Message from Michael
Five Simple Stones
When David was faced with Goliath, he chose five small, simple, smooth stones for his slingshot. He approached his giant problem with God’s help. As we each seek to reach out into the community with the good news about Jesus in word and deed - I want share five simple principles to help with personal evangelism - Whoever we are, Wherever we are and with Whatever we have to hand.
Stone 1. Prayer
Prayer is key to effective evangelism. We prepare, begin, continue and follow up with prayer. A people of prayer, we pray continuously. God is the best Evangelist, so we listen to God, look to God for opportunities and grasp them when they come. Prayer is about connecting with God and connecting others with God. He brings people and situations to our attention and we simply echo them back to Him – He makes us aware in prayer of the “Who” (we are to be good news to) and the “How” (we are to be good news). We seek, not good ideas, but God ideas.
Stone 2. Scripture
If we are going to share Jesus with others – we firstly must see and hear Jesus for ourselves. After all, what else, of worth, do we have to offer? Jesus has the words of eternal life. He has revealed himself through his living and active word. God’s Word is fuel for the fire, bread for the eater, light for our path, our sword in the battle. We can have full confidence in the scriptures for the word of God is relevant for today – it never goes out of date. Let us be those who build wisely and well. Jesus said, “… everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24) Read the Bible, memorise scripture, devote time even when you seem to get nothing from it. Jesus said, “the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
So, spend quality time with Jesus in Prayer and in His Word. These are the most important stones. If our enemy can prevent us from engaging in Prayer and Scripture, then he has done 90% of his job. We shall be rendered powerless.
Stone 3. Obedience
As God speaks through Prayer and Scripture we respond with obedience. God will never ask you to do something that you cannot do. He offers to be your guide, your help, your strength. Cultivate “Breadcrumb Obedience” – like a trail of breadcrumbs – just do the next thing. If God is asking you to do it – you can do it! We will be blessed if we obey (Deuteronomy 5:33, 10:12-13, Psalm 128:1, 2 John 1:6). It isn’t rocket science – it can be as simple as act of kindness, generosity or hospitality, a smile, a listening ear.
Stone 4. Opportunity
Become aware through prayer – seeking and seizing opportunities as they are provided. Be alert to recognise where the Lord is already present and working – and join as a co-worker - wherever we are, whoever we meet or move amongst. God is already working within our spheres of influence – our bubbles and connections (eg. Family, Friends, Neighbours, Colleagues, etc.) Be sensitive to situations - open to possibilities and impossibilities. Let your time become God’s time – let Him fill your diary with His divine appointments – Let Him order your day. Use whatever is to hand – our gifts, talents, possessions, time, testimony, relationships, influence. Moses had a staff, a woman had an alabaster jar of perfume, a boy had five loaves and two fish. Placed in the Lord’s hands we see multiplication - nothing is wasted. Our greatest ability is availability – so offer Him yourself in ready and willing humility. The Psalmist prayed, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3)
Stone 5. Overcome
David overcame his enemy with just one stone. He declared “With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” (2 Samuel 22:30, Psalm 18:29). In Christ we overcome obstacles to obedience (Luke 10:19, John 16:33, Romans 12:21, 1 John 4:4, 5:4-5). Obstacles within and without – circumstances & sins, limitations & restrictions, fears & anxieties, personality & preferences. God can use you because it is all about Him and what He can do, not about you and what you can or can’t do! Isaiah, though aware of sin and shortcomings, when God asked, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us”, replied in faith not fear, “Here am I Lord, send me”.
God bless you as you reach out in Jesus Christ’s name to bring and to be good news. Amen.