11 comments (Add your own)

1. Bill White wrote:

One of the things that has helped me so much is simply praying daily that God would open up my heart to see the opportunities he brings my way. Maybe we could all consider praying each day for this?

Mon, June 9, 2008 @ 10:04 AM

2. Ron Davis wrote:

For the past month or so I've been seeing this homeless lady around my neighborhood. Usually just sitting and reading and minding her own business. Everytime I see her I say to myself I need to stop and talk to her and see if I can do anything for her but everytime I just drive by thinking I'll do it the next time. I saw her yesterday morning on the way to church and I thought, this would be a good time but I might be late so again I tell myself I'll see her on the way back. Then surprise, surprise, what's the sermon about? So when Bill asked who's it gonna be, there wasn't a doubt in my mind. After big church I had to serve communion at Center Point and the truth is, I couldn't wait to get out of there to go see if she was there; she was. I asked her if she needed anything as I was going shopping and she said no she was fine. The book she happened to be reading was by an author I happen to have a box full of (surprise again). I told her I would dig in my garage and bring her a couple. Is God good or what! Like Jason & Bill said, there are tons of opportunities out there, we just need to be open to what the Holy Spirit is saying to us and obey.

Mon, June 9, 2008 @ 10:37 AM

3. Jason Brown wrote:

thanks, Bill and Ron. Bill, thanks for the simple prayer you suggested. I will pray this every day this week. It doesn't seem too demanding! Ron, thanks for the story. May God mysteriously use the box of books you have lying around in your garage.

Mon, June 9, 2008 @ 11:42 AM

4. JEFF HOGAN wrote:

FOR ME, IT MAKES IT EASIER TO WITNESS WHEN ALL I HAVE TO DO IS BE MORE AND MORE LIKE CHRIST. I AM ACTUALLY MORE AFRAID OF THE ACTIVITY OF BEING A WITNESS. I ENJOY THE SMALL GROUPS AND BIBLE STUDIES AND SHARING AND BEING OPEN WITH OTHERS. I AM A WITNESS AT WORK WHEN MY FRIEND ASKS ME WHAT TITHE IS, AND OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT MY FAITH. I AM NOT ASKED OUT TO JOIN THE GANG AT THE BAR OR CLUB AFTER WORK BECAUSE THEY KNOW I DO NOT ENJOY THOSE THINGS. BUT WHEN SOMEONE NEEDS PRAYER THEY ASK ME. I DO NOT DO ANYTHING OR OFFER UNREQUESTED ADVISE AT WORK. NOR DO I TRY TO PREACH TO ANYONE. THAT IS JUST NOT ME. IF THEY ASK ME IF I CONSIDER SOMETHING WRONG, I JUST GIVE THEM MY HONEST OPINION ABOUT WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES. NOT DOING AND JUST BEING WORK GREAT FOR ME.

Mon, June 9, 2008 @ 6:52 PM

5. Ben Immink wrote:

When Bill related it to the witness stand it removed a lot of the christianese I always relate it to as going around handing out tracks or knocking door to door. What stood out the most to me what Bill said is that the jury wanted to know, and even needed to know to draw their own conclusion. I know if I was on a witness stand I would be in kind of vulnerable position, and the what ever people take from what I have seen is on them to make the decision.

Mon, June 9, 2008 @ 7:09 PM

6. Lauri wrote:

Years ago, I worked at the Auto Club. My co-workers there knew that I went to church and would often be talking about some party they attended on the weekend. They'd ask what I did, and then before I could answer they'd say, oh yeah, probably something Christian. But, in those times when they had a loved one who was sick, or were having trouble in thier marriage, they would come to me and ask me to pray for them. One girl said, since you have a direct line, I know He'll hear you. I explained that everybody has a direct line...not just me....that she too could just talk to God. Years after I left there I heard that she and her family were attending a church...that made me smile. Sometimes even just being known for doing "something Christian" is a witness.

Tue, June 10, 2008 @ 7:25 AM

7. Greg Wallace Dolmage wrote:

I find the concept of a witness to be really interesting. It seems like (with my vast experience with movies and television) that the witness who is open about his or her flaws is usually the more credible witness. Those who try to project a perfect self tend to get blasted in the cross examination. So how does this relate to us?

I think a big part of our witness is found in our authenticity throughout the day. Are we the same people at church as we are when we see the Celtics humiliating our Lakers? If it is different, then which self is the real self? The one who worships on Sunday or the one at BJ's watching the game? Or are both of these poor representations of the self?

The truth is, the more we act as our genuine self, the more we will acknowledge our need for Jesus. This will lead to a heart that more readily sees the daily salvation and conversions that God initiates in our lives. Thus, we have a whole lot more to talk about, and since we are just being ourselves, no one will be waving the flag of hypocrisy. Authenticity robs the cross examination of any ammunition, and my goal is to be a credible witness. Better yet I hope to be a witness that becomes more like what he observes.

Tue, June 10, 2008 @ 8:43 AM

8. vicky wrote:

When I started building my relationship with God, I realized that I needed to baby step my way into trusting him because I had been let down by so many people. I didnt know if I could really trust something I couldnt see or hear. At first, He would ask me to do something small, then I would mentally kick and scream like a 2 year old (except I didnt have teeth coming in... I did have a case of the "no's" though). Sometimes I would do it, sometimes I wouldnt. What I found when I did listen to Him, was that positive changes started happening in my life. Then, I thought... hey, why not do some more listening and doing. Gradually my faith and trust in God increased more and more. Go figure!

To witness or not to witness? That is the question (... sorry i just finished a Shakespeare class) When God asked me to be a witness this Sunday, I felt really uncomfortable... especially when He asked me to minister to a friend I had practically disowned a year ago. Without kicking and screaming, I called her and invited her to the church. We are supposed to meet and talk this week, and she may come out to Connect with me. I need prayer on this situation because I am worried that she will not receive the healing God wants to do in her life.

What I took away from the message this past Sunday was the manner in which we should minister. Sometimes, I get judgemental and preachy, convincing myself that some people just need tough love. But watching that video at the end of the service made me realize that some people will be turned off by my approach. And I have seen the results that living the word and walking in love has had on those around me. Moreso, I realized how I have been influenced by others who live and walk this way.

As I continue this walk, I will continue to build trust in God by praying and reading the word... and listening for his instruction.

Tue, June 10, 2008 @ 9:41 AM

9. Rolando Valdivia wrote:

The flood of emotions that came over me right then and there during Sunday’s sermon was so intense. I was confused, shocked, and yet amazed. Here's why...there have been a ton of stuff going on with me both health-wise, some communication issues with my spouse, and just all the other stuff of everyday life. So there I am really listening and trying to take to heart the message he’s giving about being a witness. It was toward the end of his sermon and during the song “Go, Light Your World” that I begin to feel overwhelmed with the feeling of sadness and grief that it took everything in me to not just breakdown and weep right there…WHILE HOLDING MY CANDLE!!!!!

I was so sad/hurt as I waited for Jennifer to come meet up with me to leave. She saw my face and right away asked me what was wrong. I explained to her…imagine you found the perfect gift for someone and you were so happy and excited that you found “The perfect” gift for that person that you could not wait to give it to them, you were just ecstatic. The day came to give the gift and when you did they opened it and just looked at it like “oh…umm…thanks” and just put it aside. That feeling of no appreciation, of ungratefulness, and hurt that you would feel is just a tiny fraction of the feelings that I was experiencing.

As I spoke, tears starting to run down my cheeks. I told her that I feel really bad about something. I’m just hurting inside because I realized that I have been a hypocrite. She asked me why I felt that way, and I said isn’t it weird that I can get excited and invite people for Dave Ramsey, and that I can invite people to attend an event/party. Yet, here I am in a church so special to my heart, with people that are just awesome…and who did I tell?...who did I witness to?...have I tried and given up too soon on someone? And that is what so difficult to understand…the more I tried to say…yeah I did my best to witness, yeah I’ve told others about Emmanuel, then BAM…I realized that the people that I have been talking to were already Christians…people that already had their candle lit. Not people lost and hurting in the darkness, feeling hopeless and torn looking for “The Last Jesus”.

I was realizing that I have found the Lord, and the path to salvation and truly feel that God is working through me. I have the greatest gift in the world, and am so excited about it that I told no one, or stopped looking for ways to witness to others. I basically took Gods gift and “put it aside”. I was feeling that pain that I was causing my Savior. It was just very eye opening to me how I have taken Gods grace and forgiveness for granted.

Tue, June 10, 2008 @ 10:33 AM

10. Da Sciple wrote:

Good summary J. Im with you 100%. I had an idea once... for a couple T Shirts or Stickers or the likes...

"Stop witnessing and BE A WITNESS" & "Stop going to church and BE THE CHURCH"

I know I know... sometimes I'm a lil sharp... would you help me love more? Please!!

So anyway listen I have a quick story:

copy and paste this link
http://ongofu.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/not-my-job.jpg

This photo was taken after an Arizona Dept. of Transportation employee painted a new center line on Arizona State Road 85 in Litchfield Park, AZ.

Imagine if a man let a neighbor's child drown in his swimming pool while he polished his car. His defense in court was that he didn't want to leave his car to save the child because he didn't want to ruin the vehicle's shine. If we allow another human being to die when we have the ability to save them, we are not only morally responsible, but we are guilty of what civil law calls "depraved indifference."

That's what you and I are like if we profess to be Christians, and yet have no concern for the eternal salvation of those that are around us. We are saying "Witnessing is not my job," and we are just as guilty as the man waxing his car. It's about as low as we can go when we don't care about the fate of the unsaved. Love could never be so cold-hearted as to shine a car while a child drowns, and love cannot profess to know the love of God in Christ, and be unconcerned about the fact that those who die in their sins will end up in Hell.

Fri, June 13, 2008 @ 8:20 AM

11. Almita wrote:

I have found that the closer I get to Jesus the easier it is to just BE a witness. When I'm out there in the 'world', words don't seem to come sometimes, but my demeanor and actions can still reflect the One that is within me. If I let myself become upset or irritated by something, even though it is not outwardly evident, I know that my witness is on hold until I can - once again - draw near to Christ. I do this by trying to remember that I belong to Him and everything that I do or say reflects on my Lord. I repent a lot and pray that I will always be available for Jesus to use me in any way that He pleases. It helps me to know that my words (and actions) are not the primary force that brings about change in another's heart and life. It is what the Savior (by His Holy Spirit) does with those words & deeds. What a relief - all I have to do is stay close to Him and just be ME!

Fri, June 13, 2008 @ 3:23 PM

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