 +0000

²⁶"At that time men began to call on the name of the Lord."

Genesis 4:26

²⁴"Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away."

Genesis 5:24

There's, obviously, a big difference between praying to and walking with God. While many people pray to God, only a few walk with him. Many will make their requests and petitions of God while never really being in communion with him. Its really a question of our desire for intimacy with God - how passionate we are to know him.

At the birth of Adam's third son, Seth, God began to distance himself from mankind. God no longer visited his creation, but, rather, mankind began to call on God; this was the birth of prayer. Why did God distance himself? We could only guess that maybe it was because God wanted to see how much the creation would seek its Creator. Perhaps, God knew that mankind would never be found longing and wanting if it was never found lacking or without. God wanted to arouse a discontentment in the hearts of men that could only be met by him.

Unfortunately, it was 7 generations later before another man would come who would walk with God. What happened between Adam and Enoch? Did someone drop the ball in telling their children or grandchildren about communing with the Creator of the universe? Did these 6 intermediate generations not care or were too preoccupied? Who knows? But, we do know that Enoch had that desire and was a part of an incredible relationship.

Also, understand that the term "walked" here does not necessarily imply action. It sometimes could mean non-action or being still. While the Israelites were in the wilderness they waited on the cloud to ascend from the Tent of Meeting before they would move. Occasionally, the cloud rested on the Tent of Meeting for days. When the cloud rested, the Israelites rested; when the cloud moved, the Israelites moved.

Do you find yourself merely praying to God or walking with him? Is your communion with God restricted to your quiet times or is it throughout your whole day? Do you find yourself wanting answers to prayers or wanting God, himself? Furthermore, is God calling you to move but you've become complacent, scared or just disobedient. Maybe God's calling you to rest, but you feel like you can't spare the time. Reconnect with God and spend time getting to know him once more. Become passionate once again, not for his answers, but for God, himself.

Spiritual Dodgeball: Tag You're Out!

smiley — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 08:14:00 +0000

²⁰"Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules."

Colossians 2:20

Identified with Christ or identified with Christianity? That's a question I find myself asking. As I long for spiritual authenticity and a desire to "be real," what am I really portraying in my life. Do I, however, long to be good or do I long to be Christ? Where does my allegiance lie - to an ideology or to a person?

If you are involved in vocational ministry its much easier to fake. Everyone expects you to be on target; even on your "bad" days you know the right words for a beautiful facade. Because of these lofty expectations, there is little accountability unless you initiate it yourself. Perhaps, this is why many church and ministry leaders are in such turmoil today - lack of accountability.

If you, however, strive to represent Christ in the workplace, its much harder. Things such as business ethics, attitudes and co-worker relationships are visual representations of your relationship with Christ.

But, in both spectrums, all things mentioned are still visual representations and I, therefore, find myself trying to "look the part." And, then, what if I screw up? What then? Does God throw a ball at me and scream, "Tag You're Out!" only waiting for the game to be over or somehow trying to get back in to play again? Perhaps, on the next round, I won't get out, but I'll successfully dodge all temptations and make it through. I feel bad, not (if I'm brutally honest) because it saddens Christ, but, more so, because it puts a blemish on my reputation. "Here I am trying to be a good Christian. Now what will people think of me?" And once again, I am more concerned with my Christianity than I am with Jesus Christ.

But, in the end, will I have succeeded in Christianity yet failed in representing Christ? Its much more that catchy wristband phrases and T-shirt sales gimics such as, "It's not about rules, but about a relationship." I can watch Oprah and feel good about myself. Representing Jesus Christ is much more than saying, "I love him." Identification with Christ is not only about a relationship, but about heart conditions, self-discipline and sacrifice - you know all those things we don't like talking about and that really make us uncomfortable.

If my passion was greater for Christ than for being a great Christian, I, then would understand the fullness and completeness of God's grace and I would realize that I'm always "in" and never "out" of the game. I would spend less time dodging temptations and more time just walking with him (which, of course, is what he'd prefer and has invited me to do).

To quote the movie, The Gospel, "We should spend less time looking good, and more time being good."

This was what God revealed to me in my time with him this morning. Honesty? Yes. Uncomfortable? Yes. Challenged? Definitely. But, it's what I want and what I need. I desire authentic disciples. I expect it from myself, and I expect it from you.

Now, what about you? Where are you at?

The Handwriting of God

smiley — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:49:00 +0000

¹⁸When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, the tables of stone inscribed by the finger of God. ¹⁵Moses turned and went down the mountain with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands. They were inscribed on both sides, front and back. ¹⁶The tablets were the work of God; the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.

Exodus 31:18, 32:15-16

³³"I will put my law in their minds and write in on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

Jeremiah 31:33

²At dawn [Jesus] appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. ³The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group ⁴and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. ⁵In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" ⁶They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. ⁷When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." ⁸Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. ⁹At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. ¹⁰Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no on condemned you? ¹¹"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

John 8:2-11

Signatures carry a lot a value. From signed sports memorabilia to autographed books, from a signed check to legal contracts, a signature places a certain amount of worth on an object. A signature can be interpreted as a commitment and, therefore, legally binding. Court cases are sometimes decided based on handwriting evidence.

In Scripture, we only find twice where God literally wrote with his hand - on Mount Sinai and before the Sanhedrin in the dirt. While we don't know literally what Christ wrote in the dirt, we can speculate that he was writing the law in order to bring conviction upon those who were attempting to convict the adulteress.

Jeremiah tells us that God not only wrote the law on a stone and in the dirt, but he as also taken the time to write the law on our hearts. We must understand that the same handwriting on our hearts will be used in our final "court case" as we stand before the judgement seat of Christ - sinner and saint alike. That handwriting will be used to bring about our condemnation or our eternal inheritance.

The Law, being written by God's own hand, is both, valuable and legally binding. We must understand that; we must humbly accept that or we'll never value personal Holiness and thus neglect a full appreciation for God's loving, faithful kindness and grace.

The question that you should ask yourself is, "How much worth does these handwritten laws hold in my life today?" While we esteem the signatures of writers and professional athletes, how much value do we ascribe to the signature of God? How valuable is God's law to you? "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:34

Ask God to challenge you today with personal Holiness and reveal areas in your life where you are in rebellion or disobedience.

Equal Price for Rich and Poor

smiley — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:16:00 +0000

¹¹Then the Lord said to Moses, ¹²"When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one must pay the Lord a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Then no plaque will come on them when you number them. ¹³Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the Lord ¹⁴All who cross over, those twenty years old or more, are to give an offering to the Lord. ¹⁵The rich are not to give more than a half shekel and the poor are not to give less when you make the offering to the Lord to atone for your lives. ¹⁶Receive the atonement money from the Israelites and use it for the service of the Tent of Meeting. It will be a memorial for the Israelites before the Lord, making atonement for your lives."

Exodus 30:11-16

What a beautiful piece of scripture to remind us that the ground is truly level at the foot of the cross. As God sets the stage for the atonement through Jesus Christ and for each individual who "crosses over" from death into life, God tells us explicitly in his word that the price is the same for the rich and the poor alike. Christ's life is the propitiation for all people.

We can also be reminded to not compare ourselves with others as we serve the Lord - the Joneses are also very active in ministry. We should never say, "God I wish I could serve you like him." God has neither called nor created us to serve like another. The Kingdom is a body of many parts. Diverse parts, but equal sacrifice.

Changing of Seasons

smiley — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:35:00 +0000

Today, with the first official day of Fall, we're reminded of God's constant ebb and flow in the seasons of our lives. Such is a time in mine.

For the past six years I have, with a passion, continually served the kingdom on the streets and have loved every moment. While I am NOT completely hanging that passion away in a closet, I am transitioning to another full-time profession. For the past 6 months or so, I have been in constant prayer as my family and I have moved here to Georgia. Since that time I have felt God gently closing doors and moving me into a new season of life. With the coming of our second child, I feel that season coming more now than ever.

At the prompting of God, I begin dusting off my computer talents once more and planting seeds, once again, in the business arena. I, then, allowed the Lord of the Harvest to grow whichever field He chose. Those doors of vocational ministry, again, continued to close while my new business venture has began to prosper.

Am I saying "Goodbye" to ministry? Absolutely not! Through the revenue that my business has generated, I've been able to spend more time at camps sharing the Gospel and on the road preaching. As a matter of fact, FCA has transitioned me into a Children's Director-type role at many of their camps here in the southeast. In that capacity this past summer, I've seen - even personally lead - many children begin relationships with Jesus Christ. One seven-year-old came under conviction and confessed to his parents that a classmate had challenged him to look at a "dirty" site on the Internet. It is so refreshing to see the purity and innocence of children.

So what does this new season look like for me? Great question and I'm glad you asked. While, I won't be on the streets "full time," I still have a heart and passion for street ministry and, therefore, I will continue to engage the streets as God allows. However, in obedience to God, I will continue to work this new field and grow my business. I look forward to the ministry opportunities that God will bring in this new season and new arena. There are just as many lost and hurting people in 3-piece suits as there are on the streets and you know I'm going to "hunt them down." I am also working with FCA to, hopefully - if God allows, develop the children's curriculum for their summer camps. I plan on continuing to serve in that capacity at various FCA camps throughout the summer.

I will continue to use this blog to share evangelism testimonies. There is a subtle difference between a "blogger" and a writer. While I don't consider myself to be a blogger, I do have a passion to write. I'll, therefore, use this blog as an avenue of expression through words and share with you what God is teaching me. I hope you'll stay tuned...

And in case you're wondering what my business is, I'm a marketing strategist and web site designer. I'm, basically, working with companies and their marketing departments helping them to expand their reach and deepen their impact online. If you'd like, you can check out my other web site at: http://www.desertedroad.com.

Again, I'm not saying "Goodbye." I'm only taking a turn in my journey. I guess you could say that I'm no longer in full-time vocational ministry, but rather full-time secular ministry. Thank you for your continued love and prayers.

Shep's Testimony at FCA Camp, Black Mountain, NC

smiley — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:02:00 +0000

A friend of mine, Shep, has an incredible testimony. He had the opportunity of sharing it with the FCA camp on Tuesday night. I posted the testimony on YouTube. However, because of the time limits of YouTube, I had to split the testimony into three parts. If you would like to have the full testimony on DVD, let me know.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

For all of you subscribers, here's the links:

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlOt8ycqunE
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQgxgYv0ods
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd6KMwMUGCo

FCA Camp - Black Mountain, NC

smiley — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:45:00 +0000

I just got back from a week of serving at a FCA camp in Black Mountain, NC. My primary roles for these camps are Children's Director and Follow-up/Counseling Coordinator. I work with the 1st-5th Graders in the mornings. Then, at night, I help with counseling the students who made decisions.

Last week, we had about 50 children and they were so much fun. We memorized Phillipians 3:13-14 and they recited the verses before the entire camp on Thursday night.

I don't have any camps over the next two weeks, but two more weeks of camp afterwards. The schedules of my wife and I are packed with camps over the next month. Please keep us in your prayers.

Justin at the Gym, Chapter 2

smiley — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:01:00 +0000

I very seldom hear stories about people I've previously talked with. This is a very cool one.

In November 2007, I wrote an entry about a guy in the gym named Justin. Some time later, a friend of mine from the church down in south Florida, Danielle, contacted my wife and informed her that she was needing some encouragement one day and, therefore, visited my blog. The first entry she saw was the post about Justin at L.A. Fitness. Besides being encouraged, God also laid upon her heart to begin praying for Justin. And, Danielle did.

I'm not sure exactly how long Danielle prayed for Justin, but eventually God burdened her heart to meet him. So, being obedient, she went to L.A. Fitness. God spoke to her again, "You see that guy over there? That's Justin. Go to him and ask him his name, if he was once a baseball coach, and if he remembers Joshua talking to him in the gym a few months ago." Again, Danielle was obedient. She walked up to the guy and asked him those questions. It, in fact, was Justin who used to be a baseball coach. He also remembered speaking to me a few months prior.

Danielle was so excited. God had also put a few things on her heart to challenge Justin with.

Obviously, God's trying to get Justin's attention. I'm excited to see Danielle being used; its a blessing to be part of a larger team. Please keep Justin and Danielle in your prayers.

Video Clips of the Homeless Shelter

smiley — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:28:00 +0000

Here are some video clips of myself and others from First Baptist Church Cumming at the homeless shelter. While you'll see me in here talking to Dan and Warren (two white guys) from a distance, this isn't the video of the recorded and up-close conversation in which Dan accepts Christ. I'm trying to acquire that video footage. As soon as I get it, I'll post it on here as well.

Welcome Dan to the Family

smiley — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:28:00 +0000

This past Monday night, I had the privilege of traveling to a homeless shelter in the heart of Altanta. I, accompanying First Baptist Church of Cumming, had a great time serving approximately 500 homeless men and loving on them.

Two men that I talked with, Dan and Warren, had taken a bus from Florida to Atlanta. They were originally carnival machine operators. They, however, quit the current carnival company that they were working for and moved up to Georgia. They had just gotten off the bus this past Friday. In other words, as of Monday, they had been homeless for 4 days. Warren stated that he had been homeless previously and carried a huge chip on his shoulder. Dan, on the other hand, has never been homeless before; he was tremendously scared. As Dan, Warren and I spoke for quite a while. Warren, really, never 'let me in' - he continued to say that "[his] home was currently under construction". But, I never really got the impression he knew what he was talking about. His pride kept him somewhat distant from the conversation - only speaking periodically. Dan, however, gave me his full attention. There were times when Dan would get seemingly angry, but I think it was the fear trying to put up a strong front. Dan's constantly fought to hold back tears. Dan, grew up Catholic but confessed that he knew nothing about salvation and forgiveness; he admitted that if he died that night, he would spend eternity in Hell.

After some time of discussion, DAN ACCEPTED JESUS CHRIST as his Lord and Savior!!! You could see a new peace in his countenance; his tears were now tears of relief. I showed him some passages in the New Testament that was given to him that night. I showed him how he was a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) and how there was no longer any condemnation regarding his sins (Romans 8:1). Finally, the New Testament didn't have the Psalms in it, so inside the front cover, I wrote one more verse: "I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4) I told Dan that whenever he got scared out on the streets to remember that verse.

Dan was so grateful and his demeanor was so much more relaxed and joyful.

Something that is also very cool is most of this entire discussion was RECORDED ON VIDEO!!! I got some general clips of the homeless shelter on video, as well. Once I secure a copy of the videos, I'll post them on here so all of you can watch. I'll try to get them on here within a week or two.

Please remember Dan in your prayers tonight - wherever he's at. Remember to thank God for saving his life.

Adamsville, GA

smiley — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:41:00 +0000

Once more, on Saturday night, I visited another 'rough' part of town - Adamsville, a suburb of Atlanta. And, again, I was continually warned by the residents that I shouldn't be there. I would always ask them, "If I didn't come, who would? Who would share the love of Christ?"

It amazes me how dark the community is. The presence of evil was so thick. Its so humbling to be there knowing that the people you are talking to are hurting and need the Light that you are bringing. I am blessed to be used by God to carry the Gospel to these places.

Later, I really started thinking about guys. I think guys, in general, like watching movies with drugs, sex and violence because there's something intriguing about it - there's an element of the unknown. It is like what John Eldredge wrote about in "Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul". We were created for an adventure. Most guys don't know about the violence first-hand, instead they hear about it in the news or read it in the paper. They still, however, long to be a part of something exciting - something more than their life being only about clocking in and out everyday at the office. Therefore, most guys watch these movies and put themselves in the place of the "hero." Why? Because, God created us all to be heros. God created us to fight for lives. We are in a real-life drama filled with drugs, sex and violence; we are already in a battle. We are already heros. Unfortunately, most of us aren't living up to our potential.

As for me, I venture to these dark places for a few reasons. First, as I share the Gospel of Christ, I really do grow in my understanding of every good thing I have in Christ (see Phil 1:6). Second, I love to love people. For me, there is no fear as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, because God is with me and His perfect love drives out all fear. Again, while its my God-ordained adventure, the people I serve still humble me.

For you, however, you don't have to visit the inner-city of Atlanta in order to challenge your own comfort level. While I'm called and commanded to enter these neighborhoods, your 'battleground' may be where you work or your family situation. I admit, it takes more guts to share the Gospel with people that you come in constant contact with than with seemingly 'random' people on the streets. I applaud those of you who share your faith where you are at. Keep running the race! We need more people like you! Because, remember, if you don't share Jesus Christ, who will?

Finally, a side note... Before I went out Saturday night, my family and I went out to eat. As I was waiting for a table to be cleared, I tried to witness to two couples who were talking to each other. One of the gentlemen, became very angry and said, "Man, all four of us go to the same church. So take your butt and go over, sit down and leave us alone." I replied, "Sir, Jesus Christ doesn't care what church you go to." He again, repeated, "Take you butt over there, sit down and leave us alone." Its ironic that I'm accepted in the hood - the "dangerous" part of town, but rejected in "safe" white suburbia. As Os Guinness wrote, "In a land of material plenty, we are living in spiritual poverty."

Be blessed and keep loving people.

A Night in the AUC and University Homes District

smiley — Sun, 04 May 2008 20:48:00 +0000

Friday night I took a trip to the inner-city hood of Atlanta. As I traveled West on 285, God told me to turn left and go East on 20. Finally, I arrived on Martin Luther King Jr Drive and parked at a gas station. I got out and began sharing the Gospel.

The area is known as the AUC (Atlanta University Consortium) and University Homes. University Homes, also known as Beaver's Slide, and Techwood Homes, named for being located next to Georgia Tech, were the first federally funded public housing projects in the United States after Franklin D Roosevelt approved his 'New Deal'. These housing communities were notorious for violence and drugs. A majority of Techwood Homes was demolished in 1996 just prior to the Centennial Olympics and were replaced by Centennial Homes, an updated and cleaner environment - cleaner in physical living conditions and a cleaner crime rate. However, while some of the buildings of University Homes are dilapidated and condemned, much of this housing complex remains inhabited. None the less, here I was - in the hood.

God blessed me with so many incredible conversations with people. In the earthly realm, if you're white and in the hood, people automatically think one of two things: 1) you're a cop; or, 2) you've got a tremendous amount courage. Either way, people give you respect and will, therefore, talk to you. In the Spiritual realm, I knew God had brought me there and He had a specific plan for me being there. I knew whether I was sitting at home vegging on the couch in front of the TV or on the streets sharing the Gospel, my life is in God's hands. And, if I was going to die, then I'd rather die serving the Lord then wasting time watching the TV. Therefore, I walked in strength and in courage - not being afraid on anyone - because the Lord my God goes with me and He will never leave me nor forsake me (Deut 31:6). "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord is kept safe" (Proverbs 29:15).

People repeatedly would say something along the lines, "You know, its funny that you're here tonight talking to me because..." Then, they would continue telling me how somebody in their life was praying for them or how they felt as if God was trying to get their attention or was moving some way in their life. God brought so many hungry and hurting people. God gave me opportunities to pray and encourage these people. There are churches in the community, but it really makes me wonder what are they doing - or rather, not doing?

I visited all over AUC's campus and talked with different college students. I even met two security guards. I walked up to them and they both gave me strange looks. I could only guess what they were thinking. As I approached, I asked them if they would mind answering a question. One of the guards responded, "Let me guess. You're lost?" "Nope," I answered. "Oh," he responded with a puzzled look on his face. I then proceeded to share the Gospel with these two men. One of them I know wasn't saved, the other I'm not sure. But again, God gave me a open door to speak truth to these gentlemen - and they listened with open hearts.

Finally, about 3:30 am, I returned to my car and headed home. Before I got back on the highway, I stopped at a gas station to get something to drink. The attendant had locked the front door to the gas station for a few minutes while he mopped the floors. While I waited, I saw two guys, A.J. and Travis, sitting on the curb in the parking lot. I walked over and started talking to them. All I have to say is, "Another God Moment!" These guys were Christians whose hearts were seeking the Lord, but they let their guards down one time and were tempted to go to a club tonight. While they didn't drink or do any drugs at the club, they admitted to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It turns out that a fight broke out at the club and one of these guys got hit in the crossfire of punches. Now, these two young men were sitting on a curb reflecting on why they had even gone to the club to begin with. They were actually already thinking about their walks with Christ there in the parking lot before I had even come over. They laughed and said, "Its so funny that you're here. First, you're white and you're in this part of town. Second, you came over here and started talking to us about Jesus." A.J. and Travis knew that it was no accident that we met that night. The Lord provided me with some time to disciple and encourage these two young men in their relationships with Him.

I can't pick out a single person as for why God sent me to the hood. God sent me there for all of the people I talked to on Saturday. God needed a light there and I am blessed that he chose me.

New Website Launched!

smiley — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:47:00 +0000

Starve Me to Life has just launched its new website. Our website has been completely redesigned and improved. Take a look and see what you think. And, please, visit back often as we try to provide new resources to help you change your community.

Visit us at: http://www.starveme.com

Walking In Obedience; Spirit Led

smiley — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:57:00 +0000

As you know, I had a great time at the mall the other day as I simply obeyed God and went. Today has been no different.

My wife and I, as we have search for a church to attened, have prayed that God would lead us to the church that he desires for us to serve Him in. This past Sunday, we attended a church called North Lanier Baptist Church. Both, Jeannine and I, really feel like that's where God wants us. I met with the Missions Pastor this morning and had a wonderful conversation with him. He gave me a brief history of the church and I shared with him a little about myself. He also asked me what areas did I serve my church in Florida. I shared with him a few things including teaching college students, helping a little with the youth, and also upgrading and running the sound system. The pastor then began telling me about the needs in the church. They were needing help with the youth, their website and someone to run sound. The pastor informed me that their main sound technician just received a job offer in Nashville and will moving in about 5-6 weeks. Just yesterday the pastor had told the church staff in the meeting that they all knew God was moving the family to Nashville. The pastor continued to share that if God is moving them out, then God would move someone in to take the sound tech's place.

As I was leaving this meeting, God told me to God to a church in the south part of Forsyth County, First Redeemer Church. So I drove down there. As I was leaving my car, God told me to take two business cards. I went to the church office and asked for the Missions Pastor. He came and met with me for a few minutes. Somewhere in our conversation he asked me what I was there for exactly and I told him I didn't know, but that God wanted me to come and meet him and introduce myself. So we continued to talk about ministry a little bit more then he had to leave. He asked me if I had any business cards on me and I told him that I did. I gave him the two that I had and told him to give the extra one to someone who might have a need for it.

Finally, God led me to another church in the north part of Forsyth County, Mountain Lake Church. As I pull into the parking lot, I saw a contruction/surveying crew in the far lot. I really had a burden to go talk to them, but I continued to the church office. So I went in to the office and only 2 or 3 people were there. So I shared with them what I was doing and that I was just wanting to introduce myself. We talked only for a few quick minutes and they encouraged me to call back next week when their Missions Pastor would be back in town. As I was leaving the office and after the fact, I just knew that I didn't come there to meet them. As I driving back through the parking lot, I noticed those same three men talking in the far lot. The burden came back upon me. So I drove over to them. Two men separated and went to talk at another truck, while one man continued reading some plans that were laying on his tailgate. I asked God who did He want me to talk to. God led me to the individual by himself.

So, I started talking the gentleman; his name is Dan. It turns out that Dan is a strong professing Christian. However, he and his wife have been having a rough time with their second-oldest, Jacob who is 15. We talked about Jacob and some of the things he was struggling with. I then had an opportunity to pray with Dan, for him and his family - especially Jacob. When ended up talking for about 30 minutes today. Dan asked me what my name was and I told him, "Smiley." He asked if I was serious because that was the nickname that Jacob, his son, was given by his football teammates. As I we were departing, Dan told me that he appreciated me praying with him and for his son. Dan said that he "needed that today."

Who says, "God doesn't talk to you anymore." He will. Will you listen?

Little Bo Peep Methodology

smiley — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:55:00 +0000

Okay, so I know its a little ridiculous...but hey, once you have a child, you learn all kinds of lessons.

As the music was playing and lyrics of Little Bo Peep were being sung, something came to mind. Christ refers to us as sheep - some are his sheep, others aren't because they don't recognize his voice. But, ironically, much of the church applies the Little Bo Peep Methodology to evangelism. Observe:

Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep,
And doesn't know where to find them.
Leave them alone and they'll come home,
Bringing their tails behind them.

Unfortunately much of the Church believes exactly that; you don't have to share your faith. Instead, just let people live their own lives, and eventually they'll come home when they're ready to.

I know. The song doesn't make much for a sermon, but it does bring a thought to the mind.