Can You Say Jesus? - Saturday, March 17th, 2007

"But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."
- 2 Timothy 4:5 

Okay, here is the question for the day.  When was the last time you mentioned the name Jesus to someone else?  I know, many of you are like, "Sorry, not for me."  Or others of you might be thinking, "I will leave that to the preachers, teachers, and seminary guys."  But please listen to this challenge.  If Jesus plays an important part in our lives, why don’t we talk about Him more often?  It doesn’t have to be in a "street-preaching from the corner" method.  It doesn’t have to be "handing out the tracts" method.  Sharing Jesus with someone could simply mean incorporating Him in your everyday conversation.  Let others decide if they want to follow Jesus, but let’s give them the opportunity to hear the message.  You might be surprised at their questions.  And trust me ~ we won’t have all the answers.  But let’s allow the Spirit to work in their lives.  Let’s be used as a resource for the Lord today.  Try it.  It is refreshing.    

Last night, I was reminded of this truth about sharing Jesus to others when a group of people gathered at the observation deck at Reunion Tower downtown Dallas.  To open up the evening, a lady testified how she has been accused of talking about Jesus too much.  What an interesting problem! And she isn’t this off-the-wall, make you feel uncomfortable person.  She is a devout woman of faith who loves the Lord.  She wants others to know about Jesus. As she was talking, her testimony made me do a gut-check in my own life.  Would I ever be accused of talking about Jesus too much?  Would you?  Something to think about. 

When Paul wrote to his fellow friend and believer Timothy, the Apostle encouraged him to "do the work of an evangelist."  Paul knew there were many who haven’t heard the Good News of Jesus, and he wanted to encourage Timothy to fulfill his ministry.  Don’t give up.  Hang in there.  Keep up the good work and share Jesus. We would all attest to the fact that the road of sharing Jesus is an uncomfortable road to walk on.  It is narrow.  We don’t think we can muster up the boldness.  Yet, we must overcome all doubts, and make ourselves available for the sake of Christ.  Availability is half-the-battle as we call for revival.  More than anything, in a time of revival, the believers of Dallas must take ownership in their relationship with Jesus Christ.  Let’s pray that we will believe He can make a difference in our own lives. 

But please know ~ the results of others coming to Jesus are not up to us.  The results are up to the Lord.  And for this reason, the lady who shared her testimony, along with her husband, have been renting out the observation deck at the Reunion Tower once a month for the past 11 years.  They believe in the power of prayer. They believe God will hear their pleas for others coming to know Jesus.  How do I know their view?  Because their faithfulness in praying over the past 11 years, reveals the confidence that the Lord will answer them. 

May this committed, married couple be an example to all in this city.  Not only are they actively sharing Jesus in their community, but they are also taking their desires before the throne of grace.  And with time, I too believe, the Lord to will pour His Spirit once again on this city.
- klm