Day 37.......Sharing Your Life Message

(I'm excited about what we're all learning here. But I'm also saddened that it's coming to an end. Just three more chapters, three more days, and it's over. But I hope it's not over. I hope we continue the growth that started by reading this book. If you feel led to, read it again this summer, or at a later date. Don't be afraid to go back through and read the blog and if you feel like posting on any given chapter, go to that day in the blog and post your comment. I will continue to monitor this blog as long as I'm breathing. I receive emails with each comment that's made. So rest assured someone will be reading your comment. If you want to ask a question or post a comment, please do so whenever you want to.)

This chapter really made me smile. It's funny how people you meet (or should I say, I meet) are all open and comfortable. They share things and may spice up their conversation with some curse words thrown in here and there. But usually the conversation leads eventually to, "So, what do you do?" When I mention that I'm a pastor, they're all apologetic about this, that, or the other thing. They try and clean up their conversation, and sometimes try and act differently. I hate that question, because I don't really want to answer it for just that reason. I don't want folks to pretend to be something they're not. That defeats the whole purpose of sharing the good news! I know many folks don't think that they can do "street ministry" or "park ministry". But it's really just having a conversation with folks. (I think it's more about the label of street ministry that scares folks.) Many times what I do is go to a park and just give junk away. Chips, sodas, stuff like that. I generally don't initiate much of a conversation other than, "We're just here to let you know Jesus loves you." Once in a while I say that, but for the most part it's just being a blessing. The neat part is seeing someone on a bench and just going up and asking if you can sit next to them. Then you can just start talking, like you would to anyone. Simple things, like "Great weather to be out at the park, huh?" You can also take them some chips or a drink of some sort. Maybe drink one with them. Then just let the Holy Spirit lead you. You'll know the exact person that God would have you share your story with. It may be that there is no one there yet ready to receive the free gift of salvation. Maybe you're just there to be a blessing and to tell them Jesus loves them. I know with my business I do my best to be a light in the darkness. I sell sports cards, and most sports fans, ESPECIALLY football fans watch all their sports on Sunday. So sometimes they're unwilling, or unable to go to church, even if they used to. But I'm not interested in getting them in church.......that will come later. The most important thing is to let them know that Jesus loves them, and that He has a plan for their lives. It's a mystery to me how God uses me in so many ways, and in so many different areas. But I know it's not at all me, it's all about Him. When I started my business in 2000 I wasn't a pastor. I was a guy who loved Jesus and wanted others to know Him too. Nothing has changed. If I stay a pastor, or if I don't, it really doesn't matter in the scheme of things, because I will ALWAYS be a servant of the Lord. Sorry to babble on here folks.

"As I reflect on my personal story, who does God want me to share it with?"

Well, I have a heart to reach young people. Teenagers mostly. I'm not real good with the younger ones screaming and crying and whatnot. I mean I've taught children's church before, and it was great. But I know that's not my calling. Most of the dumb things I decided to do started for me at a young age. From like 12 years old and up. So I can relate to them, and I'm not shocked at what they're going through. My story is powerful for anyone to hear, but the "youth" really open up and are honest with me. I'm more comfortable in that setting, but I know the Lord uses me where ever He sends me. The songs I've written tell my story, and that's a blessing from the Lord too. :-) James