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Sometimes Love Takes its Time

Dr. Hans Richter, a famous musical conductor lived in the late 1800s and was a close friend of famous composer Richard Wagner. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner often dined with Dr. Richter and shared many memories. Toward the end of year in 1870, Mrs. Wagner complained to her husband that it had been a long time since they had seen Dr. Richter. She wondered why he hadn't been out and about. Why wasn't he doing anything important? Why hadn't they heard from him?

Her birthday fell on Christmas Eve, and she was surprised by her husband and Dr. Richter playing a musical selection for her that they had spent the last year composing. Dr. Richter and Mr. Wagner has been rehearsing her surprise for weeks when she was wondering why he supposedly wasn't doing anything at all.

Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, probably wondered why Jesus wasn't doing more when their brother died. They had sent word to their Lord. Where was He? Why didn't He seem in a hurry to arrive and offer His help?

Sometimes love takes a little time. Often times what appears as a delay from God is an act full of love and designed with rich blessing. Mary and Martha didn't know that though Jesus arrived when they felt it was too late, He was actually right on time to perform the miracle of raising their dead brother to life. And sometimes when God waits to answer your prayer, He's actually waiting for His perfect timing to give you an even greater blessing that what you previously expected.

Well-known writer Robert Louis Stevenson was known as a kind man with a huge heart. A story is told about an experience he had while living in Samoa. One day when his cook was away, he told the other servant not to bother with lunch, just to bring a little bread and cheese instead. Stevenson didn't want to bother the servant or make him feel obligated to do what the cook usually did.

The servant took a little longer than Stevenson expected. The writer wondered what was holding him up but was pleasantly surprised when the servant entered his room carrying a tray with an incredible lunch of an omelet, salad and great coffee. When Stevenson asked him who prepared such a fine lunch, the servant replied it was him. Stevenson then complimented him on having great wisdom. Apparently, he had brought one of the writer's favorite meals to him.

But the servant responded, “No; not great is my wisdom. Great is my love!”

Know It!
Be willing to put aside your impatience and completely trust God for His best plans for your life.

Read It!
Isaiah 55: 10-11; Jeremiah 32:26-27; Habakkuk 2:3; John 11:1-12;

Pray It!
Pray for patience and understanding regarding God's timetable and your desires.

Developing Your Personal Testimony Part I

Every Christian has a testimony! The issue right now is putting it together so you can share it with others. Let's work it like a puzzle. This will be the most important puzzle you'll ever put together in your whole life. The first four pieces deal more with how to deliver your testimony, and the last four pieces deal with developing your testimony.

Puzzle Piece #1: Strive to keep your testimony around three minutes. You don't want your testimony to turn into a 30-minute sermon. Keep it concise so your friend won't daydream himself into the ozone layer while you're droning on and on.

Puzzle Piece #2: Be expressive. After all, you're sharing the most important thing in your life. So be interesting. Talk with excitement. Use your past experiences. Listeners relate better to personal stories. This will arouse some interest.

Puzzle Piece #3: Share some Scripture. This is important so you can back up what you're saying. This means you may need to start reading your Bible more and memorize some key verses.

Puzzle Piece #4: Be sensitive with your language. Instead of saying, “Can I tell you about something exciting in my life?” try saying, “Can I share something exciting in my life?” There's a difference between telling and sharing. Using the word “telling” makes some people feel as though you're pointing your finger at them. But “sharing” sounds more friendly. And that's exactly what you want to create-a friendly situation. No one likes to feel stressed or trapped into listening.

The next three puzzle pieces deal specifically with the unique parts of your personal testimony. Without these pieces, you don't have a testimony.

Puzzle Piece #5: Your Life BEFORE You Met Christ. What was your lifestyle like? What did you think? Include attitude and habits. Examples: “I was selfish. I thought about using others to get ahead. I was only interested in what I could get out of life. I partied a lot, always searching for something better . . . anything that would make me feel good for the moment was an option.”

Know It!
Why is it so important to have a testimony? So you can lead others to Christ. Yes, you can share God's Word with them, but a life changed by God's word shouts volumes! Be willing to put a lot of time and effort in developing your testimony. Again, it's the most important puzzle you'll ever piece together!

Read It!
Romans 1:16; Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:1-2.

Pray It!
Ask God to give you a burden for those who don't know Him and a boldness to share your testimony.

Developing Your Personal Testimony Part III

Grab a notebook and designate it your prayer journal. List the names of people you know who aren't Christians and begin praying for them. Also, designate this notebook as the place you'll write and hone your testimony.

Puzzle Piece #7: Your Life AFTER You Met Christ. Share the specific changes that have happened as a result of making Jesus Lord of your life. Share what Christ means to you now. Talk about the excitement you experience from your relationship with Him.

Be careful to avoid giving the impression that your life is now free from problems, because realistically, everyone will continue to face hardship. Share the difference: Now you have Someone to face the hard times with you and provide the wisdom and strength to handle them.

Examples of specific changes: “Now I have a reason to live. Everything is in perspective. He's given me a genuine concern for other people. I really want to help others. I'm not always thinking about myself-I'm learning how to meet the needs of those around me.

“Every day is a new day. It blows my mind that He loves me even though He knows I'm still a jerk a lot of times. Life is kind of like an adventure now. I mean, I'm walking hand-in-hand with the Master of the universe!”

Puzzle Piece #8: Share Scriptures. The following Scripture passages provide more information on how you became a Christian. You might want to use some of these in your testimony; if not, keep them handy to answer any questions your friend might have. These are also great verses to memorize!

• John 3:16

• Romans 3:23

• Romans 5:8

• John 1:12

Know It!
Now that you have the pieces to putting the puzzle of your testimony together, it's time to get started. Grab your notebook and make three sections: 1. My Life BEFORE I Met Christ. 2. How I came to know Christ. 3. My life AFTER I met Christ. Now begin writing! After you've put the pieces together, read your testimony out loud and time yourself to see if it's too long or too short. When you've honed it to approximately three minutes, ask your parents, your minister or Christian friend if you can practice on them.

Read It!
There's no time like right now to familiarize yourself with the above Scriptures that you'll want to use when sharing your faith.

Pray It!
Ask God to help you feel confident and secure about your testimony.

Employee's Only

By: Tony B. Rhoda

Every promise from God shall surely come true" (Luke 1:37) TLB.

Life can certainly get rough from time to time. I know it has in my life. We all go through struggles and spend countless hours trying to figure them all out. I often wonder why it happens and how can we get through it. Every time I turn to the Bible and behold He shows me a way!

A couple of years ago I was walking into my new job selling pagers and cell phones. My counter was located in the back of a noisy and cluttered game room. As I approached the door I read a sign that hung from the latch. It read, "Employee's Only." I smiled as I opened the door and thought, "hey, that's me!"

I always remember going to different places and stores and always seeing that sign. I've always wondered what life beyond those doors held. It's almost like the forbidden area that we only wish we could only take a peek at, or to have the satisfaction of being somewhere that others could never be.

Then it dawned on me shortly after wiping the counters down that our whole life is like that. As Christians we strive every day to make it behind the doors of heaven. To be able to get a sneak peek of what might to come. I remember before I accepted Jesus into my life, I was always curious about what this place in the sky would be like. I now imagine myself walking up to heaven, looking to the pearly gates and seeing a sign that reads: Employee's Only. If you accept your job title as a Christian than you can enter, if not you will be cast out of the store.

If you have never accepted Jesus into your life then the application is on the table. There is always a "Now Hiring" sign outside. Every promise that God tells us in His Word the Bible will come true, and one of those is the gift of eternal life. If you haven't received this, I encourage you to fill out the application. There are only two questions on there. It's not a trick question! Do you believe in Jesus and willing to dedicate your life to Him.....check yes or no. God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Being Different Makes a Difference Part I

South Oak's gymnasium was filled with a mixture of sweat and popcorn smells and uncontrolled exhilaration. Less than 20 seconds remained in the last game of the season. The players couldn't even hear Coach Marston blaring instructions from the sidelines; the roar of the student body was too loud.

The band played the familiar school fight song while eight energetic cheerleaders led the crowd in one cheer after another. South Oak High School trailed by one, and two starters had fouled out earlier in the quarter.

Coach Marston called time-out and grabbed Shane. “Get the ball to Ryan as quickly as you can. It's not too late! We can still pull this one off.”

Shane and Ryan were a team within a team. Watching the two high-school juniors on the basketball court was like watching poetry in motion. They always seemed to be a step ahead of the rest of the players.

They'd pass the ball around to other teammates, but it was obvious they had more ability than anyone else on the entire squad. Now that every second counted, it was no wonder Coach Marston tossed teamwork out the window and told them to “do their thing.”

The buzzer sounded and the game was in motion once again. The opposing team started down the court with the ball. As Coach Marston barked out defensive instructions from the sidelines, Shane stabbed for the ball with his lightning reflexes and miraculously stole it fro the frustrated Eagle guard. Almost as if he had read Shane's mind, Ryan was already headed down the court waiting for Shane's pass.

Now with just eight seconds left on the clock, Ryan raced past two defenders to the hoop. With two seconds remaining, Shane lofted a pass to the basket, and Ryan rammed the ball through the hoop as the buzzer sounded South Oak's dramatic victory!

Almost immediately the team was mobbed with friends, family members and local newspaper sports photographers.

“Time to celebrate!” Kirk yelled to his teammates as he joined the massive celebration on the gym floor.

“Party!” screamed Ryan.

The locker room buzzed with plans for the night.

“Who's grabbing the 'brew?”

“My older bro's meeting us at Kwik Stop in half an hour. He said if we won tonight, the first case is on him,” announced Clark.

“All right!”

“What are we waiting for? Let's get outta here! We've got some serious partying to do!”

“Hey, Shane! Why don't you loosen up for once and come with us this time?” invited Kirk.

“Yeah, Shane. It's time you really became part of the team,” pressed Ryan.

“C'mon, guys, you know I don't drink.”

“So what? Just come and have fun with the rest of us. You don't have to drink,” Ryan continued.

“I can think of better things to do than watching you guys fall all over each other,” Shane laughed. “You can tell me all about it on Monday . . . the part you've able to remember, that is. Catch you later!”

Know It!
It may often be your closest friends who try to pressure you into doing something you know God doesn't want you to participate in. Stand strong . . . in His strength . . . and say no.

Read It!
Psalm 25:1-5; Psalm 25:14-15; Psalm 25:20-21; Psalm 26:11-12.

Pray It!
Ask God to help you live out your testimony through your act ions.

Being Different Makes a Difference Part III

Shane found Ryan in his bedroom with the curtains drawn and the lights off, obviously experiencing a major hangover. Shane sat on the floor beside the bed and spoke softly.

“You look awful!”

“Tell me something I don't know,” Ryan responded. “Someone slipped some 'X' in my drink last night. Ohhh. My insides feel like they've been ripped apart with a lawn mower.”

Shane didn't know a lot about 'X,” other than the fact it was short for “ecstasy” and was a powerful and popular drug making the rounds at his high school. “Ry, do you really think it's worth it? I mean, look at you!”

“That's what I want to talk to you about, Shane. I've known you for a long time. No matter how many times I've screwed up, you've remained a real friend.”

“Hey, listen —“

“No. You listen! I know I'm not in real good shape right now, but I do know what I'm talking about. You've always been a good guy. The only reason I started partying was because I couldn't say no to the pressure. I just wanted to be included, you know?”

“I hear you.”

“But — you never gave in. Everyone knows what you stand for; they know how involved you are in your church and youth group. And most of the times I've gone with you, I've really enjoyed it. I've come real close several times to making a commitment to God, but something always holds me back.”

“I know. I've sensed that.”

“I want what you have, Shane. I need that strength. I don't want to keep giving in to the pressure of things that I really don't even want to do.”

“Ryan, that's great!” Shane yelled. As Ryan covered his ears and winced in pain, Shane remembered he should keep the volume down.

“Hold on,” Ryan continued. “I want to give my life to Christ . . . but I'm scared. And you can't tell anybody I said that!”

“C'mon, Ry! I'm your friend, remember?

“Yeah, yeah. Guess I'm just scared of all I know I'll have to give up to become a Christian.”

“Well, let's talk it out,” Shane said as he reached for the New Testament that was crammed in his hip pocket.

Know It!
You don't need to worry about what to say when God gives you a clear opportunity to share your faith. The same God who gives you the chance to witness will also place just the right words in your mouth.

Read It!
Isaiah 6:8; Isaiah 6:11; Jeremiah 1:6-10; Habakkuk 3:17-18.

Pray It!
Ask God to place His thoughts in your mind and His words in your mouth.

Being Different Makes a Difference Part V

Shane took a strong stand for what he believed was right. This made it absolutely clear in Ryan's mind that compromise was not an option. Because of Shane's consistency in avoiding evil, Ryan was able to better discern the difference between Shane's life and the lives of their other friends. He eventually came to the conclusion that he wanted that difference.

Many times Christian teens rationalize and think, It'll be a good witness to attend the party and not drink. Then everyone will know I'm a Christian and can actually see me taking a stand. But the next day at school when the hallway gossip floats through the tiles and someone's naming off everyone who attended the party, they won't take the time to say, “Oh, yeah, but I don't think she drank anything.” Your name will simply be remembered as one among many who attended the party. (For more quick thoughts on this, flip back to August 2.)

What kind of witness is that? Surprise! Your non- Christian friends see it as one big inconsistency. They don't want to see how similar you can be to them; if you're claiming to be a Christian, they want to see the difference!

• Love. First Corinthians 13 tells us that love is patient. Ryan had come close to making a spiritual commitment several times. When he didn't make a commitment at last summer's camp, Shane might have been tempted to respond, “What is it with you, Ryan? I give up!” but he didn't. He continued to love his friend and demonstrated that love through patience.

At a luncheon held at Azusa Pacific University on February 7, 1990, national speaker Tony Campolo addressed a crowd of professors and students. Commenting on personal evangelism, he told of asking a crowd of 10,000 how they were won to the Lord.

When he asked how many came to know Jesus Christ through television evangelism, no one raised a hand. When he asked how many were won to the Lord through evangelistic tracts, no hands were raised. When he asked how many became Christians through radio ministry, he saw four hands go up. When he inquired as to how many were won through a great sermon, he counted 40 hands.

When he finally asked, “How many of you came to know Jesus Christ personally because someone locked on to you and wouldn't let you go?” a sea of hands all over the auditorium were raised.

Know It!
What does that tell you about evangelism? When your life is truly different, it will make a difference in those around you!

Read It!
Proverbs 15:33; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Isaiah 56:1-2; Isaiah 64:4-8.

Pray It!
Ask God to help you to remain true to Him and different from the world-even when the pressure is on.