November 2006
Every person on this earth has a story. Each story is different from the next and encompasses a lifetime of experiences, lessons, and testimonies. No story is less important than another. Some stories are filled with adventure; some have tragedy; and others are filled with joy, triumph, and peace.
Take time to listen to the stories of those you meet. People will appreciate someone taking the time to hear their message.
A world of experiences awaits!
Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/Griszka Niewiadomski
For many families, the Holiday Season (from Thanksgiving to Christmas) is the costliest of the year. Traditions of holiday sales and long wish lists have become staples of our country. DestinationCRM.com estimates that online spending in the U.S. will be $27 billion.1
Many families incur large amounts of debt to provide an ‘all-star’ holiday of expensive gifts. Long after the holiday season is over, many people will spend the year (or years) paying off credit cards and loans for less than one month of shopping. Where will these gifts be in one year: broken; stuffed in closets and drawers; forgotten; or thrown away?!
If you follow the spending ‘traditions’ of our country, please consider using this upcoming holiday season to enjoy your family and to give thanks to God. There are many ways you can show your appreciation and love besides purchasing expensive gifts that keep you bound to the chains of debt.
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/winblows
1 – destinationCRM.com. “A 2006 Online Holiday Spending Projection.” destinationCRM.com. 2000-2006. 19 Nov 2006. http://www.destinationcrm.com/articles/default.asp?ArticleID=6459
Have you ever read a Christian tract where someone shares the gospel and they instantly decide to serve God or change their ways? Now this does happen in ‘real’ life, but there are many times when the recipient may walk away, say no, or hate us for trying to share the Gospel.
It is in these moments that we must exercise patience and empathy as the ‘truth’ they have depended upon for years is being challenged. (Think about something in your life you know you should change, but haven’t.) We can help them sort through their difficult questions, problems, and situations. It isn’t for us to constantly badger them to change, but to live what we preach, be available, and be a source of counsel and support.
We don’t want to turn people from the Gospel of Jesus Christ or any level of change that will enhance their lives. If people don’t change when we want, then let us love them anyway (Romans 13:8).
Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/Jean Scheijen
As we follow the example of our Lord and Savior, we can glean some insights of discipleship through His interaction with people. There is so much we can learn from our Lord, but I would like to point out few ‘points’ within the context of our discussion.
Jesus allowed people to approach Him with the questions and concerns on their heart. Let’s look at a few examples:
(1) Nicodemus – John 3:1-11
(2) James and John – Mark 10:35-45
(3) The Rich Young Ruler – Mark 10:17-22
(4) The Disciples – Mark 10:23-30
Now, when you read these verses, there are some underlying themes. Jesus was (1) available, accessible, and approachable; (2) allowed others to ask just about any question and make any comment; and (3) responded to each question and concern and raising their level of understanding toward righteousness.
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