Persistence

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I made the decision to follow Jesus Christ when I was 12 years old. I was attending a two-week summer camp. My tent counselors name was Frank Chandler. Every night of the week, Mr. Chandler would wake up one boy, get him out of bed, and take him outside. There, under the stars, he sat down and led the boy to faith in Christ. I was not looking forward to my turn.

But when it came, Mr. Chandler refused to let my hesitancy win. Instead, he persisted. He referred to the Bible. He asked me tough questions. And he put his arm around me and loved me through my questions. When I finally confessed and prayed to accept Jesus, I could hardly sleep I was so excited! After all, committing ones life to Christ is the most important decision anyone can ever make.

If you know someone today who is hesitant to confess their need for Jesus Christ, do not give up! We must be persistent. C.S. Lewis said it well: “No man is ready to live life on earth until he is ready for life in heaven.” Together lets proclaim the Gospel wherever the Lord leads so as many people as possible can be ready! Who in your life needs to know about Jesus? Commit to praying for them fervently. Then, step out in boldness and tell them the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Compassion

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What sets an evangelist apart from “everyday” people? Nothing! An evangelist IS an “everyday” person who is committed to sharing Gods Good News. So, this means that YOU can evangelize in your everyday life!

Consider the hard things you endure. Some are minor. Others are life-altering. You are not alone in these trials. But people who do not know Jesus and go through similar circumstances ARE alone. It is powerful when you can tell someone, “Because of a similar situation Ive experienced, I understand what youre going through. Let me share with you what God did for me.”

The Bible says, “You show that you are a letter from Christ, … written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” In the ministry of comfort, Gods Word comes alive! His promises become active and real. As you encourage other people, youll understand why you went through your hardship. And – praise God – it was worth it!

Isnt that exciting? You are a letter from God! Make sure your message is about the hope found in Jesus Christ. Tell someone about him today.

Spirit-Sensitive Planning

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Have you ever seen a man or a woman with a plan in action? It is quite inspiring. Consider, for example, politicians. In America, no one just “happens” to become president. Every candidate has a goal – to win! And to obtain that goal, candidates engage in a far-reaching, strategic campaign for the presidency.

As followers of Jesus Christ, our goal is to win souls for Gods Kingdom! The apostle Paul in the Bible is an excellent example of a wise planner. Even though Paul had a definite strategy to win his generation to Christ, he wasnt bound to it. He remained sensitive to the Holy Spirits leading.

This is an exciting concept! We must plan, and yet we must remain sensitive to Gods Spirit guiding us. Proverbs in the Bible says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

Like Paul, we must think strategically if the world is to hear the voice of God. We must work and pray not only for the salvation of specific individuals, but also for the masses in large cities and nations. Lets plan, but never forget to be sensitive to the Holy Spirits guidance.

Vision

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Have you ever tasted a nice, cool, refreshing Coke? Congratulations. So have billions of other people all around the world. And thats thanks to Robert Woodruff.

You see, during World War II when Robert Woodruff was the president of Coca-Cola, Woodruff dared to say, “We will see that every man in uniform gets a bottle of Coca-Cola for five cents wherever he is.” When the war ended, Woodruff said that in his lifetime he wanted everyone in the world to have a taste of Coca-Cola. Talk about vision!

How big is your vision? Have you thought about what God could do through you? God has tremendous plans to impact the world for His glory – plans not limited by ANYTHING. The Bible says, “Nothing is impossible with God.” Yet, God has chosen to use us, His followers, to accomplish His purposes in this world!

Today I challenge you to dream big! Ask God how He wants to use you to share His Good News. Settle for nothing less than His grand vision for reaching the lost – through you! God wants to use you in huge ways. Will you dream dreams as large as His plan for you? Hes God! Think what you and He could do together to reach your world for Jesus Christ!

Jesus is the Key

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Do you know the secret of a successful Christian life? The key to victory and success is this: Christ in you, the hope of glory. Jesus Christ living in you is the key to fruitfulness, power, authority, holiness, and evangelism! So, the question is, do you believe that Christ lives in you? Have you understood this truth in the depths of your soul?

The Bible says it very clearly: Jesus literally comes into your heart at the moment of confessing your belief in Him. First Corinthians 6 says, “He who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.” From the moment you receive Jesus Christ, you are united with him, His Spirit in your spirit. Thats what it means to be born-again. You come alive to God because Christ came into your life.

Imagine Jesus Christ, the Son of God, saying, Im knocking at the door. I want to come in. And when I come in Im never leaving. Ill be with you forever. Thats what the Christian life is all about – thats the reality of following Jesus. So, as we seek to reach our world for Jesus Christ, we must not forget this wonderful truth and promise. Christs life, in us, empowers you and me to share His Good News with our world!