When Andy The Pig Smelled Like a Pig

"That pig's gonna stink," people told me before Andy arrived.

"Yeah, but I'll only have him four to six weeks while he grows." How bad can it be? I thought. 

I was a little over half-way to the barn when an unpleasant odor wafted my way. It grew stronger with every step. By the time I reached the back stall on the left, the stench was nearly overpowering.

Andy smelled like a pig. Literally.

That's because Andy was a pig. 

As long as I cleaned Andy's stall every day and distributed the waste outside the barn, I kept the odor down. This particular day, however, I'd skipped the scooping for a few days.

Hiding the evidence of Andy's pigness didn't change the facts. Andy was a pig. He smelled like what he was. The longer he was in the barn, the more my barn smelled like Andy, too.

The Apostle Paul said that, like Andy, Christians have an aroma, too, and it's not always pleasant. 

"For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death; to the other from life to life..." 2 Corinthians 2:15,16 nasb

To people who don't know Christ, we Christians emit an "aroma" like rotting corpses. 

Ponder that for a moment.

Of course, we don't literally smell like a corpse, but to many people, Christians aren't as attractive as we might hope. 

There's one person who stands out in my mind in my pre-Jesus days. He was ardently evangelical with his stack of Four Spiritual Law booklets, determined to get me to "pray the prayer." 

I wouldn't.

I'd been raised in church. I knew a written prayer wouldn't save you. I knew there should be something more than a bunch of words in a booklet, but because the words were all he presented to me, I thought it was all he had. The only fragrance I could detect in his life was the aroma from death to death.

I know better now. I wish that guy with the booklet had told me about a relationship with Jesus. I've often wondered why he didn't. Maybe he didn't know, either. Over the years, I've prayed Booklet Man would find out about Jesus, too.  

Yes. There's a place for tracts, booklets, and evangelical tools, but the first century church didn't spread around the world because of words on scrolls and parchments. The church spread because one person told another person how Jesus had changed his life, and he/she backed it up by the love they demonstrated.

An aroma of death isn't pleasant. I believe we dissipate it, in a powerful way, by the love we share. Remember the woman with the alabaster vial? Her gift of extravagant love still emits an aroma of life, more than two thousands years later. 

That's the kind of aroma I want to leave behind, too - the lovely fragrance of extravagant love. 

Do those outside the church see us love each other, and them, in remarkable ways? Is love the fruit of the spirit we most exhibit?  

Is there enough of an aroma of Christ in my life for others to detect? Is love an easily recognizable fruit of the Spirit in me?

If not, we have some work to do, and it begins with an ever-deepening relationship with Jesus.

Today, let's celebrate our Savior and invite others to know Him, too.

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35

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Please like and share to extend our digital reach. 

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Thoughts on the Sun, the Moon, and Totality

If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Middle East, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line

#Jesus

The Fire that Set the World Aflame

This morning, my reading was in Acts 2. When I read the verse about "tongues of fire," the image of my own tongue came to mind. I pondered how a flame might look like a tongue, decided it was a bit of a stretch, and turned to Blue Letter Bible for help. The word is glōssa and literally means "tongue." 

I finally realized that the phrase "tongues of fire" is a kind of holy double entendre that describes both appearance and function. The tongues of fire literally looked like dancing flames. I imagine they looked a little like the flame at the end of a hand-held lighter. They metaphorically set the world on fire with the power of the words spoken. 

After Jesus ascended into heaven, His closest friends gathered together and devoted themselves to prayer. This was not a hold-hands-in-a-circle-and-everyone-say-a-sentence kind of prayer. 

They went to their place of prayer and continued to pray until something happened. They probably didn't expect tongues of fire to descend from heaven, but they were ready for anything because they'd been on their knees before the Father for days on end. 

When Peter looked around and saw new, fiery tongues being given to everyone in the room, he probably realized he had a new tongue, too. What do you do with a fire-tongue? Speak fiery words. That's exactly what he did. 

He walked out of the prayer meeting and spoke to the people who had assembled outside. His words were filled with passion and power, fueled by the flame of God's Spirit, and they changed the world.

Every foreigner in Jerusalem heard the truth of Jesus proclaimed in their own language. Three thousand men believed and were baptized that very day. After the Pentecost celebration, those new believers went home to Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, Cyrene, Rome. There were Parthians, Medes, Elamites, Cretans and Arabs among them. 

That morning, the news about Jesus was limited to Jerusalem and the surrounding areas of Israel. A few days later, it had spread around the world as those present that day carried the fiery words back to their families and friends.

To emerge with such power that everyone who hears you speak is overwhelmed with the truth of your words seems impossible. It is, unless we're willing to stay on our knees until the power of God descends, unless we're willing to let the fire of God's Spirit flow through us, regardless of the consequences.

The same Spirit is available to us. The same power can be ours. The same kind of opportunities can come our way as those the first century church experienced. 

To have what they had, however, we must be the kind of disciples they were. They stayed on their knees until God moved, lived in community, loved all, and demonstrated that love with their actions. When persecution came, they clung to their faith and were willing to die for it.

What they didn't do is hurry through prayer, fill their lives with busyness, put their families and activities ahead of God, or keep one foot in the world and a toe or two in the kingdom of God. 

They were all in. 

If we want what the first century church had, we must be willing to adopt the priorities they had. Love God more than anything. Love your neighbor as yourself, and do it with deeds, not just words. 

It's time for us, the 21st century church, to take a look back at what's possible, take a look inside us at our reality, and take a look at the future to decide how we want to live. Will we be content with this modern version of fake-church that so many of us live, or will we embrace Christ with our entire being and live as He intended?  

The abundant life is a Spirit-led life. It's big and bold and fun. Sometimes it's hard, and painful, too. Most important, though, is that it worth it. 

Do we want abundant living or not? It's a decision we all must make, so choose well. A lost and perishing world depends on us.

"But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: "Men of Judea, and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give heed to my words...'" Acts 2:14 nasb

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Please like and share if this blog post has touched your heart. It extends our digital reach in significant ways. Thank you.

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When the Grass Seems Greener But It's Really Not

If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Jordan, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

#pentecost 

A Different Kind of Prayer Work

A room full of supplies, the night before the festival

I recently coordinated the children's activities at the local community festival. It may seem like an unconventional place for prayer warrior work, but I pray in advance for opportunities with those who rarely, or never, enter a church. 

In between the jumping house and the chicken croquet station, I had one of those few-second opportunities to reach out a bit for the cause of Christ. A young boy and his mom arrived and, as I often do, I squatted down beside him, introduced myself, and asked his name. 

"Jonathan." 

"That's a great name," I said. "Did you know your name comes from the Bible? Jonathan was the good friend of King David." 

His eyes widened. "Wow."

"Yep. Jonathan was willing to risk his life for his friend. He saved the king's life. Boys who are named Jonathan should grow up to be brave, and wise, and loyal. They should recognize the King and serve Him. Like Jesus. He's a king, too."

As we talked, a grin spread across his face. "My name is friend of the king." He looked up at his mother. "Hey, Mama. I'm friend of the king."

It was a brief encounter with a child that had never heard of King David or his friend, Jonathan. I wasn't sure he'd heard of Jesus, either. With those few seconds, I tried to plant a seed deep in his heart that, with the right care somewhere down the road, may yield a harvest.

A little later I heard him talking with his grandmother, who had joined them. "Hey, Mimi, I'm Friend of the King. Did you know that?"

It wasn't a traditionally evangelistic seed, but it was an opportunity, never the less.

As we go, in church and out, let's pray for opportunities to scatter seeds of truth far and wide, then pray for our Lord to grow the harvest. 

What seeds have you planted this week?

"...and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest parts of the earth." Acts 1:8 nasb 
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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Demolishing Strongholds and Choosing to Be Free
#evangelism

Wading in the Deep Water

The prophet Ezekiel had a vision in which he saw the temple where the glory of God dwelt. As he walked around the House of God, water flowed from the building. The further he walked, the deeper the water became. Eventually, the water became a river that was so deep, he was forced to swim. 

Fruit-bearing trees lined the banks of the river. The fruit never failed. Their leaves never withered. Instead, the leaves were for healing.

This same imagery is repeated in the Revelation. It's a picture of the living water that flows from Christ Himself and represents the gospel of his sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection that demonstrated His power over sin and death.

The river of living water doesn't make a great ocean in the building, but it flows from the House of God outward. The good news of Christ was not meant to be contained in the church but to spread ever further. Like Ezekiel, we are to follow it as it flows, so that converts can become disciples.

The water gets gradually deeper. Matthew Henry wrote, "There are some places so shallow that a lamb may wade through them, and others so deep than an elephant may swim in them." 

When we begin our journey with Christ, we learn the simple, easy things. It is only when we have grown stronger in our faith that we can "swim in the deep" to learn the more difficult lessons of life. 

Ezekiel's vision is a vivid picture of our life of faith (at least the way our life of faith should be), ever moving through the world with the refreshment and healing of Christ, ever growing in depth.

I often forget that Ezekiel's vision was given to him at a time when he was a captive in exile in Babylon. His was not a comfortable, prosperous life. His life was hard and he was far from home. It should serve as a reminder that, no matter what our circumstances, we can still be a vital part of the work of God.

I read through the vision twice this morning and wondered how well my walk of faith demonstrates the river of life at work in the world around me. How well do I share the love of Christ? How well do I bring the healing only Christ can give to those who are sin-sick? How deep am I willing to go in my walk with Christ?

This week, let's do something bold and daring. Let's follow His river of love wherever it goes. Let's willingly go, gladly disciple.  Let's wade into the deep water with Christ.

"Their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. They will bear every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing." Ezekiel 47:12 nasb
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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Adding the Prayer on Top

Here's the link to the prayer guide: The Prayer List 


Here's the link to my Global Outreach page: Leanna Hollis MD
#Jesus #Christian

The Baptism Excitement

An unexpected thing happened at church a couple of weeks ago. My Sunday School teacher was out of town, and I was supposed to take his place. Since there was only one other person there that day, he decided to go to a different class. 

"It's a good class. Don't you want to go?" 

"No. I think I need to sit here and pray through some things." After he left, I opened my Bible to read and pray. After a few minutes, someone opened the door. A young couple was with a man who said, "Harold met them a few days ago and said they should come to this class." (Harold's the husband of a longtime friend, and he never meets a stranger.)

I invited them in and we had the sweetest time ever talking about salvation and reviewing the story of the Prodigal Son. They didn't have Bibles, so I gave them two of the ones we keep in the front foyer. "You need a Bible. You can have these." 

They used them during church but put them back as they left. "You can have those."

"No. We want Bibles of our own." 

They were back on Wednesday night with beautiful new Bibles they'd bought. 

Harold invited the young husband to accompany him to lunch and to Bible study. Like Harold always does, he talked about Jesus, about being saved, and about being a disciple. 

Wednesday evening, I waved as they walked in the door. "How was your week?"

Their smiles were as bright as floodlights. "Great. We got saved today!"  They told me all about it. As I listened, it was clear. Harold had invited them to accept Jesus, and they'd said yes.

It was the best news imaginable, and they were excited to share it with all who would listen, so they told everyone. We had a party of congratulations as people welcomed them to the family of God and hugged them. 

Pastor Scooter's smile was nearly as big as theirs. "We're having baptism Sunday. You want to be baptized then?" Yes, they did.

The only time I've been more excited about a baptism was my son's. I've thought about it all week long. Imagined that moment when Pastor Scooter asks them, "Who is Jesus to you?" and they answer, "Jesus is my Lord and Savior." 

They weren't living "bad" lives by the world's standards, but they were living "lost" lives by God's standards. In two short weeks, God has turned their lives right side up. It's been exciting to watch their transformation.

They've shown me, in a fresh way, how quickly a life can be changed by the power of Almighty God and the blood of Jesus, as well as the absolute wonder of a heart made clean by the forgiveness of God. They've reminded me of the miracle that happened when my sins were forgiven and my heart was washed white as snow.

The most amazing part of the story is how it began with a smile and a simple conversation as Harold went along his way. People hungry for God responded to someone who knew Him well and was willing to share.

That's how we change the world, body of Christ. One smile at a time. One conversation with a stranger along the way. People we will meet today are hungry for Jesus. They're waiting for someone to introduce them. Let's be that one. 

"And Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" Acts 2:38 nasb
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photo above is of the traditional empty tomb of Christ

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Jesus Compliance
Here's the link to the prayer guide: The Prayer List 
Here's the link to my Global Outreach page: Leanna Hollis MD
#salvation #evangelism #Jesus

Telling the Good News

The Wonder Dogs nearly drove me crazy this morning. We got up before dawn because I was speaking early. When I let the dogs out, Maggie started barking like crazy and raced toward the lake. A light in the distance had somehow reflected off the water, and Maggie didn't think it should be there. She barked her heart out at the reflection for longer than I could believe.

There was no danger. There was nothing on the water. It was just a reflection.

Maggie was barking because it's her job to sound the alarm and she is 100% committed to her work.

As disciples of Christ, it is our job to sound the alarm, too.  I wish we were as committed to our job as Maggie is to hers. 

Christ has died for our sin. Christ has risen. Christ is coming again. 

No man comes to the Father except through Him. 

We live in a dark and lonely world where our sin-riddled lives are only a reflection of the adventure God intended. 

Christ came to give us new life and a personal relationship with Him. We, His followers, are charged with the task of spreading the news to the uttermost parts of the earth, beginning with those closest to us. I sometimes wonder how well I'm doing that. I give money to missionaries, which certainly helps carry the cause of Christ to "Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost ends of the earth", but what about my "Jerusalem"? 

It would be tragedy to support missions in foreign lands but fail to share Christ with those closest to us. We have the greatest news of all.  Who have you told about Jesus this week? 

"... you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest parts of the earth." Acts 1:8 nasb

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Be sure to check the updated Prayer List 

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In case you missed one of the past week's posts, here are the links: Peace Only Comes When We Have Dealt With Our Sin, Starting a Prayer List, Priorities and the Goat Demons: Who has first priority in your life?, Death is Swallowed Up in Victory,  The Turning Point: A Grateful Heart, You are Greatly Loved, A Little Taste of Heaven: Body of Christ, and Friday Night with Friends: Food and Faith, and The Priest Job

 #evangelism #tellingthegoodnews #JesusChrist #wonderdogs #linesfromleanna #LeannaHollis 

Sending the Seventy

Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. (Luke 10:1-2 NASB)

Just as Jesus sent the disciples out in ministry pairs, now we see Him sending seventy other followers. They were to go to all the cities and places where Jesus was headed and preach and heal. Just imagine it! Two followers would go into a village and share the good news of Jesus. "The Messiah has come!" they would tell the people. They probably offered to pray for the sick, knowing that God already planned to heal them. Of course, people would be excited about the healing and the pair of disciples would say, "You think this is good? You haven't seen anything yet! Jesus is coming soon!"

These people were sent to prepare the way and introduce Jesus. Jesus described it as a harvest that was plentiful. He explained that there are many people who will come to Him if they hear the good news about Him, but they can't believe if they don't hear. Jesus understood how hard it is to leave home and go to a foreign place where everyone is a stranger. He understood because He left the best place of all to come to a world that would reject and kill Him. 

There is a big harvest of souls available, Jesus explained, but not enough workers to get the harvest in. More workers are urgently needed. ALL of us are responsible for bringing in the harvest. Every single follower of Christ is responsible for the harvest. It is shameful to leave a harvest of grain in the field. It is even worse to leave a harvest of souls not gathered. 

We fall into one of two areas of responsibility about the harvest. Either we are the one who goes into the field to get the harvest in or we are the one who prays for more workers. We do not have the option to disregard the harvest. A quick "Bless the missionaries" prayer is not what our Lord had in mind here. The one who stays and prays is to approach the harvest with all the fervor and commitment of the one who goes to the field. That's a strong statement, isn't it? Read what Jesus said once more. There are two jobs. Going and praying. Both are vital. Both must be done with enthusiasm, committment, and perseverance.  

There is a harvest of souls waiting to hear the good news of Jesus and God's love. It's our job, mine and yours, to make sure they hear. Are you called to go or to pray? Let's be sure we are doing our part to bring light and hope to a dark and lonely world that will perish without the grace and mercy of God. 

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Link to last night's post: http://leannahollis.blogspot.com/2014/12/staying-close-to-herd.htmlhttp://leannahollis.blogspot.com/2014/12/staying-close-to-herd.html

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The new book, The Waiting: When the Answer to Your Prayer is Delayed and Your Hope is Gone, as well as The Clay Papers and The Road to Bethlehem (an advent devotional guide) are now available at http://www.leannahollis.com/online-store/ Get your copy today.  

The Journey, part 10: The Rejection

And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." (Luke 9:5 NASB)

As the twelve assembled for their instructions, they were likely filled with anticipation. Jesus was sending them out with power and authority. They were going to do the things Jesus had done, and everyone knew that what Jesus did was very exciting. Perhaps they felt as if they were on the brink of fame, of becoming first century "superstar" evangelists. People were going to receive them and provide for them, just like they did for Jesus. This journey business was going to be fun!

Everything sounded good until Jesus added a little postscript. "And about those who reject you..." He said. Reject us? What happened to those receiving us? "About those who do not receive you," Jesus went on to explain. It turned out that not everyone would embrace the twelve, nor the truth they hoped to share. Some people would actually reject them. Considering what happened to first century people labeled as heretics, they probably thought, "This might not go so well." 

The response Jesus recommended to rejection was a little surprising. They were not to stay and argue with the rejecters. They were to leave that town and shake the dust off their feet as they left in symbolic testimony against them. Jesus had given them power over demons but not every battle, not even every spiritual battle, was theirs to fight. Sometimes, they were to walk away. 

There is a tendency to feel a sense of relief that the twelve were not required to stay and suffer through the rejection and humiliation it could bring. It gives us hope for avoiding similar situations, doesn't it? If we aren't careful, though, our relief will cause us to overlook a tragic fact. The rejecters were costly to their town. When the twelve encountered those who rejected them, they were to leave. When they left, no one else in the town would hear them preach the truth of Jesus. No one else would experience the healing they had come to give. They might find His truth elsewhere, but it would not be from the messengers Jesus had sent. 

When you consider the implications, the price of their rejection of Jesus is heartbreaking! We see this and are appalled that a few could cost the rest such an important gift, but do we stop to consider what our own rejection of truth costs us? What it costs those around us?  When we embrace the truth of Christ, it changes us and makes us more like Him. When we reject His truth, even portions of it, it changes us, too. Forgiving your enemies is not optional for believers, but it is a principle that is often rejected. When we live a life of unforgiveness, it affects everyone around us. 

A careful Holy-Spirit-powered inspection  of our lives is in order. Let us carefully consider the ways in which we reject truth, the ways in which we fail to live as Christ would live. As we consider our own rejections, let us not lose sight of the price those rejections of truth will exact for the ones most dear to us. May we embrace the truth of our Lord and demonstrate it by the purity of our lives so that all those who know us will be drawn to Him. 

Let us live "the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth, so help me, God."

Excitement in the boat, part 27: The assignment

But the man from whom the demons had gone out was begging Him that he might accompany Him; but He sent him away, saying, "Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you." So he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. (Luke 8:38-39 NASB)

We might well imagine that the newly freed man was eager to stay free. He had been in bondage long enough. His immediate response was to beg to stay with Jesus. He might have thought that Jesus could handle the demons again if they tried to come back, but certainly a part of his desire to stay with Jesus was pure gratitude. 

It may surprise us, but Jesus would not let the man accompany Him on the remainder of the journey. The problem this man had in the past was that, even if his demons were subdued, there was nothing to fill the void when they left. Now, he had Jesus, and Jesus was all he would need to stay free. 

It turned out Jesus had a plan for him that did not involve a boat ride. He was to go home and describe for his family the great things God had done for him. He was to share his testimony with anyone who would listen. In recounting his testimony for everyone at home, he would have repeated reminders of what God had done. 

So he went. Those three words indicate a lifetime of future faithfulness. Jesus said to go, and so he went. Oh that we would be as obedient! Oh that we would do that great work Christ has given us! His parting words were to go into all the world and make disciples, yet we are often hesitant to go to our neighbors and share the good news of Christ. It is sometimes more attractive to go around the world to serve God than to stay home and obey, isn't it?  

This redeemed man proclaimed his good news to everyone, throughout the city. He did not limit himself to the affluent sections of town, nor to the people with comfortable homes and nice children. He went everywhere. That "everywhere" included the nice parts of town as well as the "seamier side" of town. He went to the people who needed Christ the most, and to those who thought they needed Him the least, and so should we. 

How faithful are we in sharing what God has done for us? How quick are we to share His saving work with those we meet?

Pray today that we and our loved ones would be transparent and obedient in sharing Christ with all those He brings our way. 

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http://leannahollis.blogspot.com/2014/08/scarcity-of-words.html

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Our terrorist/terror group of the week is the former ISIS, now the Islamic State. Their leader is Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. To learn more about them and their goal of spreading radical jihad and sharia rule throughout the world, click here: http://leannahollis.blogspot.com/2014/08/radical-obedience-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi.html

The Roadside Seed (Luke 8:5,12)

"The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled under foot and the birds of the air ate it up.

Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved. (Luke 8:5, 12 NASB)

Here begins the first soil-type. The sower went out to sow the seed (the Word of God), sowing as he went. In my mind's eye, I see a man with a big bag of seed, reaching in for handfuls and casting them out as he walks along the path. Some of the seed lands well away from the road, in the most fertile soil, but some of the seed falls along the roadside. Before the seed can find root, however, it is trampled by passersby and snatched up by the birds. None of the roadside seed lands in enough soil to grow easily. 

Jesus explained to the crowd of disciples that this represented the people who heard the Word of God but never believed. They never believe, He said, because the devil steals it from their heart before they have time to consider it and accept the truth. A quick snatch and the chance is gone. Whispered suggestions to a seeking heart like, "Later" or "How out of style!" can be just enough to delay a decision indefinitely. 

One might think the roadside seed was not important because plenty of other seed fell on good soil, but every seed is important because seed that takes root represents a life that is changed. The concerning thing about roadside seed is the proximity of their resting place to the sower. The seeds that land along the roadside are the seeds that land closest to the sower. How tragic to have those closest seeds snatched away!

Roadside seed can sprout and bear fruit, but only if it is protected and allowed to remain. Although not traditionally considered a parable about prayer, this parable suggests the absolute imperative of protecting the closest seed from the enemy of the sower. Protection from the wiles of the devil begins with steadfast prayer. 

What kind of reception do the seeds of the Word of God find in our hearts? Are they easily snatched away?  What about the hearts of those closest to us, our dearly loved ones? 

Pray today that every seed will find a welcoming reception in fertile soil, especially the roadside seed in the hearts of those we love the most. 

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Link to last night's post: http://leannahollis.blogspot.com/2014/06/sharing-in-their-suffering-helping-in.html

Where the People Are (Luke 8:1,2)

Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, (Luke 8:1, 2 NASB)

Matthew Henry, the 17th century preacher and theologian, commenting on the itinerant nature of Jesus's ministry, wrote, "He did not confine himself to one place, but diffused the beams of his light." Isn't that a lovely word picture? Some of the flashlights now available are so bright that they illuminate the path nicely. Pointed directly at your eyes, however, they are a harsh and painful, focused beam at which you cannot help but turn away. Contrast that beam with His diffusing. Jesus did not position Himself in one place and use the bully pulpit to harangue and abuse. He went where the people were, and offered truth with love.

Speaking of "where the people were", it is important to note where Jesus went to preach.  "From one city and village to another" is a beautiful phrase for those in the most remote locations. Most evangelists aim for the largest cities, that they might reach the biggest crowds. Jesus, however, stopped at the largest town and the smallest village. He came for everyone, not just the more sophisticated city dweller. He came for those in the smallest hamlet with the simplest lifestyles, as well those in palaces with the most pampered lifestyles. No one was excluded. 

As one who resides in what is a tiny village even by Biblical standards, I can well imagine the great joy with which the people in the villages received Jesus. They had likely been overlooked and ignored by the establishment and treated as of little importance by those who took note. It must have been unbelievable to them that the itinerant preacher and miracle-worker they had heard so much about was coming to their little village!

This going to all should not be surprising to us, for our Lord was very clear about His purpose. Speaking later in Luke's gospel, Jesus said of Zaccheus, "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10 NASB) Jesus wasn't just interested in a big crowd. He was seeking for lost people, wherever they might be found. As disciples of Jesus, we, too, should be seeking for lost people and bringing them to the One who loves them most, but are we?  

Pray today that we will have a seeking heart that finds those who need Jesus and brings them to Him. Pray, too, that our loved ones who are far from Jesus will be drawn to our Lord's ever-seeking, prevenient grace. 

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Link to last night's post by Mamie the Apprentice Wonder Puppy is here: http://leannahollis.blogspot.com/2014/06/friday-night-with-friends-mamies-turn.html

Part 4: Perfect Pairings (Luke 5:37-38)

And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. (Luke 5:37, 38 NASB)

Wine connoisseurs have very specific pairings for their wines. The choice of a particular food/wine combination is based on which wine best enhances and complements the flavor of the food. Characteristics like food texture, aroma, and method of preparation all enter into the choice of pairing. Generally speaking, a white wine would be paired with fish or chicken while a red wine would be paired with beef or lamb. (You can read more about this from WikiHow or just Google it). 

The point is that no wine is suitable for every food. In that same way, no one way of sharing the gospel will be effective for every person. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote:

"19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible... 22b I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Paul was one of the most effective evangelists of all time because he took note of the individual and their characteristics. He tailored his presentation of Christ to what they could best understand and to which they could easily respond. It was the same gospel, the same Christ, but presented in a fresh way for each person he met. It was exactly the way Christ met the individual. To some He offered living water, to some the bread of life, but for all He was the spotless Lamb of God come to take away their sins. 

Not every person comes to Christ by the preaching of Billy Graham or the prison ministry of Chuck Colson. In fact, the majority of people come to Christ because of a divinely perfect pairing between seeker and believer. For many, that pairing happens when their friend meets Christ first and shares the Good News with them. Today, pray that those in our loved ones' circle of influence will be so excited  about their relationship with Jesus that they cannot fail to share it in a way that is irresistible. Pray for the perfect seeker/believer combination that leads to life everlasting and fills our loved ones with the sweet aroma of Christ.