Let Jesus Speak

How do you react when someone asks for your help? How do you respond when you hear a tragic story from an acquaintance? I’m not talking about the “major” tragedies as recounted and reported by the major news stories (i.e., the Greensburg tornado, the New Orleans hurricane, the Topeka flooding), I’m talking about your neighbor whose child or grandchild has died, or the friend of a friend who has lost their home to fire or flood, or your co-worker whose child has become involved in drugs or alcohol. Do we ignore the topic altogether or do we politely acknowledge the situation and move on to other trivial, less uncomfortable subjects?

The real question is, “how do I reach those for Jesus?” Talk about uncomfortable! I am not a great speaker. Evangelism has never been one of my strong points. I never seem to know just how to broach the subject of salvation or to tell them of Jesus. Just how do I convince someone to believe in Jesus?

John 4 tells of how one woman spread the news of Jesus to her entire town. After a brief encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman went back into town and simply told the people of her experience and they flocked to see Him. While many believed because of the woman’s testimony, many more believed when they actually listened to Jesus.

The verse that recently struck me in this story is verse 42,

They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” (emphasis added)

Simple enough: if we simply let Jesus speak, they will know that He is the Savior! Paul said it this way, “…but we preach Christ crucified…When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 1:23a; 2:1-2). You have heard the expression, “You may be the only Jesus someone sees today”; well, if we let Jesus speak through our words and actions, people WILL come to know the Savior. So how should we react? How should we respond? If Jesus is truly the Lord of our lived, our actions and our speech will draw people to Jesus. Let’s be a people that practices what we preach.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Daddy's Little Girl

Wow! It’s hard to believe 18 years are almost gone. Lavon, you are no longer my “baby girl”. As we’ve watched you grow and mature, you have brought much joy to our lives. Your determined resolve and infectious smile have brightened the lives of all those who have come in contact with you. Your love of life and commitment to service have helped to develop friendships which will last a lifetime…and you love for God and dedication to His commands and His compassion for others have made a lasting impression on many…including me.

I am proud of all that you have accomplished. We have watched you develop physically, academically and musically – but the most fun has been to watch you grow and increase in your faith. I am most proud of the young woman of God you have become. As you embark on this new and exciting journey, I pray that you will continue to grow and mature in the wisdom and knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray that God will guide you in the direction where you can best serve Him. Trust in Him during good times and hard times. Don’t be afraid to ask your Father for anything, big or small. Most of all, remember to put Him first in ALL you do and never forget His sacrifice for you.

Always know that your Mother and I will be there for you – anytime night or day. No matter where you are, what you do, or how old you are, you will always be “Daddy’s little girl”.

I love you and look forward to the coming years.

Dad