Saturday, October 31, 2015

Soul Winning Made Easy



Jean Oathout asks this question: Have you had

a desire to win souls for Christ? I have, and I'm
in the process of learning ways to do that.

A book that gives some great information is C. S. Lovett's book,  Soul Winning Made Easy

I recommend it, as it has been helpful to me. If you're interested in winning souls to Christ, I hope you'll order your own book. (A small investment for the Kingdom!)

Here are the chapters Lovett gives in the book:

Part One- Your Soul-Winning Plan
  • Your Soul-winning Plan
  • The Tools You'll Need
  • Some Hints That Help
  • The X-Ray Approach Technique
  • Presenting Christ Alive!
  • How to Press For The Decision
  • Presenting (Lovett's) Booklets

Part Two- Using Your Soul-Winning Plan
  • Learning The Plan
  • Psychology And The Soul-Winner
  • Do I have to Try To Win Everybody?
  • Too Scared To Try?

[p.15] "The One truth that must fill the heart and mind of the soul-winner is that Jesus Christ is not a doctrine. The Lord is a living person whom the grave could not hold, and at this very moment is alive and waiting to meet men in a personal encounter." 

We need to remember that others watch us very closely, and they'll judge what we say to them according to the life we're living. A stranger will notice how we speak to them, the spirit in which we do, our appearance and our approach, as well as our message of God's working in our lives. Will it be with enthusiasm? 

Handing the person a tract or a Gospel of John is very effective too as you share your faith with them. When we pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us, He will be faithful to give us opportune divine moments. It's discouraging at times when we sense we've failed to speak up...Lord, help us become more bold!

A plan to share with others is of utmost importance, and will take effort to formulate it. "[p. 22] 95% of Christians have never led someone to the Lord."  Pray for the Holy Spirit's plan for you, and get ready for some exciting times ahead!

[p. 23] "Every successful operation needs a plan and soul-winning is no exception. How brazen to assume that when God needs a plan for bringing men to Himself, we don't!" 

[p. 20] "No Amount of eloquence, dramatic technique or psychology can make Christ real to anyone. The Holy Spirit alone can do this and the worker must be content with his role as a introducer and leave this part to the Spirit of God. He will not fail." 

I had the privilege of leading my step brother to the Lord shortly before he died of cancer. The light in his eyes after saying the sinner's prayer was proof that Jesus had truly come within him! I praise the Lord for guiding me to speak with him about his soul. 

Another time, I spoke with a friend about her relationship with the Lord. After praying a renewing commitment, she also had a visible clarity in her eyes. We can notice a difference in their eyes right away!

Another friend hasn't allowed me to say much about Jesus, but I'm praying that there'll come a day when she'll be hungry for Him, and will let me share with her. She watches nature programs on TV, so am praying that God will speak to her of His being the Creator of what she sees! I visit yearly, trusting God to prepare her for her salvation.

I had the opportunity to invite a couple to church this morning. Let me relate what can take place sometimes, when we've prayed and are doing "our thing"...


  • I met a woman at Martin's Market in town this morning, and was surprised to then find her at the laundromat later.
  • I'd stopped in at the laundromat, thinking I would get to see a friend who had recently moved to town, who has a car like mine.
  • This woman also has a car like mine parked out front of the laundromat, so was surprised to see her there, not my friend.
  • While visiting with this woman in the laundromat, she mentioned she had a desire to visit our church.
  • She'd visited with Ana at the bakery this morning, and the church was mentioned.
  • Her son attends one of our churches, and loves it!
  • After visiting a while, I invited the woman to come to church this Sunday, along with her friend.
  • I got to pray with her, surrounding her with Christ's love

Who knows what will happen, when our lives are on a mission for Jesus. I have to admit, I wasn't looking for this contact, but God gave it to me! Praise goes to Him! Do you see how it can happen? Be busy with whatever is your daily "business", and don't be surprised at the "divine moments" the Lord has planned for you.

People are seeking Reality, for they want to see Jesus! May we be witnesses of His abiding presence, so others will be drawn to Him because of our speaking with them.

To me, the main thought in soul-winning is knowing how to take advantage of divine opportunities God gives us to speak with folks, to draw them into a conversation, and then how to follow the Holy Spirit's leading to introduce them to Jesus. 

This can happen because we've prayed for the Holy Spirit's direction in our daily devotional times with Him...

One more important thing: the people you speak to will have Satan's attention, so be sure to keep them in prayer. Pray they'll stay true to the Lord, read His Word for instructions and inspiration, as well as find and attend a Bible-believing church.




Father,
We ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide our
efforts to share our faith.
We want to become  effective soul-winners
for Jesus, and to be used by You
to build Your Kingdom.
I know that I can't do this by myself, so  
 help me recognize my dependence 
upon Your guidance.
Please prepare my heart, and the hearts
of those You want me to speak to. 
May I depend upon Your Holy Spirit's 
wooing each of them to You 
in my endeavors to win souls.
I ask this in the Name of Jesus.
Amen.

Today’s Bible verses: 1 Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

Col. 4:6 "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."

Today’s quote: S. D. Gordon - "The faith that believes it is not born in the dust of the street, and noise of the crowd. But I can tell where that faith will have a birthplace and keep growing stronger: in every heart that takes quiet time off habitually with God, and listens to His voice in His word. Into that heart will come a simple strong faith that the thing it is led to ask shall be accomplished." {p.109 of QUIET TALKS ON PRAYER}

Some thoughts today: When we take action, making an effort to speak to people about Jesus, it's when we'll discover the Holy Spirit's enablement. His main purpose is to glorify Jesus, so it is reasonable to say that He wants to help us share our faith with others.

~ Use your memories of how God has met you along your life to share with folks. It will draw them into a mode of interest. They may even tell of how He has dealt with them, and then express their delight that He has! 

~ Work from the topic at hand, to bring in the thoughts the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, (from Scriptures you've learned). Use it as a springboard for discussion that honors Jesus and brings the person into a conscientious realization that they may have a desire to know Him too. 
                                ~
Please check out Samples of Jean's Crafts to see the framed Real Flower arrangements that The Tauny Center in Canton will be show-casing from Nov. 9th, in their pre-Christmas sale! Thanks! I'm honored to have been judged and accepted!
                                          ~


11/1st- Sunday evening's post:  I Don't Deny the Power of God
Lee Forbes
3rd- Tuesday's post:  #109 God's Plan of Attack and Timing
C. Peter Wagner
5th- Thursday's post:  #110 Avoiding the Pitfalls
C. Peter Wagner
7th- Saturday's post:  Behind the Hymn: Majesty
Diana Leagh Matthews


A popular post:   #62 Draw Near to God 
C. Peter Wagner: "Drawing near to God is the second lesson. This has to do with our personal prayer life. 

Prayer in general is a broad subject with many extremely important facets. But none as more important for a Christian who desires to do effective spiritual warfare than personal prayer.

Why is personal prayer that important?.."



Time-lapsed photo


Thursday, October 29, 2015

#108 Corporate Sin Past and Present




C. Peter Wagner: "The story Floyd McClung (#107  Satan's Strongholds in the City) tells of the Norwegian king who murdered those who would not become Christians is an example of past corporate sin that needs to be dealt with. 

A good bit of information on this is included in chapter 7, [#78 The Challenge of Japan.] There I mentioned Japan.

It is encouraging to know that the Japanese Christian leaders are taking national repentance very seriously. in 1990, two high-level apologies were made to the people of Korea.

The Church of Christ in Japan published a resolution confessing Japan's sin and offering an apology to the Korean people. Then Rev. Koji Honda, a revered elder statesperson of Japanese evangelical Christianity, made a detailed confession and apology at the Asia Missions Congress '90 held in Seoul, Korea.
Among many other things he said, 

    'Dear brothers and sisters of Asia, please forgive the sins 
     that the Japanese people committed in your countries. I 
     think especially of Korea and once again beg your forgive-
     ness of these repulsive, unpardonable sins [which he 
     already had listed in the name of our Lord and Redeemer.'

(Koji Honda, "An Apology to the Peoples of Asia," Japan Update, Bulletin of the Japan Evangelical Association, October 1990, p.8)

American sociologists tell us that two of the most oppressed social cohorts in our nation are African-American males and American Indians.

Time magazine, in an article analyzing the frightening downward turn in life expectancy for blacks, ran through the standard list of hypotheses why the black community is so depressed.

Then it said experts are persuaded 'that there must be other reasons.' The article took several guesses for the reasons, but I would not be at all surprised to discover the basic problem is spiritual.

It goes back to the shameful ways our Anglo -Americans have treated blacks in the past and at present. This sinful behavior has provided openings for high -ranking principalities and powers to establish spiritual strongholds that will not be loosened other than through corporate humility and repentance. 

I am aware of some who have begun this, but much more is needed.

How can this be done? John Dawson tells of his ministry in South Africa. He was convinced,

      'Apartheid is a spirit, not just a political phenomenon. It is
      a spirit that goes deep into African colonial history, with 
      its roots in idolatry.'

So he preached on the sin of unrighteous judgment, led the large multiracial group in repentance of racial stereotypes and prejudice, then challenged each one in the audience to wash the feet of someone of another race.

      'Thousands of Afrikaners, Zulus, Indians, English, and 
      Colored wept in each other's arms as the spirit of 
      reconciliation spread.' "

[John Dawson, "Seventh Time around," Engaging the Enemy, C. Peter Wagner,ed. (Ventura, CA: /Regal Books, 1991), pp. 137-138.]

(Google image and my emphasis added)
    
#108 Corporate Sin Past and Present
         That Needs to Be Dealt With
By C. Peter Wagner
(pp. 177, 178) Regal Books



     Father, our hearts go out to the ones who've experienced times of persecution in their past, or that their ancestors have.
     Help us to pray for ways to be made to amend the ways folks have acted, spoken or thought of various races. It's important for us to realize that our words cause others to think positive or negative thoughts about others of a different race and background.
     Forgive us our sin of demeaning another person, regardless of their background and present persuasion. May we remember we were once like them in many ways, anthat we needed Your forgiveness and cleansing.
     May I be one who shows Christ's love to everyone I meet, to help them come to Him and embrace His salvation He offers to everyone, regardless of our race or creed.
     I ask this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Prov. 1:23 KJV "Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you. I will make known my words unto you." 

Today’s quote: Larry Crabb - "When we become Christians, we are not only forgiven, we are also indwelt; we are not only acquitted, we are  also empowered. Like a doctor pouring healthy blood into an anemic body, God's Spirit pours the motivation and energy of Christ into the veins of our soul. Something terrible is removed (the wrath of God)  and something wonderful is given (the life of Christ)." [p. 68 of CONNECTING, Healing for Ourselves and our Relationships]

Some thoughts today: Your loves drive you. Whatever you love will have an effect on you, and everything you do. Where is your passion? God, or the world?

~ Discipleship is a blank check. There's to be no negotiating. Following your passion causes you to put it foremost in your desires, thoughts, and actions. What is it you love? 

~ Following the Lord is a serious matter. Either we are "all in", or we are only partially committed to Him and His agenda. We are in need of an "inside work". (Ps. 51)  Ps. 86 mentions "Teach me Your way, O LORD." It's breathtaking to be totally surrendered to the Holy Spirit. Ps. 40 "I delight to do thy will." Can you say, "Thy will be done?"


31st- Saturday’s post:  Soul Winning Made Easy
Jean Oathout
11/1st- Sunday evening's post:  I Don't Deny the Power of God
Lee Forbes
3rd- Tuesday's post:  #109 God's Plan of Attack and Timing
C. Peter Wagner
5th- Thursday's post:  #110 Avoiding the Pitfalls
C. Peter Wagner


A popular posts:   The Beatitude of Anger Management Part 2  Mary Southerland - 
“A minister was making a wooden trellis to support a climbing vine. As he was pounding away, he noticed a little boy watching him. The youngster didn't say a word so the preacher kept on working, thinking the boy would leave – but he didn’t..." 


Part 1 of Anger Management Mary Southerland tells us, “Everyone has to deal with anger. The challenge is to deal with anger in the right way. Anger is powerful - an emotional warning that something is wrong..." 






Tuesday, October 27, 2015

#107 Satan's Strongholds in the City



C. Peter Wagner: "Historical research and spiritual mapping feed 
into this activity of the intercessors.

Most intercessors called to strategic-level spiritual warfare have 
the spiritual gift of discernment of spirits.

Floyd McClung says,

    'Exercising the gift of discernment of spirits is crucial. We
     must know if we are battling demonic powers or dealing
     just with sin and its consequences in the culture. The two
    are not always the same.' [McClung, Seeing the City, p. 34]

McClung tells of his amazement on a ministry trip to Norway at the many believers there who were struggling with deep, life -controlling fears. He found that this was a widespread problem in the whole nation.

Then he went back and discovered how Christianity had first come to Norway.

A king marched through the nation and forced all the citizens to become Christians or face execution. Christianity started with a national bloodbath!

McClung comments,

    'Satan takes advantage of this kind of national trauma, and
     seeks to use it to establish spiritual strongholds.'

Intercessors will pray this kind of information through and seek God's revelation on how it should be dealt with in quite specific ways.

In a target city, principalities and powers may have different strongholds in different sectors of the city or even in different neighborhoods.

As we develop our Pasadena for Christ effort here in my city, we are very much aware of differences in the spiritual atmosphere, for example, in Northwest Pasadena as compared to Hastings Ranch, and Linda Vista as compared to East Pasadena.

Within Northwest Pasadena itself, residents sense a difference between the King's Manor area against Howard and Navarro where John Perkins has his Harambee center.

We do not yet know the deeper meanings of all this, but we have a team of intercessors led by Lou Engle working on it. [Remember, this book was published 1992]

Territorial Spirits Assigned to the City. To the degree possible, the intercessors should seek to know the names, either functional or proper, of the principalities assigned to the city as a whole and to various geographical, social or cultural segments of the city.

I explained this concept of naming the powers with its limitations and its strengths in the last chapter, [#90 Spiritual Mapping], so there is no need to elaborate further."

(Google image and my emphasis added)
#107 Satan's Strongholds in the City
By C. Peter Wagner
(pp. 175 & 176) Regal Books






   Father, as we're praying for our city,
please enlighten us as to what You 
want us to pray.
   Help our leaders and intercessors in their 
desire to seek Your wisdom, and to know 
the evil forces they're up against.
   May they gather the information they'll need.
   Help them have Your revelation on how
it should be dealt with in quite specific ways.
   I ask this in the Name of Jesus.
Amen.
     
Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 63:5-7 MSG "My whole being shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips when I remember You upon my bed and meditate on You in the night watches. For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice. For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice." 

Praying for your pastor: "Pray that your pastor will make wise lifestyle choices in order to protect his health, especially in the areas of exercising, eating moderately, and getting sufficient rest. Pray for times of relaxation and renewal to balance the stress of ministry." (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 9:27, 10:13, 6:19-20; James 3:1-2[Taken from 31 Days of Praying for your pastor
www.lifeaction.org)

Today’s quote:Bill Irvin "You have to make intentional choices. The type of choices that bring our life into balance spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally. It's going to take discipline. But if you can learn to hold to the promises of Scripture and make certain behavioral changes, you will effectively take control of your life."   (Taken from Jo Ann Fore's book, When a Woman Finds Her Voice, p. 24) 

Some thoughts today: If we're really walking in relationship with the Father, there will be genuine evidence by how we live daily.
Others will see what's going on within us as we live our confession of faith before them. (1 John 4:7,8)

~ The Gospel of Jesus restores our relationship with God the Father. Read the Bible!

One of the first convictions that comes from the Holy Spirit is our relationship with others. The love of God gives us the 
capacity to love others.  (see 1 Peter 4:8The brokenness of 
others shows up through our love for them.


29th- Thursday’s post:  #108 Corporate Sin Past                                          anPresent That Needs to Be Dealt With  
C. Peter Wagner
31st- Saturday's post:  Soul Winning Made Easy
Jean Oathout
11/1st-  Sunday evening's post: I Don't Deny the Power of God Lee Forbes
3rd- Tuesday's post:  #109 God's Plan of Attack and Timing
C. Peter Wagner

A popular post:   When the Waves Come  Lisa Buffaloe: The other day I kept finding myself thinking about a situation. And the more I thought about that situation, the more upsetting it became.

And then I felt a gentle whisper in my soul,Look at Me...


Let's enjoy it while we have it!
"God is definitely the Master Artist. He not only creates the colors; He combines them together in ways beyond our imaginations." {Frances Gregory Pasch}





Sunday, October 25, 2015

Behind the Song: The King is Coming


Diana Leagh Matthews: "Recently, I heard a sermon relating the first days of the church of Christ to the uncertainty of our future as Christians in this world.  

The sermon ended by assuring us that although we live in an uncertain world today, one thing is for sure: 

Jesus Christ will return again one day just the way he promised. (Google image, The King is Coming)

Saturday, October 24, 2015

The Power of Words

                     
Frances Gregory Pasch
                             Sometimes we speak them hastily
and regret it.
Other times we remain silent
and wish we had spoken.

Words come in all sizes...
many are small, yet dynamic.
Others are big,
but of little importance.

We can change lives by what we say...
either for good or for bad.
Our words can make people laugh
or make them cry.

Words can build them up
or bring them down...
Pull them closer
or turn them away.

Words can draw pictures...
pretty ones or ugly ones.
They can cut like a knife
or soothe like a salve.

Whether written or spoken,
rehearsed or spontaneous,
words are powerful.
They are easy to come by,
but not easily forgotten.

A good reason to measure them out carefully.

The Power of Words
by Frances Gregory Pasch
~

What Can I Do To Help?

By JillSavage on Oct 05, 2015 05:53 am

ThinkstockPhotos-514105293


mark and Jill"Mark:Yesterday Jill and I spent the afternoon cleaning up from our garage sale. We boxed up the items that were left in order to donate them. Then we cleaned the garage. It was dirty work in many ways. I loved that she jumped right in and joined me.

Jill: Every few days we seem to have a huge garden harvest to take care of. I’m spending hours preparing veggies for meals or the freezer. I love when Mark comes in and says, “what can I do to 
help?..Jill and Mark Savage


{Jill has some very good advice for married couples here. I hope you'll check it out.}


Today’s quotes: Gwen Smith - "As we walk broken paths that challenge our faith, the truth remains that God does deliver in and through the pain. Though there are struggles that we might take to the grave with us, God is still good and each hard place is an opportunity for Jesus to show His power in and through our lives." October 13, 2015  The Broken Way


Bishop T.D. Jakes - "Stop hiding your scars and your wounds. They’re your trophies that you went through that and still survived.”  

DeAnna Morris - "When we begin to think about all that our lives have been, all the sin that once separated us from a right relationship with God the Father, how much we have been forgive, we can then begin to serve others in the humility and grace and strength that Christ gives us as we extend that same Peace." Taken from her blog, Armor of God [Week 4] 
                                                



    Father, may we remember that our words, whether written 
or spoken, rehearsed or spontaneous, are  powerful. We don't realize the importance of our spoke words, but they'll either 
bring life or death to our hearers.
    Help us know that we can change lives by what we say...either for good or for bad. 
    Please make us aware of what You want us to say, and to follow Your example in Christ's life.
    I ask this in the precious Name of Jesus. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 66:8 "O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard."

Some thoughts today: The message of the Resurrection is the promise of fellowship with God the Father for all eternity!

~ The Resurrection of Christ is the pivotal point in all of history. God created a tree of Life in Eden, but it was misused by our first parents, so because of their sin, mankind had to suffer spiritual and physical death; every one! (see Gen. 3)When Christ died on the tree (Cross), He offered Life to all who would believe in his atoning work. (see Gal. 1:4; St. John 3:16).

~ Eternity beats in the heart of everyone. What we do with our sin determines just where we will spend existence after death. Will it be suffering a death-like eternity in Hell, or with Jesus; abiding in His Life? It's up to us...
                                          ~
Please check out Samples of Jean's Crafts to see the framed Real Flower arrangements that The Tauny Center in Canton will be show casing from Nov. 9th, in their pre-Christmas sale! Thanks! I'm honored to have been judged and accepted!
                                          ~

25th- Sunday evening's post:  Behind the Song: The King is Coming!   Diana Leagh Matthews
28th- Tuesday's post:  #107 Satan's Strongholds in the City
C. Peter Wagner
30th- Thursday's post: #108 Corporate Sin Past and Present that Need to be Dealt With    C. Peter Wagner
31st- Saturday's post:  Soul Winning Made Easy
Jean Oathout

A special video:  The Beauty of Nature's video
[If you didn't see this on Thursday, be sure to watch it today! There are some beautiful fall scenes. Once on their blog, you can see many other beautiful scenes] 




Thursday, October 22, 2015

#106 The Redemptive Gift or Gifts of the City





C. Peter Wagner: " John Dawson believes each city is intended by God to be a place of personal liberation.    

He says,

    'I believe our cities have the mark of God's sovereign
     purpose on them. Our cities contain what I call a 
     redemptive gift.'  [Dawson Taking Our Cities, p. 39]

He argues that it is more important to determine the redemptive gift of the city than to identify the nature of evil principalities, although both are needed.

An example is Omaha, Nebraska. Historically, Omaha was the supply station for wagon trains taking pioneers westward. 

Christian leaders there see today's Omaha as a center for equipping a new breed of pioneer—those who are taking the gospel out to the unreached people of the world.

I agree with John Dawson who comments, 'Now that's a vision worth living for.' (Ubid.,p. 44)

(Google image and my emphasis added)



#106 The Redemptive Gift or Gifts of the City
By C. Peter Wagner
(p. 175) Regal Books







    Father, may we take time with You, to get to know Your Heart about what we're concerned for. Make us sensitive about the needs of those around us in our area.
     Let us magnify Your Name in and through everything we do, so You will be honored, and so others will come to know Your mercy and forgiveness.
    Thank You, that You actually enjoy our company. May we remember that the next time we pause to spend time with You. The effort we make will draw us closer, and will help us become acquainted with You, the God of Love.
    It is in the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: 1 Chron. 17:24 a "Let it even be established, that they name may be magnified for ever."

Today’s quote: Cynthia Hyle Bezek - "Our time with God is a time for God. He enjoys our company and longs for extended time with us even more than we long to share it with Him. During our prayer retreats, God will meet and satisfy us as we focus on Him.

But having our needs met should not be the main goal for our prayer retreat. First of all, He knows our needs better than we do; besides that He has things on His mind that He wants to share with us, if only we'll take time to listen." (Taken from page 26 of COME AWAY WITH ME, from Pray! Magazine's, Guide to Prayer Retreats)

Some thoughts today: The more time spent in reading the book of Romans, in the Bible, the better your understanding will be of God's grace.

~ We get to read what the Apostle Paul wanted to tell the Christians in Rome. 

~ You and I need to hear God's answers to our needs. He has what we need! Attending a church that supports us, can bring the comfort needed. 

 The Beauty of Nature's Video (Some beautiful fall pictures!)
Check out the others on the post...

24th- Saturday’s post:  The Power of Words
Frances Gregory Pasch
25th- Sunday evening's post:  Behind the Song: The King is Coming!   Diana Leagh Matthews
27th- Tuesday's post:  #107 Satan's Strongholds in the City
C. Peter Wagner
29th- Thursday's post:  #108 Corporate Sin Past and Present that Needs to Be Dealt With    C. Peter Wagner


A popular post:   The Bible. Be careful how you handle it! Jean Oathout asks us to consider these questions: "Are we ready to learn that God really does love us? What is your response to the truth that He does? It is a soul-moving experience to realize..."


Once-a-year beauty!


http://facebook.com/jean.oathout