This entry reminds me of a scene from a movie. The main character was stranded and needed a ride. He says to the Christian girl, “Feel like being Christian?” Seems manipulative but it worked. She gave him a ride.
We all have our ideas of what being a Christian should look like, but we can’t always live up to our own expectations, let alone, someone else’s. On this morning, I did not ‘feel’ like reaching out to strangers, so I didn’t. Praise God I became a Christian when HE saved me, and it doesn’t go away because I don’t always do the ‘Christian’ thing.
From the journal . . . . October 2019
We are in Yakima, camping our way back from the Smith sibs’ campout. I did a 4-mile walk/run and prayed. I love those prayer verses for my family, but I need new ones for the new month.
Mark is still in bed with a bad tummy. I made a fire, coffee for him, and hot chocolate for me. Pretty lovely. A couple came by, but I wasn’t willing to engage them in conversation. My bad, Lord. I’m sorry. I need to change that about me. Please help. I’ve asked before but I am pretty sure You need my cooperation.
And I Believe God Said:
Yes, I do.
There are times when it’s okay to not reach out because you have a reason, but not this time. You know that I am with you and I know you don’t want to give up your time alone with Me. However, you can have other people join in our time together by looking for Me in them.* Look for opportunities to introduce me.*
Col 1:26-27 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. NIV
Col 4:6. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone NLT
Okay, Lord. Really, that isn’t hard. If I was with . . .
If you were with a friend, you would introduce them to others. Ask people their names, not that you have to remember them or ever remember to pray for them, but to form one bond. Connect with people and encourage connection with Me.
Isaiah 43:1. But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine. NKJ.
John 10:3. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. NLT
I was thinking about how nature is a strong connection to You because You have created everything on earth. . .
I think I must have been interrupted but I would add that God has also created all people. We have the common bond of experiencing nature and all being created by God. We don’t all agree about God but who can disagree with a beautiful day when the mountain is out!!!
I took the name suggestion and started asking the people I normally see when I walk, what their names are. Sometimes I have to ask the same person more than once, but it is a connection. I realize that I like it when they ask or remember my name and I believe they like it too. Jesus always knows what He is talking about!!
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