Converting the Heart

I have often wondered what the best way to witness is..? 

I have seen different methods work, and I have seen some methods fail. 

How do you determine the best way to present the Gospel to someone 

who may not know the Lord, or even you?.. 

How do you know if "true conversion" or "true repentance" has taken place? 

Some say FEAR. "Fear is the best way to change the heart."

They say it will last and give true results.

Some say PATIENCE. "Patience allows the Lord to work in His time."

To be honest, there is no one way to witness.

We as missionaries need to trust that the Lord will guide our hand.

If we rush in, not waiting on the Lord, we trip.

If we don't take the opportunities presented to us, we disobey.

We all are gifted according to will of the Father.

Revealed to us through the Spirit who guides and teaches us.

Matters of the heart are sometimes extremely personal. 

Many times judging creeps in and we decide for someone 

if they are truly saved or repentant. 

Only the Lord knows the heart. Only He is worthy to judge. 

Our job is to be obedient to Him, spread the word of what He has done for us! 

The Lord takes our obedience and multiplies it according to His will! 

Go out, have a conversation with someone. See what the Lord will do.

May His will rule in your life and mine! Don't judge.... Love. 

That is how they will know we are Christians.... By our Love!

Just as I am...... Still?

How can this be?

What's going on inside of me?

My thoughts, My actions...

The love I once had...
Where did it go?

The dedication, the Drive..

I never felt I had to hide.

But,

Now my heart hurts.

My life burns before my eyes!

I'm tired... I'm worn...

The questions, the doubt,
it all floods my mind.

I cannot see the end this time.

You reached down for me once,

In the dirt,
                   muck,
                              and strife,

you restored my life.

Are you still there?

Do you still hear my prayer?

Am I one of the many... Who seem to be fooled?

Or am I one of the few who are equipped and tooled?

One who stays true,

Wholly devoted to you?
Unwavering, relentless in study,

Constant in prayer?

When I knock, will You open the Door?

Will I be allowed in?
Despite all that knocks me to the floor?

Will you still pick me up now that I've fallen again?
Where do I start? I know not where to begin..

I'm here now... Is that a start?
I wish to give you my heart!
May I walk with you?
Or sit here by your side?
My heart longs to be close, and I wish not to hide.

In my tears I can hear you speaking to me.
Come closer my child, My grace is sufficient for thee!
Trust Me now, come take my hand.
I wont let you go. In My strength.. You can stand!

A Patterned String

A Patterned String

Is it possible to have a life reflect a string of loving acts?

A life wholly devoted to never ending loving deeds?

What would someone look like who was so devoted?

It can be argued that people who are wholly devoted

to the Lord will reflect Him. So much so that all

those around can easily see that Christ is central to their life.

John 13: 34-35

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: 

just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

By this all people will know that you are my disciples,

if you have love for one another."(ESV)

In verse 35 the word "love" means

affection or benevolence; a love feast; feast of charity,

 brotherly love, affection, good will, benevolence

It is a word by definition, requiring action.

So let's clarify... One act of love is great!

It can mend a broken heart, give hope,

and make you feel pretty good.

But the type of love described here is a repeating love.

Our lives need to be a pattern of loving acts

done consistently all throughout our lives.

Would someone say you were a reflection of Christ

when you did only one act of love in your life?

Of course not!

Christ's life here on earth was a daily sacrifice, and giving

of Himself in love to all those around Him.

Daily, Consistently, Sacrificially, and Purposefully.

We must love like He loved.

If we don't, the reflection will be of ourselves.

Be a reflection of Christ, Love, daily.

So that all those around will see you are 

a Disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Let your actions be like the string of Bleeding Hearts above.

I truly believe, the Lord has given us a picture of His

Love in creation.

One act after another, stringing a life together so that all those 

around have no doubt who you reflect.

Let our hearts bleed love, over and over our whole life through!