He that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

LEARNING TO BE AN EFFECTIVE WITNESS


At one of my previous jobs I got to take part in a brief class about training others. We were told that the most common reason for poor morale and production was the lack of proper training. So my greatest hope is to train you so that you will feel prepared and confidant the next time God moves on you to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with one of the people He died to save. Witnessing can seem overwhelming at times because we make ourselves vulnerable when we share our faith. But just as Jesus was willing to give all He had for each of us we must be willing to give of ourselves to see others saved. This booklet is meant to be a help and encouragement to witness. I hope to offer practical effective ways to share the Gospel with the lost.




With Authority
When witnessing it is tempting to use phrases like I think or I believe but when we do, it sounds as though we are stating an opinion. “All people everywhere will either go to heaven or hell when they die.” is not an opinion, it is the truth no matter how many people do not believe it to be so. We want to witness with authority as the apostles did, declaring the truth of God. No matter the reaction or response from the person you are speaking with, their conscience and spirit will bear witness to Bible truths. In short, witness with authority and certainty. I Corinthians 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?


In Meekness
I Peter 3:15 it says and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: I was told by a wise minister in the church that when they preached they wanted to act in a way that would enable the Holy Ghost to move freely and I believe the best way to do that is to imitate Him. The Holy Ghost in a perfect gentleman, he invites people to change but he never forces them too. We want to have that same attitude. No amount of pushing or prodding on our parts will do any good. But fervent prayer, fasting, and meekness, that allow the Lord to do His work, will.


With Power
Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Jesus gave The Church great power to witness, power that can cast out unclean spirits and heal all manner of disease. Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. God also has given us the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Paul bears witness to this fulfillment of scripture in I Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. God’s power and Holy Ghost were not just for that generation but for our generation as well.

Overcoming Witnessing Obstacles
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Rom 12:21

Overcoming the Flesh
Don’t argue with someone or try to prove that “I’m right”. We need to show that we are RIGHTEOUS, not just RIGHT. No amount of persuasion can cause rebirth. We must stay in the Spirit and avoid the flesh. Spend time in prayer before going out to witness. Pray for the right words and for God to prepare the heart of the one you will be speaking to. When God leads you to someone, you’ll be amazed at how God is already working in that person’s life. Jesus did all of the hard work to purchase salvation and now the Holy Ghost is doing the work of preparing hearts. Our part is only to share the truth…not pound it in.

Overcoming Hesitation
Don’t put off to tomorrow what the Spirit is leading you to do today. We should be “instant in season” (II Timothy 4:2) and realize that “behold, now is the day of salvation.” If we wait we may never see that person again or their hearts may never be as ready to receive The Word. God, who knows all things, knows when the time is right. If it wasn’t the time, He wouldn’t be prompting your heart to witness. A prayed up heart enables you to be sensitive and instantly obedient to the Holy Ghost when He sends you someone to witness to.

Overcoming Distractions
Don’t easily allow distractions to hinder your witness like loud noises, people walking by, or a variety of other things. Stay focused on the topic at hand and maintain eye contact. Nothing is more important than the message of Jesus Christ. You may also be distracted by topics that are not essential to salvation. If you find that you are off topic and the discussion is not going anywhere try to redirect it back to the Gospel.

Overcoming CHRISTIAN-ESE
As we grow in the Lord and spend several hours in church a week we become very familiar with terms that the world has never heard of or may have a separate meaning for. Many people may not know what “saved” means and may not know what they need to be “saved from”. It is good to use Biblical terms, just be sure to define what they mean and ask the person you are talking to if they understand what you are talking about. Just because a person is nodding in agreement does not mean that they necessary agree with you or understand what you are saying.

Overcoming Anxiety
It is normal to feel nervous when approaching a stranger. But remember that the stranger has to stand before God one day and give an account of their life. Imagine how happy they will be if they have accepted Jesus’ sacrifice and now get to go to heaven. Also, imagine the fear and dread they will feel if they have not. Jesus said in John 3:18 that “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” Remember when you witness, the Holy Ghost will be there convicting the sinner and comforting the saint. Sometimes we forego that comfort because we do not ask God for it and sometimes even though we ask He withholds it so we will lean on Him. In those times we must decide that a soul is more important than our discomfort. Witnessing is just like anything else in life, practice makes perfect.
Overcoming Judgmental Attitude
God commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus loves each sinner just as much as He loves His Saints. He loved the lost enough to die for them. Let us in turn love them enough to tell them. We must not judge who is worthy of salvation. People come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from a variety of backgrounds, and Jesus died to save them all. Who a person is before they get saved is not what qualifies them for salvation. God does not look down from heaven and search for the most holy because there are no holy sinners. God looks down from heaven and draws all types of different people to Jesus in hopes that they will respond to Godly sorrow with repentance. This is why we must respond to the prompting of God in who we witness to. The next time you see someone who is poor or dressed unseemly let compassion and love be your response. People in the world are trapped in their sins and only the Lord can free them. Do not put the cart before the horse and refuse to witness to people you deem to be unworthy. Also see: Luke 6:37, John 7:24, James 2:2-17

Overcoming Discouragement
The Devil can discourage us when our efforts seem to be in vain. When witnessing, it is so exciting to see someone get saved but it does not happen very often. At least that has been my experience and others that I have talked to that witness often. God is doing a work in every single person all over the world that encompasses their entire life. A few minutes conversation or even an hour or two is just a small piece to a large puzzle. Be content with sharing the puzzle piece God would have you share. It may be the final one that leads to salvation or it may be among the first. Remember what Paul said about himself and another minister, I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. (I Corinthians 3:6) Also, in John 6:44 the Bible says that No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: So do not feel that you have failed if you never see anyone you witness to get saved. You are called to plant seeds and share the Gospel, God will take care of the rest.

Be Prepared
There are several ways to share the Gospel of Christ and you will want to be ready. Now I do not want you to get me wrong here. You do not need to spend X amount of time studying before you will be ready to share the Gospel. In fact if you are saved you are ready. If you just got saved ten minutes ago you are ready. Go and share what God has done for you. There are several instances in the New Testament where people were delivered and immediately praised God and shared what God had done with those around them. But, the Bible does say “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15) You should also memorize scriptures pertaining to salvation. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Salvation Scriptures To Study and Learn

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but he gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:10-11 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is non other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

I Corinthians 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The Incredible Worth of a Soul


For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16


God did not withhold His Son, but rather God the Father sent His only begotten Son to die for each of our sins. Even if the lost never accept that sacrifice Jesus still took their sins upon Himself, what an act of unconditional love.

Romans 5:8 says that God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Jesus loved each of us long before we loved Him and He died for us when we were yet sinners.

The Time is Short

Even if the rapture is yet a hundred years off the time is short because none of us know when we will die. Some of us are on this earth for seventy years or more and some of us are only here for a few years. Death is more often unexpected than not. Some of the people you see as you go about your daily routine may only have a day or mere hours left. In John 4:35 Jesus states Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.


Look for Opportunities: “And of some have compassion, making a difference”


We are to be like Jesus and to “seek and to save that which was lost.” And to invited others to…

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psa 34:8

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Isa 55:1

Witnessing should always be on our mind and we should seek opportunities to present the gospel. We can use the “Conversational Approach” to start a conversation and then turn the conversation toward the Gospel.


Opportunities all around us. You may see that the checkout lady may be having a bad day. You could ask her if she has a need you can pray for. This conversation can lead to an invitation to your church, your testimony, the need of a personal Saviour. One man gave his trash men tracts with seven dollars inside each one. He said he appreciated them and wanted to buy them lunch.

ü What about your beautician, your landlord, your neighbor that is mowing their yard?
ü What about long lines such at the DMV and the bank on a bad day?
ü What about lonely people in hospitals or in the retirement homes?
ü What about play places at McD’s or the mall to talk with parents/grandparents while the kids are busy?
ü What about the gas station attendant, the UPS man, mechanic or your co-workers?

During a garage sale a Children's Church teacher and her class gave away FREE water on a hot summer day. Some people could hardly believe it was free and this led to opportunities to witness. The children were living out the scripture: Matthew 10:42, "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward”. This idea is great for youth groups at special city events.
The Bad News and The Good News
All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; (Isaiah 64:6) and God will by no means clear the guilty (Numbers 14:18) In other words, we have sinned against a perfect Holy God, there is nothing we can do to make it up to Him and the wages of sin is death;. (Romans 6:23) but God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

Sharing Your Testimony
A good way to witness is sharing your testimony. All salvation experiences have several things in common. The first is Godly sorrow. As the Holy Ghost convicts us of our sins we feel guilty before God and are filled with a Godly sorrow. We then respond to Godly sorrow with repentance as we confess to God that we have sinned against Him. In humility we then ask for forgiveness. God cleanses us from our sins and we experience the new Spiritual birth. In sharing your testimony you can clearly show someone why they too are in need of a savior. Go over your testimony mentally or write it down on paper so that when you share it with a non-believer you will be able to share it in a way that will make them see their own need for salvation.

With Fear
In Jude 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Hebrews 10:31 says It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Unfortunately a lot of people have lost their fear of God through false teaching. They are taught that God tolerates their sins and that a loving God would not send anyone to hell. So to save with fear we must open people’s eyes to their guilt before God. The Bible says that we are enemies of God and deserve His wrath before salvation. So how do we convince people of this? The answer is found in the law because the transgression of the law is sin. I John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. When people realize they have sinned against a Holy God and are guilty before Him they will be moved to repentance.

The Carnal Mind
Romans 8:7 states “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be.” Enmity is defined as deep rooted hatred. If we were to try to change someone’s mind we might reason with them as Paul did with many Jews and Gentiles. But since there is enmity between the carnal mind and God we may also try another way. Romans 2:13-15 For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thought the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; Although a sinner’s mind may be at odds with God, they have the law written in their hearts and their conscience also bears witness to the law. So you see, the carnal mind is outnumbered by the heart and conscience so you must learn how to speak to your allies using the law.

The Law
Psalm 19:7 states The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: and Galatians 3:24 states Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. We can see from these two passages that the law converts the soul and brings us unto Christ. So what is the law? Well we find a clue in Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Thou shalt not covet is the tenth commandment. Another clue can be found in Romans 13:8-9 Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet: and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Again Paul speaks of the law and then quotes from the ten commandments. If you measure anyone against the Ten Commandments they will fall short and realize their sin.

The Ten Commandments

Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
Romans 3:10-12 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. We have all put other gods before the one true God.

Thou shalt not make thee any graven image and thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them:
In America idol worship is not common. But you can have an idol without the graven image. That idol is what is most important to you and usually what you spend the most time thinking about. You can be your own idol or it can be someone else, or perhaps a sport, hobby or object like a car. It is whatever you base your life around.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
It is very common in our culture to hear God’s name used in anger or to express disgust. It is also flipantly used to express surprise or disbelief. God does not take this lightly. Exodus 20:7 says for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
I do not know of a person who has set every Sunday apart for the Lord

Honour thy father and thy mother.
In our culture parental disrespect is the norm. It can be seen in T.V. shows and in the general attitude American youth have toward their elders. But God commands us to honour our father and mother and in Colossians children are commanded to obey them in all things.

Thou shalt not kill.
I John 3:15 states “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”

Thou shalt not commit adultery.
In Matthew 5:28 Jesus says “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.“

Thou shalt not steal.
God commands us not to steal. That means even small things, like candy, or change, or a test question. I Corinthians 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Thou shalt not bear false witness (lie) against thy neighbor.
It does not take a ten lies or even a hundred lies to make a person a liar, just one lie even a “white lie” makes a person a liar. Revelation 21:8 states But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shat not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
Coveting is the first step to many sins. Desiring what is not ours will leave us with an adulterous and idolatrous heart. God wants us to be content and faithful with what we have. Remember in I Corinthians 6:10 not only are thieves mentioned as those who will not inherit the kingdom of God but the covetous as well.


Some may say that they have only broken one of the commandments but James tells us in chapter 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one pint, he is guilty of all.
When you take this into consideration it is Romans 3:23 becomes very clear
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

When witnessing it is exhaustive to go over all Ten Commandments but by just going over a few you can show people that they are guilty before God. In our culture it is very common for people to lie, steal, and use the Lord’s name in vain without a second thought. When people realize that they are guilty before God and have broken His law they will be much more receptive to the good news that Jesus was sacrificed for their sins and remember that their conscience and the law written on their hearts will be on your side ad will the Holy Ghost. John 16:7-8 Jesus says Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: The word reprove can be defined as convince. The Holy Ghost convinces men of their sin. So you see the carnal mind is greatly outnumbered as you share God’s law with the unbeliever. When a sinner realizes that they are guilty before God the next step is for you to share the consequences of their sin.

Death: Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

We know that all men die weather they are a sinner or a saint, so what death is this scripture talking about? It is referring to the second death, which is referenced in Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And again in Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. We can see from these scriptures that the wicked, those who have never accepted Jesus as their savior, will receive their recompense. Each of us are deserving of hell but those of us who have accepted Jesus’ provision will have no part of it. Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. And Revelation 20:6 says Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. John 3:36 states He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. From the scriptures in this section we can glean that without Jesus we will inherit the second death and that the wrath of God abides on us. There are also many scriptures, some of which I cited when expounding upon the Ten Commandments that clearly state that liars, thieves, and blasphemers will not inherit the kingdom of God but rather a lake of fire. You do not have to quote all of these scriptures to them. Just a few will clearly show what the Bible teaches about this subject.

When people see their guilt before God and their just reward for their sin they are then ready for the good news of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for their sins. The good news that 2000 years ago Jesus was born of a virgin. He lived a perfect life free from sin and then died on a cross as a sacrifice in our place so that we might be saved from sin and hell. II Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Or in other words Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. So you see the wages of sin is death so Christ died for us and now we are free to receive eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. We had a debt we could not pay so He paid a debt He did not owe.

Gods’ Power: Matthew 28:18-20
We see in Matthew 28:18-20 that Jesus equips the apostles and then sends them forth. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” My purpose in putting this packet together was to help equip you to witness but you have already been given the greatest equipment through your inheritance in Jesus Christ. You have access to His power go ye therefore.

Gentle Breeze

A gentle breeze flows through the trees
As my mind fills with memories
Of the life I lived in slavery
Before I was reborn

Never happy, never free
Lost in chains I could not see
I needed you so desperately
But I was all alone

There was no where for me to go
I had not future and no hope
There was no place to call my home
I was truly lost

So many tears I never cried
So empty deep inside
I just wanted to run and hide
But you can’t hide from yourself

Just then You came to rescue me
Break the chains I could not see
You showed me what it meant to be
Alive for the first time

At a place called Calvary
You brought me down to my knees
And there you set the captive free
And opened up my eyes

You are my future and my hope
You are my fortress and my home
And I will never be alone
Because You died for me

So though I lived in slavery
And with that comes old memories
As the gentle breeze flows through the trees
I smile, because I am reborn

The Mundane

I have a few thoughts whirling about my head and so I thought I would come here and write them out. I have been wondering what truly loving God looks like. So I decided to first look at how God loves us and the greatest example of His love was the crucifixion. These are the three scriptures that popped out at me.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

He loved us when we didn't deserve it.

Matthew 26:39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

He also loved us when He didn't feel like it.

So how do I apply this to myself? God always deserves my love. But there are honestly times when it is easier to love God than others. When God delivers me from a trial, when He blesses me materially or spiritually, when I can feel His presence, it is easy to get past the flesh and love God and praise Him. It is hardest for me to love God in the mundane ordinary times. God loves me the same no matter what I do and it is my goal to love God that way as well. To love Him because He is not because of what He has done in my life. I never really understood the song "Just Because You Are" because the scripture says in

I John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

But now when I sing that song it will mean that I love God for who He is not because of how He has blessed me. I will love Him in whatsoever state and I will love Him in all seasons. So how do I show Him my love? After reading Matthew 6 I think that by giving in secret, praying in secret, forgiving others and trusting God to provide for me I show Him I love Him. What has always intrigued me about Christianity is the close relationship the Lord offers. I want to be closer than ever before and love Him just because He is.

Just Because You Are

Just because You are forever I will praise You
Just because You are I will glorify Your name
Just because You are I lay my life before You
and Father I adore You just because You are

A Carrot An Egg and A Cup of Coffee

I didn't write this one. It was forwarded to me in an e-mail but it was just so good I had to share it. I hope you enjoy it.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see." "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?" Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. "Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?" Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Hope

Of all the Christians you know who needs hope the most? I think it’s the ones in the valley, the ones in the hottest heat of the refiner’s fire and the ones that are just barely holding on.

Romans 5:1-6 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Have you ever felt like God just wasn’t coming? You know all of His promises but it seems like you have already passed the point of what you can bear. Why does He let us get to that point before He comes to rescue us? Here are some of my thoughts…

If He comes too soon we may never be broken and as we all know it is the broken things that flourish. A kernel of corn must be broken and so must the earth it is planted in to abound. Luke 1:52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

If He comes too soon we may not recognize that it is Him moving and working. We may take what He does for granted and lose the blessing of knowing that God is moving in our lives.

When we know that a situation or something inside of us was changed only by the grace of God I think it humbles us and gives us a thankful heart.

Sometimes He is strengthening us. I either heard or read a story about a butterfly that had came out of his cocoon in a science lab. He was tethered to his cocoon and after struggling for a couple of days to free himself the scientist finally cut the strings from his cocoon. Consequently the butterfly never gained enough strength to fly.

I think it also helps us to be content in whatsoever state because it teaches us to rely on Him fully when things are at their worst. Notice the progression in the above scripture, tribulation worketh patience and patience experience and experience hope. It is our experience that will show us over time that though the Lord seldom comes in our timing His timing is always perfect. There is great hope to be found in that simple truth. The last part of the above scripture reminds us that when we had no hope and were without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. He is very good at coming and saving us just at the right time.

A quote from a song by the Crabb Family “He never promised that the cross would not get heavy or that the hill would not be hard to climb. He never offered our victories without fighting but He said help would always come in time. So remember when you sitting in the valley of decision and the adversary says give in… Just hold on our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again.”

CPMA

I have recently been appointed the Church of Prophecy Marker Association leader at our local church. This was my service from tonight.

I Peter 2:1-9
1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

The first Church marker I saw were the lively stones.

Here is my testimony that I wrote for the Rocky Mountain Messenger for the 2002 May/June edition. “September eleventh is not a day any of us will soon forget. For me that date holds a special meaning. I had spent the last two weeks in Colorado Springs surrounded by people who called themselves Christians but weren’t living for the Lord. I was discouraged and confused. While visiting my Mom in Salida I spent some time with some old friends and backslid miserably. The next morning, September eleventh, I woke up and heard what everyone else in America already had. At that point I knew no matter what others believed I had to live my life for the Lord. That evening He led me to Chris Clarkson. I thank the Lord for Brother Chris and his willingness to answer all of my questions and lead me through tons of scripture. I love this Church. I love the fellowship I have experienced here. Recently I was baptized with the Holy Ghost. At one point while at the altar I opened my eyes to see our Regional Overseer Brother Smith, Brother Chris, my pastor, Brother Shuler and his wife all praying for me. The love I felt from each of them at that moment blessed my soul. This Church, the Bride of Christ is what I was searching for. To be in a place with others who will do all that the Lord has commanded us to do is truly a blessing. I never even thought that a Church like this might be in existence. I love our doctrine, I love our Church history, but most of all I love our Cornerstone who has led me to this place.”

God used the lively stones that made up the local Colorado Springs and Salida Churches to show me that there was something very special about The Church of God. I saw a group of people who were committed to serve God no matter what it cost them. Not too long ago I read a story about Susannah Wesley. ""One of her daughters wanted to do something that was not a sin but was also not right. When told not to she was not convinced she shouldn’t. It was late and she and her mother were sitting beside a dead fire. Her mother said to her: “Pick up that bit of coal.” “I don’t want to,” said the girl. “God on,” said her mother. “The fire is out, it won’t burn you.” “I know that,” said the girl. “I know it won’t burn me but it will blacken my hands.” “Exactly,” said Susannah Wesley. “That thing which you wish to do won’t burn, but it will blacken. Leave it alone.”" I saw a people who not only did not want to be burned by sin but also didn’t want to be blackened by worldliness. I saw this in the doctrine and in the advice to members as well.

I heard a couple of messages the first year that I was in the church that have really stuck with me. One of which was on Queen Ester about how when she was to go unto the king she only took what the chamberlain appointed. I look at that like us with the Holy Ghost. There are many things that we accumulate in life and some of them are even good but as we get closer to perfection those things will fade away as we only have what the Holy Ghost appoints.

There is a beauty in the holiness of the church that makes me want to shout for joy and cry all at the same time because she is so beautiful and will one day be perfect.

We sang Nothing Between and When The Church of GOd Arises

Ahhh the Valley

I was reading Romans 9 this morning and in verse 19 it says For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. What this tells me is that God is good and merciful and compassionate because of who He is not what I do. It is by faith we are saved and continue on. It is not by works. I have herd it said that when we go to God we go in Jesus' name not in our own. I do not approach Him in the name of Haley. If I did it wouldn’t get me too far. What have I done that might impress God? Nothing. I am so glad I go in Jesus’ name. But, I forget that I am going in Jesus' name. I somehow feel that if I have not been doing everything right He will not hear me. I forget how much power He has manifested in my life. I forget all of the battles He has fought on my behalf because He is good not because I am. When He delivered Israel time and time again it was because they had faith and righteousness not because they fought mightily in the flesh. The other day my son got stuck and started to whine and cry and carry on. I made him calm down and then stopped him from getting himself loose. I did not want him to come loose I wanted him to calm down and ask me nicely to help. That is what God showed me this morning in Romans 9, that I need to stay still and trust Him. He will deliver me when I call on Him. God is so good. II Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

In The Valley

Here I am in the valley once more and
Like usual things seem harder than before
But whenever I think I can't take one more step
There you are lifting me to the next

I forget so quickly all that You have done
All the races I've won that You have run
Let my will be Your will
Let my thoughts be Your thoughts
Let me remember all I fight You've already fought

Here I am in the valley once more and
Like usual things seem harder than before
But whenever I think I can't take one more step
There you are lifting me to the next

You enlarge my steps you keep my place
When I start to feel unsteady I feel your embrace
May I seek your truth
May I seek all of your light
May I find Your way in the darkest of nights

Here I am in the valley once more and
Like usual things seem harder than before
But whenever I think I can't take one more step
There you are lifting me to the next
The path is narrow and often steep
But you are always leading me

Free me from my bondage may these chains fall to my sides
Remembering this is your life it is no longer mine
Whenever I think I can't take one more step
There you are lifting me to the next