Leaders Encouraging Leaders!

http://www.namb.net/atf/cf/%7BCDA250E8-8866-4236-9A0C-C646DE153446%7D/2005%20HCLL%20NOTEBOOK.pdf (please click on this link for your free leadership notebook! please pass this on to someone that you are encouraging!)

As today's Christian women growing as evangelistic leaders, I can not think of a better resource to share with you than this free down-loadable leadership notebook written and compiled by Jaye Martin! It may have been released years ago when Jaye was leading HeartCall, but even this week, as we prepare to share HeartCall & Gifted2Go next week at SBTS, God has drawn me back to so many of the leadership tools that sharpen and encourage as we reach out to others and Share Jesus!

Please dive into this free 50 page notebook and print off anything that encourages you in your walk and witness for Jesus as we spur one another on for God's Glory!! Please sharpen/encourage someone else with this evangelistic tool!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SceRP-EHkKo&a=uiLTWdOranc&playnext_from=ML

(Come & Fill This Place!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9PgWK98p5c&feature=related (Lord I Give You My Heart!)

Dealing with Stress

"Commit your works to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed."               (Proverbs 16:3)

Do you ever feel stressed about all the things on your "to do" list?   I read an e-mail that was forwarded to me from a colleague that shared the story of a clock that had been ticking for many, many years.  "One day, the clock began thinking of how many times during the year it had to tick.  The clock realized it had to tick 31,536,000 seconds in one year.  Overwhelmed and discouraged, the clock stopped.  Finally, it was reminded that it didn't have to tick the 31,536,000 seconds all at once, but rather one-by-one.  At this realization the clock was relieved.  It began ticking once again and ran smoothly for many years to come.

God actually made time when he created the day and night, the moon and stars.  He knows everything about us and what we are going through.  We need to remember that we are not super-humans and were not created to do everything.  He will help us discern what we need to be doing and give us the guidance and energy to accomplish it. 

MAYBE God needs us to say "no" to some things.  MAYBE we need to look in a mirror and practice saying the actual words "no."Maybe we all need to evaluate what we are doing and make sure we are not dabbling in a lot of things instead of excelling in the main work God has called us to do. 

We have 86,400 seconds today.  We are not expected to use them all at once, but to use them wisely and to glorify God in them.  Let us encourage each other to commit our works to the Lord and look to Him for success in His eyes. 

Spring Cleaning

"But now also put these things out of your life: anger, bad temper, doing or saying things that hurt others, and using evil words when you talk. Do not lie to each other. You have left your old sinful life and the things you did before. You have begun to live a new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One that made you." Colossians 3: 8-10a

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

Spring is in the air; tulips and dogwood trees are beginning to bloom, birds are chirping and busy making their nests to lay their eggs, days are getting longer, and it is time for the Big Spring Clean in many areas of our lives! One area of our lives that would benefit a good Spring Cleaning is in the area of Technology. Technology is such a huge part of our lives in 2011. Let's look at every Technological gadget in our lives and make sure that we are regularly "throwing off everything that may hinder or easily entangle" our lives in Christ!

I personally enjoy new technology tools that are available in our lives today. Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, E-mail, and Texting have become the new "Front Porch" in today's society. Years ago women use to gather on the front porch and visit with their "front porch friends" and now they tend to gather via technology and visit with their "face book friends".

Technology can be used for good or bad and it is important to regularly evaluate how these tools are impacting our lives and the lives that our life impacts. If we are not careful, the enemy will try and creep in and entangle Christians through technology, let's be wise and regularly evaluate our life as we throw off anything that could easily entangle or hinder our walk with the Lord and/or our witness with those that need us to share the Lord with them.

1 Timothy 5:13 warns against being "...idle, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not say..."
As our spiritual lives experience a healthy Spring Cleaning, lets be honest with God as He desires to clean out every area of our life as this could be a strategic time to evaluate our technology life in Christ. Here are a few thoughts/words of wisdom to think about as we evaluate our technology life and encourage one another:

• Am I Using Facebook or Technology to complain or discourage in any way
• Am I Spending too much time on Facebook or Technology
• Am I A Positive Influence or Negative Influence through Technology
• Am I Comparing myself with others through Technology
• Am I Using information that I gather through Technology to gossip or gather gossip about others? Do we excluding others or pick and choose who to respond to which leads to unhealthy clicks or closed circles that could discourage instead of encourage
• Am I Ignoring my husband or children or daily responsibilities to "hang out on today's front porch"
• Am I Allowing the enemy to cause any negative feelings of defeat through Technology
• Am I Posting inappropriate pictures or comments
• Am I Addicted to any tool of Technology? Do I constantly check technology tools many times a day?
• Am I Measuring self-worth based on what others say or how many friends or followers there are

I have listed what could be called "Ten Ways that Technology Could Trip Up a Follower of Christ" as the trends are showing that these tools may be adding to the sadness and/or lonely feelings of people. There is also a trend of relationship troubles due to Tech Stress that is a new area that needs to be communicated in the lives of today's Christian Women! Be Wise in Technology!
So let's all just have a good dose of healthy Spring Cleaning through and through in our lives! Just think about how you feel when all the closets of our lives are uncluttered and clean and ready to share the cleaner of our lives, JESUS, with others!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he/she is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come"! 2 Corinthians 5:17

And the Lord Answered Me

And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. (Habakkuk 2:2-3, ESV).

I was reading in Habakkuk this morning. Some of my favorite verses are found in 2:2-3. I love how the Lord speaks to me through His Word and have always loved this passage. When God speaks, we are to write it down. The vision may seem like it will never happen but we are to wait for it. In God's timing, it will happen.

Today, the part that really stood out was the first phrase, "And the Lord answered me." What an incredible thought that the God of the universe takes time - not only to listen to me, however - to answer me.

I don't know what questions you have for God but I do know that He stands ready to listen and to answer. Take time to sit before Him and to spend time with Him. Write down His thoughts. Take time to listen as he showers you will love and answers.

Let's remember that those who have never accepted Christ personally, will not hear Him like we do. Sin separates the unbeliever from God. As you go today, look for ways to share His love with a lost world. It is obvious that people are struggling and in need of the cleansing power of God in their lives.

You are loved and prayed for.

True to His Word

"But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect..." (1 Peter 3:14-15, ESV).

Recently, I've seen how God's rich mercy inspires awe in me.  I am in great need of it everyday, as I see how many mistakes I make and how I still have so much to learn.  Christ set an excellent example for mercy, as He died for us while we were still sinners, which we read about in Romans 5:8 (Romans 5:6-11-ESV).

When we give reason for our faith, as we go and share this good news, we can rely on the Word of God and the truth that it gives.  These words help us learn more about God's character, and the Holy Spirit can help us understand them (John 16:12-15-ESV).  His Word has transformed many, and I pray we remember how it can transform others, too.  I pray that as representatives and followers of Christ that we overflow in speaking truth - that we turn to His Word as we go to explain, with grace, the truth of who He is to others.

"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory" (Ephesians 1:13-14, ESV).

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Links:
to listen to "Approach My Soul, The Mercy Seat" by Jamie Barnes (it's first track on the list of songs, on sojourn church's music blog, to play for free)
to read article by Dr. Albert Mohler - "The Inerrancy of Scripture: Fifty years was and counting" on AlbertMohler.com
to read about where the picture is from (iGoogle's "Places to See")

Fan The Flame!

"For this reason I remind you to "fan into FLAME the GIFT of GOD" which is in you."                    2 Timothy 1:6
Recently I had the pure joy of serving our dear sisters in Christ in the State of Michigan as they invited me to share at "Light the Fire"! I can not express with adequate words the many life-changing things that God did in our lives through His Word! I would like to share with you today a few of the words that God led me to share during the evening banquet message at "Light the Fire~Fan The Flame"...my prayer is that these words will "Fan The Flame" of the GIFT of GOD which is in your Gifted2Go life in Christ!!
2 Timothy 1:5-8 "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God. For God did not give us a spirit of fearfulness , but one of power, love, and sound judgment. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord..."!!!
3 Ways Can God Use Your Life To Light The Fire ~ Fan The Flame?

• God Chose Your Life to Display His Light of Jesus! "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." 2 Timothy 1:5

Whether you have the blessing of a heritage of faith with a Christian grandmother and mother, or whether you are the beginning of a heritage of faith as a first generation Christian (like I am), "Jesus said, YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"! (Matthew 5:14) and "Jesus said, you did not choose me, but I CHOOSE YOU and APPOINTED YOU to GO" (John 15:16) As we just read the very words of Jesus, my friend, YOU ARE GIFTED2GO into a dark empty cold cruel world and share the LIGHT & FLAME of JESUS! **The Gifted2Go witnessing giftcard begins with an empty box because without Christ each one of our lives is an like a dark empty box! (Eph.2:12b)

• God Chose Your Life to Fan The Flame of His Giftedness! "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you..." 2 Timothy 1:6

When you became a Christian you received Jesus and at least one or more of His Gifts that give you the ability to be GIFTED2GO! As we walk in obedience with the Lord, His Giftedness is expressed through our lives as His witness. As we share the Lord with others, His Giftedness "Fans The Flame" in the hearts of other believers that are striving to be His witness. As we share the Lord, THE CROSS, with others and they accept Jesus and His forgivness, He fills the dark empty box of each heart! **The second part of the Gifted2Go witnessing giftcard is The Cross because God sent Jesus to die on The Cross for you and for me. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
God's Giftedness shared through your life plants and waters seeds of Faith into the lives of people that need the Lord as God reaps the Harvest! "one plants and one waters but it is God who makes things grows...the one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will be rewarded according to their own labor." 1 Corinthians 3:7-8

• God Chose Your Life to Share His Light...Courageously! "For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid (God has not given us the spirit of fear), but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So DO NOT BE ASHAMED of the TESTIMONY about our LORD...rather, join me in suffering for the Gospel, by the Power of God." 2 Timothy 1:7-8

As we say yes to Jesus and His Gifted2Go calling on our lives, God gives us the power/courage/ability/words/giftedness to daily join Him and Share Jesus with others. His flame burns bright as we share His Light with others! His flame is not only a bright courageous light, it is a FOREVER light! **The third part of the Gifted2Go witnessing giftcard is "the bow" that means forever! Jesus is a free gift we are given to make an eternal difference in our lives forever! When we ask for forgiveness, accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and live for Him, you can change the world forever because you are now Gifted2Go by God! The Lord will Never Leave You or Forsake You! You are Gifted2Go share Jesus with others!! (Deut. 31:8, Hebrews 13:5)
Life Application: What is God saying to you personally right now? He wants to Light a New Fire in your heart today, maybe for the very first time, or maybe a Fresh Fire...all we have to do is say YES to JESUS! God is Fanning the Flame of The Gift of God in your life and in my life right now...will we allow Him to have His Gifted2Go Will in our lives? Just Say YES to JESUS and He will lead you where He wants to use you to Fan the Flame as His Gifted2Go Witness! AMEN!!
♥"Come and listen, all who fear God, let me tell you what He has done for me"!! Psalm 66:16♥
p.s. can you believe that I have written today's blog/devotion in THE DARK!!! The power company turned off my lights to change out a power pole right before I began to write today's GIFTED2GO blog...the Lord will lay on your heart His thoughts...because...His powerful flame is in you as we listen & obey The GIFT of All Gifts & The LIGHT of all Lights=JESUS!!!!

Lydia, a Gifted Woman

While there are many great works we can read in Acts, one of my favorites is about the conversion of Lydia. We find Lydia in Acts 16:11-15, 40 and Philippians 4:10-11 (implied). In the 16^th chapter of Acts, Paul set out to speak the message of Christ in Asia but the Holy Spirit had another idea (v. 6). During the night, Paul saw a vision to go to Macedonia (v. 10). He set sail and went to Philippi, a Roman colony, which was the leading city of that district (v. 12). Here is what happened in the following verses: “On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate by the river, where we thought there was a place of prayer. We sat down and spoke to the women gathered there. A woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was spoken by Paul. After she and her household were baptized, she urged us, ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded us” (Acts 16:13-15).

Lydia was an influential woman of the business world. She had no husband but did have a household, probably of servants. Paul listened to the voice of God and went where the Holy Spirit took him. He saw Lydia and the women who had gathered. These must have been spiritual women but they did not know Christ. Paul took the time to sit down and talk to them. God opened Lydia’s heart and she believed the good news of Christ. She was immediately baptized. The rest of her household believed and was saved as well. Lydia used her influence with the group but also used her gift of hospitality by opening her home to Paul and his traveling companions. We know that the church in Philippi started right there in Lydia’s home. The story of Paul and Silas in prison follows in Acts 16:16-24 and “After leaving the jail, they came to Lydia’s house where they saw and encouraged the brothers, and departed” (Acts 16:40). As the first convert in Europe, Lydia used her gifts to make an incredible difference in the kingdom. Lydia must have given financial support to Paul because at the end of Philippians, we see that he closed with “And you, Philippians, know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times” (Philippians 4:15-16). Lydia is a great example of a woman who used her giftedness: influence, hospitality, and giving for the Lord.

Throughout the Bible, we find many women who shared Christ through their gifts. In order to lead our women to share Christ through their spiritual gifts and follow Lydia’s example, we need to begin to lead women in a few essentials: faith, follow-ship, and the joy of sharing Christ.

Lord, make us into women like Lydia. We want to use our gifts for Your glory. We are gifted2go!

On the Road Again

"And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him" (Mark 10:32, ESV).

I was reading the passage in Mark 10 the other day when I came across this verse. "On the Road Again" is not only a familiar song, it has become my themesong. I have to admit that I used to think traveling to be glamerous (it does have it's moments) but the more I get to travel and the older I am, the less I like it.

In this verse, Jesus is on the road again. He is traveling with the disciples. In the passage, do you see what I see? Jesus was walking ahead of them. I love that. They were following Him. The verse also says that they were amazed! Yes, they were afraid, or at least some were. When we walk on the road of life, it is best to walk with Jesus, and to follow Him. When we do, there might be times we are afraid. However, there will be amazement!

Let's follow His lead today. I love being amazed at how He provides, protects, and walks us through the hard times. I love how He leads and comforts us on the road of life.

Tips for Leaders

I was reading an article by Tim Elmore on www.GrowingLeaders.com in which he talked about ways leaders lose authority with students.  As I read, I turned them into positive things leaders can do to set an example for their teams.

1.  Be sure you live up to what you expect of others.
2.  Demonstrate courage when a decision needs to be made.
3.  Be real with people.  Don't pretend to be someone you are not.
4.  Share CURRENT success stories with others, not ones that were decades ago.
5.  Don't exaggerate the truth.
6. Don't quit developing your gifts and always work towards excellence in everything.
7.  Be able to direct your team in a clear way.

Then I want to add one that was the most important characteristic to Jesus:

8.  SERVE others.

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."  (Mark 10:45)

chewing on patience

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9, NIV).  

Sharing the love of Christ is not always easy to do.  As we learn more about Him, though, we can see more of how to live and love like Him and how to share Him with others.  As we follow Him, I pray we show others more of who He is.  

In the above verse, I see how God is patient with us.  From 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, we can see that patience is a part of love: "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful" (ESV).  Even when I am stubborn to follow God, He has great patience with me.  This patience motivates me, since it helps me see how His love and wisdom are great.  I pray we all have patience as we seek to follow Him and share Him with others.

What have you seen about God lately that you can live out today, so others may know Him, too?

Share Your Story!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgement. So don't be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the Power of God." 2 Timothy 1:7-8 (HCSB)


"So don't be embarrassed to speak up for our Master..." 2 Timothy 1:8 (MSG)



You have a special story to share , your story, your testimony!

One of the greatest tools you have as His witness is to share your personal testimony, His Story in your life, with someone that needs that Lord or needs to turn back to the Lord!


I thank God for the first Christians in my life that encourage me to share my personal story with others as they shared with me that God could use my testimony to plant and water seeds of Good News of Jesus Christ in someone's life! When we share our story, we are His Witness!


There are many ways you can prepare to share your story. Here is a simple but powerful plan/outline you may want to use (you can find this simple tool in chapter 4 of "HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart" (page 28):

• What Was My Life Like Before I Became A Christian? (list some of the things that God saved you and forgave you from)

• What Happened & How You Accepted & Believed That Jesus Loved You & Gave His Life For You? (list some of the details about the day you accepted Jesus as your Lord)

• How Has Your Life Been Different As A Christian Since You Gave Your Life To The Lord? (list some of the ways that your life has changed and is new)

Thank God that He has saved you and that you have a story to share with others as His Witness! If you have never committed your life to Him, this would be a great time to do that. Please let someone know of your decision to follow Christ so that they can pray celebrate with you, pray for you, and help you begin to grow as a New Believer!!

We would LOVE to hear Your Story! Please feel free to share Your Story using the outline above! Sharing your story by using this simple outline above is a great way to practice as you prepare to share your story with others!

I am compelled to stop and pray for you based on Colossians 4:2-6!! "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us too that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders (non-Christians); make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."!! Colossians 4:2-6

IN JESUS' NAME!! AMEN!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I
(Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) - Chris Tomlin)

Life Insurance

Recently, my husband and I sat down with an insurance agent to discuss different life insurance options. We are currently in the process of adopting our three young foster children, so we decided to take a look at our policy and possibly make modifications. After three hours with this agent, I felt completely confused and overwhelmed with all of the options, levels, fine print and various programs! There are SO many ways to purchase and hold life insurance...and this was just all within one company! However, I was struck with the passion that this man exhibited when talking about his policies. He was so excited to share with us all of the ways that we could make sure we purchased the right policy. And he was quite convincing that we needed everything he had to offer, right now! In thinking about this, I wonder if I exhibit even a fraction of that passion when sharing with people about ETERNAL LIFE through Jesus Christ. In the book of John, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This is THE guarentee of eternal life for all who will believe in Christ. I have this message, and I have the freedom to share with anyone, anytime...without appointment or restriction. And yet many times, I will share without passion or with hesitation. Today, my prayer is that we would be women who passionately share about the One who IS LIFE. We have life...abundant...eternal...and it is our job to make sure that everyone has a chance to know about this Life!

do what your hand finds to do

"The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.  Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you"  (1 Samuel 10:6-7, NIV).


I love working with women who want to be involved in ministry. I love their zeal, their passion, and their desire for changing the world. I could sit for hours to hear them share how the Lord called them to ministry, and listen to what they want to do. When God comes in on a life, He totally changes ones dreams, wants and desires.


I love these verses in 1 Samuel 10:6-7. They are some of the verses that God used to call me into ministry. Space doesn't allow for me to tell you all the ways but I knew that God was changing me, and I had best "go with the flow." I went from having my own interior design firm (with employees) to volunteering at the church office and doing anything I could to help. I worked hard and was paid next to nothing, becasue I knew that God had called me to be humbled, learn, and grow. I did whatever anyone would let me do.


It really hasn't changed much. Oh, obviously God has more than blessed me with a job way beyond what I would have even expected, but I am still willing to do anything my hands find to do in order to proclaim the message of Christ. It has been the greatest blessing of my life to be able to serve Him in even small ways.


What the point you ask? The point is, don't miss the blessing of serving the Lord in the small ways. Do whatever your hand finds to do. You will receive the blessing.

Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY

invites you to these classes:

Women and Evangelism / HeartCall - April 4-5

Reaching Postmodern Women / Gifted2go - April 5-7

For the syllabi and for more information, please contact the office of Women's Leadership: 502-897-4085 or women@sbts.edu.

What is the Gospel According to You?

This anonymous poem has challenged me ever since I first heard it almost twenty years ago.  It has challenged me to evaluate how I live when we think nobody is noticing.  Even though we are sinners and make mistakes, there should be something in our lives that shines for Him. 

The Gospels of Matthew Mark, Luke and John

Are read by more than a few.

But the one that is most read and commented on

Is the gospel according to you.

You are writing a gospel, a chapter each day

By the things that you do and the words that you say.

Men read what you write, whether faithless or true.

Say, what is the gospel according to you?

Do men read His truth and His love in your life

Or has yours been too full of malice and strife?

Does your life speak of evil, or does it ring true?

Say, what is the gospel according to you?

Lord, let my life reflect you as I go about my ordinary days.  I want my life to overflow with Your truth and love.

burning questions

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33, ESV). 

What is a burning question?  One of my professors this week explained that doubts can be helpful.  He said, "Doubts are the ants in the pants of faith."  When he said that, I couldn't help but laugh, since it is true for me - a question can make me "itch" until I find the answer.  Like, when there is a song that I like that I cannot name, then I try to google the lyrics to find its title.  We cannot understand everything about God, but why not search the Bible for truth?  Questions of our own and from others can help us understand and grow closer to God. 

Does someone you know who is not a believer have a question about God?  Do you have a question?  Recently, I have been wanting to know more and more about humility.  If we share our questions and searches with another, then we could join in praying and reading the Bible to find answers.  The Holy Spirit is within those who believe and can help us understand our Maker, King and Savior.

For more on wisdom, I've been reading 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and 1 Corinthians 2 (these links connect to the ESV version on gnpcb.org).

Link to "Absent from Flesh" sung by Jamie Barnes, Brooks Ritter and others at an EP release party (link takes you to youtube.com).

Have You "Been With Jesus?"

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."  (Acts 4:13)

I think this is such an encouraging verse in the Bible--to see that God chooses and uses "unschooled and ordinary" people.  It is easy to convince ourselves that we aren't "theological" enough to share the gospel or participate in the ministry He is calling us to do.  God calls us to make disciples of all the nations and that is not a command for a few.  That command is to all of us in whatever type of job or vocation He has placed us.  Peter and John's confidence did not depend on theological degrees or upon being perfect--they simply had been with the Lord. 

To make disciples means we must first share the gospel, but ALSO to follow up with them until they are ready to share the gospel and follow up with another person.  In order to do this, we just need to be one step ahead of the other.  For example, I am not a golfer, but if I saw a person trying to hit the ball with the handle of the club and the putter at the top, I at least know enough to tell him or her that the club is upside down.  In a similar way, we need to take whatever we know and teach others.  Think about how you could use what you know and where God has placed you in order to invest in another person.