To All Whose Mother's Day Is Hard

Mother's Day provides us with a tremendous opportunity to thank all the moms who mean so much to us in a special way. It's a celebration that often has a flip side that I hardly ever see mentioned, and that's sad. I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and I wanted to compose this post before I got too tired to make heads or tails of the thoughts running through my head.

But through all the well-wishes, thank-you's, and proud pronouncements wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day, it doesn't seem like the people who hurt most at Mother's Day get any mention or attention.

There are women all around us who struggle every day, because they can't have children. My family experienced that heartache day after day, month after month for a long time before God blessed us with our first child. Some are experiencing that frustration today. How hard it must be for those ladies to watch as everyone celebrates the very thing that keeps her so heartbroken day in and day out.

Or the moms who have difficult children. Who love their children dearly, but suffer daily through major challenges, doubts and depression at the journey they must travel.

Or the moms who have children who are older, and they see their children living contrary to everything they were taught. How helpless, alone and hopeless some of those times must be.

But everywhere, I see Happy Mother's Day cards, hugs, and thank you's. As a church, we should be reaching out and seeking those who hurt deeply because of this day. We must be sensitive to realize that for every mom who deserves this day to celebrate who she is and her contribution to our lives, there's a woman who aches deeply because it's Mother's Day, and she feels like doing anything but celebrating.

Who's going to comfort those who hurt? Thankfully, the God of all comfort will never let you down. To all ladies, whether you're a mom or not, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you in whatever situation you're in.

And remember that your worth isn't found in being a mom, or not being a mom. It's not found in being the perfect parent. It's not found in the lives your kids live now or after they're grown. Your worth is found in Jesus Christ. And please know that the "Happy Mothers" may get all the press, but you, too, are not forgotten today.

Are You Awake? Are You Sure?

Sometimes, only the aroma of a strong, fresh, piping hot mug of coffee wakes me up. Sometimes, it's the sound of laughter, or screaming boys that should've stayed in bed longer.

What about you? What wakes you up? The piercing sound of an alarm clock? Or maybe you've tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep at all.

What about spiritually? What does it take to wake you up, spiritually? What does that even mean?

The center of a Christian's spiritual universe is the Gospel. Jesus died for our sins, rose from the dead, and makes forgiveness available to all who repent and trust in Him. A clear conscience. Eternal life. What could be better than that? If you had the choice between a million dollars and forgiveness of sins, which would you choose? A lifetime of financial security, or Jesus?

Jared Wilson, in his book Gospel Wakefulness, offers you and me a spiritual wake-up call. He says that we may not be living in the center of the Gospel like we think we are. We say we're spiritual, play the part, and go through the motions of this "Christianity" stuff. But our lives may not be as Gospel-centered as they could be. Could he be right?

Wilson gives us 11 statements that help us determine for ourselves whether we're truly awakened to the Gospel or not. Could you really not be as Gospel-centered as you think you are?

How many of these statements are true of you?

1. The Gospel doesn't interest you that much, or other subjects (end times, for example) interest you more.

2. You take nearly everything personally.

3. You frequently worry about what other people think.

4. You treat inconveniences like minor or major tragedies.

5. You're impatient with people.

6. In general, you have trouble seeing the fruit of the Spirit in your life. (Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, patience, and self-control).

7. The Word of God holds little interest.

8. You have great difficulty forgiving. You harbor a grudge.

9. You are told frequently by a spouse, family member or close friend that you are too clingy or too controlling.

10. You think someone besides yourself is the worst sinner you know.

11. The idea of Gospel Centrality makes no sense to you.

How'd you do? When I look at myself in the mirror in the morning, I realize how much damage my appearance has suffered from the night's "rest." As I look at my heart through this list tonight, I must admit that I look a lot like that man in the mirror.

How about you?

So, what can we do about this condition, then? We do this, every single day.

Can You Do This, Too?

I'm Just Like You

I never want to set myself up as a hero. I'm proud of my Savior, who died for me and rose from the grave. I'm thankful to Him for all He has done and continues to do daily in my life. I want to share that message that brings hope, life and peace to wilted, dying hearts. 

But the truth is, despite the fishing stories you see on this blog, I'm a big fat chicken when it comes to evangelism. I kid that I know God has gifted me to evangelize because I'm an introvert who hates starting conversations with strangers - especially controversial ones. That way, I know any fruit that comes from me sharing the Gospel gets credited to God.

But I chicken out. All the time. The reason I started this blog was to encourage weak-kneed, feeble, chicken Christians like me to share the Gospel. 

You Can Do This, Too!

I want everyone reading this blog to know that God has given you everything you need to share the Gospel. If you're scared, that's perfect. If you don't know what to say, that's perfect, too. That will drive you to your knees and to the bible. And that's when your conversations will have eternal impact - when God works through you instead of you trying to do it on your own.

It's the Spirit of God that gives you power, wisdom and courage. All you have to do is ask, and continue asking. 

Listen, I wimp out way more often than I obey the Spirit's tugging on my heart to start these conversations. But I want you to know that you can be bold for Jesus and share the Gospel - even with strangers - if you'll pray and believe that God will fill you with the wisdom and courage you need. It's not that I have to share my faith. I want to, because I have words of life that everyone needs. I want people to experience life the way I experience it. People search all their lives for meaning and purpose. I know why I was created. I don't have to waste my life searching. Neither does anyone else, if they'll believe the good news I have to share and place their trust in Christ. In an instant, everything changes. That's what I want to see. That's what you want to see, too, or you wouldn't be reading this. But how?

The Chicken Little Guide to Evangelism

Here's how I started, and how you can start, too. 

First, I studied people who actually evangelize. You can download a million sermons on evangelism, from pastors and preachers who don't regularly share the Gospel. 

But let me ask you a question: if you wanted to make a million dollars, would you ask your Uncle Buddy (who's always broke) how it's done? Of course not. Stop listening to anyone who isn't doing what you're after. 

Search Youtube for guys like Mark Cahill, Ray Comfort and Todd Friel. I learned a lot by watching conversations these guys had with unbelievers. Apologetics strengthens your faith, but you can't spend 30 minutes explaining creation to a person in a one-on-one conversation that lasts 5 minutes. You'll get sidetracked and never get to the Gospel. How do you stay on track? Watch how these guys do it, and learn from them. 

Second, start small. Grab some well-written, creative tracts. I get mine from Living Waters. I use the "World's Best Optical Illusions" one the most. Why? Because I can say, "Did you get one of these?" and get away quickly before they realize it's a Gospel tract! See? Told you I was chicken.

When you hand them a tract, say "Did you get one of these?" That stirs up curiosity in many folks. They wonder what they're missing out on. Try it!

For a week, commit to carrying tracts with you every time you leave the house. Set a goal to give one tract away per day. Before long, it will come easily to you.

Third, practice conversations in internet chat rooms. If you make a mistake and look foolish, who cares? You'll quickly learn what you don't know, in a safe training ground where the pressure's off. You'll go to your bible and find out that answers exist for all of these stupid questions fools (atheists) will throw out at you. You'll also see that some questions are genuine, and learn to navigate the conversation back to the Gospel gently and lovingly through practice.

Finally, if you can, find a friend that wants to evangelize with you. I'm so thankful for my fishing buddy. he helped me get my feet wet. He was my bodyguard when I did stupid things that got us into trouble (okay, I made that part up). But you'll be a lot more fired up when you evangelize in twos. I think the main reason Jesus sent His disciples out in twos was so they could build each other up and stir each other up. When you get discouraged, your buddy will be right there to push you forward. Try it and notice the difference.

Not everyone is called to be an evangelist, but every Christian is called to evangelize. Equip yourself through prayer and bible study, learn from the conversations of others, prepare through always carrying Gospel tracts, and find a buddy. Above all, know that you can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you. Start sharing your faith, and I promise you that your walk will never be the same again.

Oh, and one bonus tip: worried about not having all the answers? I've found that one of the most effective answers I can give in a witnessing conversation is "I don't know." People respect you more when they realize that you're just like them. You don't have to know all the answers. "I don't know. Can I find out and get back to you?" Grab their email or something. Easy peasy. They'll be more likely to listen to the rest of what you have to say when you show them you don't know it all. 

Can I ask you a favor? If this blog is an encouragement to you, would you please tell a friend to check it out?  I want to encourage as many people as I can through these words. 

What do you struggle with when sharing your faith? Please let me know in the comments. 

The Most Important Blog Post You'll Read This Year

Every day, I see Christians trying so hard. I hear people talking about the heavy load they carry, and how they need more faith to trust the Lord with these heavy weights. It's obviously God's will to struggle through life, it seems. But didn't Jesus say that his yoke is light?

There's a missing ingredient that I've found. hidden right under my nose. After years of trying to lift this heavy burden of "Christianity," whatever that means, I believe I've found the one secret to a successful, fulfilling, joyous Christian existence, no matter what's going on in my circumstances. Once you grab onto this secret with all of your might, and refuse to let go, I believe you may be shocked at how much simpler this whole "Christianity" thing becomes.

Can it really be that simple? One thing that makes this whole walk smooth? I've found it to be true in my own life. Lighten the load, with one simple, singular focus. Feel the peace that surpasses understanding and get on with living life the way God truly wants you to live it.

We are at war. But that doesn't mean you have to be constantly struggling, moment by moment, in a never-ending tug of war with yourself that you feel you can never win. Give yourself a break already.

And once you really embrace this one simple understanding, you'll be in a better position to lighten the load others carry. Instead of well-meaning advice that often falls on deaf ears, provide your loved ones with words that genuinely bring comfort and restoration to their souls when times are at their toughest.

Ignore this truth, and the people around you will feel it. You'll project your struggles onto everyone around you. Even with the best of intentions, you'll sabotage relationships, cause unnecessary tension and turn hopefulness into heartache.

Christianity was never supposed to be a frustrating experience of fits and starts, where you take 2 steps forward and 3 steps back. Where you feel close to God one day and so far from him the next. Where you wrangle and hustle and struggle, only to find yourself falling short and feeling tired.

The bible says that if we take hold of this simple truth, then times of refreshing will come from the Lord. I don't know about you, but I could use some refreshing from the Lord.

What is the lone truth you need to guide you to the refreshing experience of Christianity that the bible promises? The Gospel.

You say, "I already know the Gospel." Are you sure?

What is the Gospel? Take a few minutes and really think about it. First, take a few moments to really meditate on your sinfulness. No, this isn't a guilt trip. I mean really think about how God sees every thought. Every cross word. Every time I've lost my temper or acted selfishly. Every time I dishonored Him. How many times have I done that today? 10? 50? It's true that I'm desperately wicked. I choose iniquity. In fact, I drink it up like water. How about you?

Now, how sweet is the cross, in light of all of that? Even though that's who you are, in truth, God demonstrated His love for you on that brutal, bloody cross. He did that for you. He created this whole world. Everything you see. He owns it. You've cursed Him with your thoughts and with your actions, but look how much He loves you anyway.

Doesn't that make you want to worship Him? Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me? How amazing is God's love for us!

Take a few moments to bask in this truth, and everything seems a little different, doesn't it? But here's the thing: you've got to do this every day. You've got to put aside everything else and meditate on the Gospel every day. Otherwise, Christianity (and life, for that matter) will just become a heavy burden. There's only one way it'll be different: meditating on the Gospel every day.

Know what else? How you think of others will change when you do this, too. You'll start seeing people as God sees them. You'll stop (consciously or unconsciously) trying to "punish" others, because they've already been punished. When you want to fight, you'll take your fight to the foot of the cross, look up and suddenly break into worship.

When things are hard, you'll take that to the cross and realize that you've gotten far less than you deserve, and far more than you deserve. Your circumstances will cause you to worship God. You'll experience the times of refreshing your soul desperately longs to taste.

You say, "Don't all Christians already know the Gospel?" Paul seemed to think he needed to remind Christians of the Gospel constantly. Read through his letters. He's constantly preaching the Gospel - to born again believers. Why? Because we constantly need to meditate on the truth of the Gospel.

Because we are at war. And much of this war is fought in your mind. The only antidote is reminding ourselves that Christ died for us. That He was, and we are, resurrected to a new life because our God is rich in mercy and grace and love toward us.

Every day, we need the manna of the reminder of how much God loves us and demonstrated that love. Yes, it's good to read your bible, pray, go to church and tell others about Christ. But the most essential part of this whole journey is constantly spending time meditating on who you are, and who Jesus is, and what He has done because He is so merciful.

If you think this is too simplistic, I challenge you to pray this through. For the next week, take just 10 minutes, close your eyes and really stop to think about your sinfulness. Who you are in truth. The thoughts no one sees. Think about the brutality of the cross. The blood He shed for you. The anguish. A pain we can never even begin to understand. Yet he cried out, "Father, forgive them." He cried out, "It is finished."

After a week, I promise you that your burdens won't be so heavy and your heart will worship Him more and more. God invites you to walk with Him in the cool of the day, like Adam and Eve once did. This is how. Will you walk with Him today, meditate on the Gospel, and experience the time of refreshing He longs to have with you?

Cotton Candy Evangelism

For the second year in a row, I had the awesome experience of fishing for men at Lafayette, Louisiana's Mardi Gras celebration this year. Last year, it was a blast. I had some very interesting conversations throughout the entire Mardi Gras day.

This year was, well, different. I was battling losing my voice, among other health issues. But I was determined. Up and down Johnston Street I walked, making excuse after excuse and not talking to anybody. I walked for over an hour up one side of the crowded street and down the other.

Then, something happened. "COTTON CANDY! YOU KNOW YOU WANT SOME! COME AND GET IT! COTTON CANDY!" I mean, this lady was relentless. Unashamed. Fearless. Over cotton candy.

Here I am, with the words of eternal life and the power of the Holy Spirit, coming to deliver something far sweeter than cotton candy. Yet excuse after excuse kept me from being bold for Jesus Christ. Yet this woman is shouting with everything she has to get people to buy cotton candy?

The fishing wasn't as exciting as it was the year before. From the world's vantage point, it wasn't very "fruitful" at all. We often ask about our evangelism, "Was it effective?" The proper question is: "Was it biblical?" Nobody listened to many of the prophets in the bible. But they did God's will, God's way, and results often come in secret, where we don't see them. I'm just a seed planter. God saves people. I'm just a mailman delivering a message. I plant, somebody else may water it, but God brings the increase.

Now, though, when I think of chickening out (and I often do), I'll think about the boldness and enthusiasm of that cotton candy lady and remember that the Gospel is far sweeter than that cotton candy. If she can be bold about cotton candy, I will not be ashamed of the Gospel.

Who's Steering?

Many of you know that I'm a big fan of politics. Sometimes, I get too into it and need to be reminded that God is in control of these crazy elections. I choose, instead, to focus on things that matter for eternity instead of pouring my heart and soul into temporal garbage that tends to only have a 2 to 4 year shelf life, anyway. (And yes, any of you are welcome to remind me of this post at any time you deem necessary).

But this election cycle has offered a few unique illustrations about things that actually do matter for eternity.

Today is election day in Louisiana, as Republicans in my home state head to the polls to determine who they want to represent the party in November's Presidential election. I have been a vocal supporter of Rick Santorum, because I believe that he comes closer to sharing my values than any of the other remaining candidates.

Just within the past week, however, I've run into a huge problem that has caused me to seriously rethink my support for Mr. Santorum, and his challenges on the campaign trail illustrate something valuable for anyone wishing to effectively fish for men.

Mr. Santorum repeatedly finds himself in the weeds in interviews and discussions. Instead of talking about his "vision" for America, his manufacturing jobs plan and other things that would help him get elected, he keeps getting stuck in the quicksand of stupid questions about contraception and other things.

But here's the problem: it's really simple to get out of that quicksand and onto the things that you want to talk about. It works like this:

Liberal Media guy: "Mr. Santorum, do you honestly believe that contraception should be banned? (Or whatever stupid question you want)
Santorum: "Mr. Liberal Media Guy, contraception is none of government's business. Here's what is government's business: gas prices are soaring, people are out of work, families can't pay their morgages. Here's what we're going to do about it.... blah blah blah."

See how easy that was? As a Presidential candidate, YOU steer the conversation to where you want it to go. You don't ignore the question, but you steer the answer back to your point.

How does that relate to evangelism?

When I'm talking with someone, they may try to steer me down a rabbit trail to distract from the Gospel. In a recent conversation, I went through the law to bring the knowledge of sin and presented the good news of the Gospel. The person's response was: "Well, how can you believe the bible when it's been translated and retranslated thousands of times?"

Now, I could have spent 30 minutes explaining texual criticism, which would undoubtedly lead to another objection and another hour of discussion. But I wanted to discuss the Gospel. I simply said, "Who's talking about the bible? You brought the bible up. I didn't. All I'm asking you to do is listen to your conscience. You know right from wrong because you have a conscience, without even talking about the bible. You know it's wrong to lie, and steal, and lust (adultery of the heart) and blaspheme, yet you do it anyway. You know that if God gives you justice, you'll be guilty and end up in Hell. And you don't need the bible to convince you of this. But Hell is not God's will for you..."

Like a savvy Presidential candidate, I steer the conversation. Instead of getting caught in the weeds like Mr. Santorum, I keep my eyes on where I'm headed - the cross - and I get back there as fast as I can. Paul said it this way:

"For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.:
1 Cor 2:2 (NKJ)

Is this some sort of trickery or worldly wisdom? Well, Jesus did the same thing I'm talking about here. Watch:

There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”
Luke 13:1-5, (NKJ)

Jesus "answered and said to them..." In other words, these guys were like, "Why did this happen? Maybe it was this reason. Maybe it was that. Maybe they sinned. Maybe their family sinned." Jesus skipped right past all the speculation and questions. He went straight to the heart of the matter. He stayed on message and didn't miss a beat. Unless you repent, you will perish with all of your sidetracks and questions.

Keep your eyes on the cross. Respect the questions of others, but don't let them get you into the conversational weeds and derail you from reaching your destination.

Happy election day, Louisiana.

What the Political Debates Taught Me About Sharing My Faith

These thoughts are not an endorsement of any Presidential candidate, party or campaign, but only convey the lessons I've learned through the dialog of the debates.

Republicans currently find themselves locked in a battle for the spot to challenge Barack Obama for President of the United States. A large portion of the battle has been contested in the televised debates. One candidate, in particular, really said something that has influenced how I think about sharing my faith.

A little background for those not following the race closely: Mitt Romney, the front-runner for most of the race, is considered by many to be a "moderate" Republican. The other candidates are seen by many to be competing for the "Anti-Romney" position. Rick Santorum, in particular, continues to present himself as the most conservative candidate.

He says that we need a bold contrast to Obama, not someone who looks similar (a moderate). He says that the party needs someone who can paint a sharp picture that clearly defines our differences so they're easy to see. He says he wants to give America a clear choice between two people whose differences are easy to spot.

What's the point? I'm currently involved in a bit of a challenge that faces me and many of my freelance colleagues. We contract for the same company, and this company has been a reliable source of income for years. The challenges we face are causing fear among many who have relied on this income.

Through this: I've learned something valuable. Do I, as a Christian, present a sharp, bold, stark contrast to the world? When is my opportunity to do that? When I face a seemingly hopeless situation. Do I sit in the seat of the scornful, lamenting, worrying, wringing my hands and looking like everybody else?

My God said "Let there be light," and there was light. He spoke the world into existence, He raised Himself from the dead, He's in total control, He's faithful, he loves me, and He's not wringing His hands in Heaven over my financial situation. Here's an opportunity to show tangible evidence to a circule of nonbelievers that "the God who Provides" is on my side and will provide for my need. Will I look like everyone else, or will I stand out by expressing my faith that my God always comes through for me?

In discussions with my colleagues, I share similar struggles. Yes, my main income is threatened and yes, I'm human. I'm nervous about them. But what sets me apart from others is that I know my God will provide, because He always does. Now's my opportunity to be that stark contrast between someone who sits there worrying, and someone who praises God no matter what, knowing He sees, knows and has already provided the solution.

Replies vary, from "I wish I had your faith," to "Jesus has never done anything for me; He's not putting food on my table," to "I used to have that kind of faith, but it never worked for me." Think there's an opportunity to present the Gospel now? Do you think that when God does provide, that the words I've spoken have come with some demonstrated power to back them up?

They already have. Why is this guy not worried, when he's going through the same seemingly hopeless situation I'm going through? Because my God is bigger than all these small things.

How does God want to use you to share the Gospel today? I've missed too many opportunities to demonstrate that sharp, clear contrast between a follower of Jesus and a follower of this broken world. Today, I'm choosing not to worry. Instead of sitting in the seat of scoffers, I choose to meditate on God's word. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?

The message I sent to the discussion follows, in it's entirety.

----------
"He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.

Your Father knows what you need before you ask him...Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

Isaiah 53:5-8; Acts 3:19; Matthew 6:8, 25-26; Romans 8:32 (NIV)

For those who disagree, no offense taken. But I choose not to worry.