myth busted

Proverbs 20, Luke 7, 2 Thessalonians 3, 1 Timothy 1

There is a guy that occasionally rides the same bus I do and works in the building adjacent to mine. One time he saw me reading my Bible on the bus, and we had an interesting conversation about the authority of Scripture. Since then I have tried to be nice to him and call him by name when I see him. Well, today we rode the same bus, and as we were walking toward our buildings, I felt the Lord prompting me to ask him where he goes to church. So I did; it was a little abrupt (almost out of left field). He said he didn't go anywhere, but that he was a member of a Presbyterian church. Then he said, sort of jokingly, that he was a "closet Baptist," to which I chuckled. As we were separating ways, I quickly invited him to join me and my other friend who was walking with us because we just so happen to attend a Baptist church that is on our bus route. He smiled and said, "We'll talk about it."

I was amazed, first of all, that it seemed like I had a clear prompting from the Holy Spirit. Second, I was amazed that I had actually obeyed the Spirit and asked him where he went to church. Third, I was amazed at how simple it was - simple to obey, simple to tell, and simple to show Christ's love to this man. I think we Christians tend to sensationalize what it means to live an open lifestyle here in the States; we think it means we're going to get persecuted for saying anything religious. Well, I'm at one of the most atheistic and liberal schools in the country, and I just asked a guy where he goes to church, and he responded warmly to my invitation. How easy is it to ask someone where they go to church and invite them to join you? Easy, very easy. Myth Busted.

2 Thess. 3
1Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.

1 Tim. 1
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being active in my daily life and relationships, and thank you for teaching me to obey the Holy Spirit's prompting. Lord, I ask that you help me pay attention to the opportunities you give me to show your love to people around me. Lord, I pray that your message will spread rapidly and be honored, and I pray that we will be delivered from wicked and evil men. Thank you for strengthening and protecting us from the evil one. Lord, continue to direct my heart as you use me as a testimony that others can believe you and experience eternal life. I pray that you will receive honor and glory for ever and ever. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.