The difficulty of witnessing to family

I honestly think that sometimes witnessing to family is more difficult than witnessing to any other person on the planet. The familiarity we have with family often leads us to make assumptions that may or may not be true. Sometimes they have made it clear that they don't want to hear our preaching and teaching, others they just live so crudely that you feel any witnessing to them would be fruitless and useless. But we should realize that our family should be the one group that we want to witness to the most.

Today I spoke with my father about my ministry. Broaching the subject was very difficult, because it seemed that everytime I wanted to discuss it he would begin to curse or talk about something totally inappropriate. I felt as if with his behavior that if I brought up my ministry it would just bring on a tirade of insults or belittleling. I finally brought up the subject and he was totally cool about it. I learned that no matter what the situation we have to have the courage to trust God to take care of the testimony.

As I reflect on this occurrence and think about what this day means it made me realize something. Christ could have assumed that we wouldn't have accepted him. He could have said it wasn't worth his time. But instead he came and he shared in love. I think that is what we have to do. Simply come and share in love. People can be a lot more receptive than we think, and our assumptions can severly lead us astray. The world is searching for something and we should share with them the only thing that can satisfy them.

The resurrection showed us that Jesus is all powerful and trustworthy, so we need to rely on him and allow him to work through us. When we speak to our family we need to think about how these are the most important people in our lives. If we truly love them then we should want them to have an eternity filled with light, love, and Christ. When we allow our preconceived notions to deter us from sharing than we are helping to condemn them to hell and suffering. I can't stand the thought of allowing my family to suffer knowing I didn't even give them the opportunity to hear about Jesus. Today I learned to have faith and courage, and God will guide our words and their actions.

The Little Things

It never ceases to amaze me how we take so much for granted. I remember growing playing cowboys and indians using sticks and our imaginations. That doesn't happen anymore most kids probably couldn't tell you what an Indian is. All they know are computers and video games. Don't get me wrong I am not knocking technology. As a matter of fact I love the stuff, but when did we get so lost in it that we can't imagine just a little.

One of my favorite past times is reading, but I don't just read I like to envision myself in the story. I enjoy feeling like I am there living and breathing the tale as it unfolds and comes to life. In today's world we are so busy there is no time for tales or stories. It's all about DVR, I-Tunes, and Facebook. We worry about having a cell phone that can reach everywhere and do everything. We are constantly connected and always on the go. Nobody wants to stop and smell the roses, not along take the time to spin a good tale, or imagine for a while. Instead we want a high definition reality to fill our mind.

Well I for one say its time to get back to a simpler life. Take a day and go fishing, feel the tug at the end of the line as you land that largemouth bass! Spend a day walking in the woods talking to your dog and realizing what a true companion he is! Love your kids and your spouse because they may not be here tomorrow! You have today, you have life, and most important we have God. We need to slow down and appreciate the blessings he has given us. Go on a picnic! Lay on the ground and look up at the stars.

Yes we have many perks, gadgets, and whatchamacallits to make life easier and simpler, but instead they have made it more complicated. We don't take time to relax and enjoy the amazing world God has given us. Tell a friend what they mean to you! Kiss your mom on the cheek and tell her how she influenced you! Smile at a stranger and show them their is kindness in the world.

We live in a world filled with anger, hatred, pain, and stress. Maybe if we all would slow down and simplify things just a bit we could ease the strain. The time has come to stop pushing to do more, quit planning every moment, and just worship the God who is. He gave us this world and our lives to honor and glorify Him not to act like ants on an ant farm. So as you dredge on through it all know there is hope and there is joy, and its found in the little things.