Friday Focus #5

Sharing the Word

I used to be afraid to talk to people about Jesus. I wouldn't even talk to other Christians about Jesus. I just didn't know a whole lot. I only knew that he died for my sins (and yours), was the Son of God and was a carpenter. I didn't know much more. I only had some basic information and facts. I had no in depth understanding about Jesus and his life.

The more I understood (through reading and studying) the more likely I was to share my story and how God was working through me and guiding me. The more I saw how God was using me for His purposes the more I was falling in line with wanting to and executing His will to the best of my abilities. The pressure to have every answer to every question decreased.

I know we have covered one of Christ's commands to go and make disciple of all nations, but I haven't covered the fear that can prohibit the sharing. But we must know that just like in 2 Timothy 1:7, God did not give us a "spirit of fear..." Paul is telling Timothy not to be fearful about the gift God entrusted to him. So, why would Jesus give us a command and then not equip us with what we need to carry out that command? 

Max Lucado has a great quote on faith and fear.

Just hitting share on Google+ and twitter and texting weekly does a lot for sharing the word. This site allows me to look at the stats of each post and see how many (not who) people look at each post each day. I noticed that the views were down for yesterday's post when usually by the time I looked (around 5pm) they would have reach their maximum for the day. Then I realized that I never "shared" the post. Ha!! Here I am sharing The Word and I didn't even "share" The Word. After a few hours after sharing the post on two Gmail accounts and Twitter, the views went up 41%. I don't do this for the stats, I do this to aid in teaching scripture to those who need reminders, to water an already planted seed and to share with those that do not know Jesus yet.

Isn't time you told someone about Jesus? Here is an article I read with more support in your sharing- http://www.unlockingthebible.org/afraid-to-share-your-faith/

PLEASE SEE THE LOGOS AND LINKS BELOW TO SHARE THIS VIA EMAIL, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, AND GOOGLE PLUS. THANKS.

Luke 5:6- Faith in Jesus

Faith in Jesus

Luke 5 has numerous examples of how the faith people had in Jesus was able to bring about what they needed and also what they didn't expect.

The first example was Jesus telling Simon to let down the fishing nets he had just finished cleaning. Simon's response was we tried to catch fish all night but since you said let down the nets, we will do it. They let down the nets and caught a whole bunch of fish. There were so many fish they needed help to lift them up and the weight from the fish started to sink the boat (verses 4-7).

This section of the chapter does not just include faith in Jesus, but also doing what Jesus says. Jesus said to let the nets down into the water. Even though Simon and the others had fished all night, they gave it one more try. It worked. Simon had given up and was gonna move on, but Jesus says give it another chance and it worked with abundant results.

After witnessing all of this Simon Peter (a different Simon, usually known as Peter) fell on his knees humbled by what just happened. Simon Peter knew of the healing of his mother-in-law by Jesus, but this miracle really hit home for him. Jesus told Simon to not be afraid and stated that from now on he would be catching men- that is men to follow Jesus aka making disciples (verses 8-11).

Think about those times you have been praying for someone or something. Or the times you have invited someone to church. Think of a friend or acquaintance that you talk to all the time. You see them out on jogs, hikes, places to eat, the grocery store. Don't stop sharing your story. Don't stop sharing the Good News. Don't stop sharing the life of Christ. You never know the impact it can have on someone's life. I once was also very, very reluctant of attending church, bible studies, and fellowship (spending time with other Christ followers). I did not outwardly or inwardly follow Jesus nor did I read the Bible. People have prayed for me, shared with me and been patient. It is not up to us to change people or force them to follow Christ. Let God use you as a tool to spread his message.

PLEASE SEE THE LOGOS AND LINKS BELOW TO SHARE THIS VIA EMAIL, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, AND GOOGLE PLUS. THANKS.