You May Never Know, Influencing Others

 Who you are influencing. 

People ARE always watching. I want to share another true story. This is like three personal stories in like two weeks. If you have been here for any amount of time, you know I almost never do anything like this. I rarely talk about myself in the positive or the negative, because it is not about me. Yet, the past two weeks have brought these stories to mind. This one in particular.

I went online around 1991. Yeah I know, the 1900's. Can you believe it? I started out on discussion boards and comment sections of local and international newspaper sites. I was always faith-based and would debate, aka argue, with anyone for just about any reason. I would do so with love and would laden my arguments with the Word of God.

As time went on, the topics in the news started to lean more so toward politics, than anything else, therefore my arguments became increasingly political and this lead me into politics in general. I created a blog and was vested daily in political conversations and talking about top news stories. Think Talk Radio in Blog form. During this time, I went through a major life change and left New York and moved to Florida. Before I really thought about it, I all but walked away from God. No Church. No reading the Bible. I merely prayed once a day, if I remembered to do so.

One fateful day, a fellow poster and commentator named Sean, asked me, "Where is the faith-based Peter?" Wait. What? This offended me to tell you the truth. I'm me. I've always been me. Who in the, does he think he is? "Where is the faith-based Peter?" Seriously? The sad truth? He was right. See, in my own mind, I never changed. But I did. Majorly. Drastically. So much so that people noticed.

I was thinking about this for a while. The more I spend time with my family, and the more time I spend in the Word, and with God, the more I grow in faith. The less I grew in the desire to spend time talking about politics. I was praying about this and a question popped into my Spirit. "What is more important? Sharing the Truth according to God, sharing the Word. Explaining His Will and Way for Salvation? Leading someone to Salvation? Or, picking out "the Idiot of the Week?"" Then this. "The World has Rush, Sean, Mark, Glenn, Joyce, and many others." Then this passage came to mind. Luke 10:2

"And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

Today, this day, someone will die. Someone will wake up, they will have coffee. Eat. Go off to work. They will not make it. Another will dress their child, and see them off to school, and that child will never return home. Someone will not even wake up. Just because the World doesn't end today, doesn't mean that today, is the last day of life for many. Think about 9-11. 3000 Americans and others, got up, did whatever they did every other day, kissed loved ones, went to work. Shortly after they got there, they were killed.

What is more important? Talking about the "Idiot of the Week," or picking out someone that has displayed logic? Or sharing the Truth according to God. Showing them The Way. Leading them to the simplicity of Salvation. Seriously? Pretty much a no-brainer. Don't ya think?

So I made this decision and Sean posted something to the effect of "Thank God. You have no idea how many people you have helped." He was right about that too. I do truly have no idea. I was not even really aware I was helping anyone. I was just talking. But people were listening. People were watching. Here is another story. The story of one man, attending one tent meeting.

This man grew up during the Great Depression on a dairy farm near Charlotte, North Carolina. As a teenager, he grudgingly attended church with his family, and found his family’s Bible-reading, praying, and psalm-singing left him feeling restless and resentful.

In May of 1934, Christian businessmen in Charlotte, North Carolina, held an all-day prayer meeting on his father’s pasture. This man’s father, William Franklin Graham, Sr., recalled one of the men’s prayers that day: “That out of Charlotte the Lord would raise up someone to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth.”

“At that time, in 1934, it certainly wasn’t obvious that, that someone, might be me.” Billy Graham wrote.

“I did not want anything to do with an evangelist—particularly with such a colorful character as Dr. Ham,” Billy Graham said. “I told my parents that I would not go to hear him. Apparently, the evangelist knew what he was talking about,” Billy Graham wrote. “He claimed to have affidavits from certain students that a house across the street from the school, supposedly offering the boys and girls lunch during noon recess, actually gave them some additional pleasures.”

Rumors flew that angry students planned to march on the tabernacle and demonstrate right in front of the platform. And that maybe they would even injure Dr. Ham. Just As I recount the moment: “That stirred up my curiosity,” Billy Graham recalled, “and I wanted to go just to see what would happen. But how could I save face after holding out for nearly a month?”

“Why don’t you come out and hear our fighting preacher?” a friend suggested. “Is he a fighter?” I asked. That put a little different slant on things. I like a fighter.”

His friend offered another incentive, letting Billy Graham drive his old vegetable truck into town for the meeting. Billy Graham drove the truck, “loaded with as many folks, white and black, as [his friend] could get to go along.”

Dr. Ham began preaching, loudly, Billy Graham recalled. Recounting the night many years later, he said, “I have no recollection of what he preached about, but I was spellbound. In some indefinable way, he was getting through to me. I was hearing another voice … the voice of the Holy Spirit.”

Billy Graham was that one man, at that tent meeting, and look what history tells us from that day on. Over the course of 60 years, he preached to a stunning 210 million people around the globe and held an impressive 417 crusades. Did Dr. Ham know that the one reluctant attendee would end up leading countless people to Jesus? I doubt it.

This is why it is so important to simply be the child of God you are. We read this in 1 Peter 2:12

"Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

A little bit later, Peter writes this in 1 Peter 3:16

"Having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."

1 Timothy 4:12 reads like this.

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

We, if you are young or old, or somewhere in between, must live how God asks us to live. If people are watching us, and make no mistake about it, they are, then do they actually see a difference in us and the rest of the world? As my Pastor said many times, "we may be the only Jesus that some people will ever see. What are they seeing?"

We must be careful. The Word warns us of this.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

People are watching. You ARE influencing more people than you know. This is why Jesus Himself tells us this as recorded in Matthew 5:16

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Chances are, you will never see the impact you have here on this earth. You tell John Doe. Jane Doe. They go and have a life-changing God experience. They move away to another country and start a ministry, or perhaps even change that country. They will meet people you never will. They will do things that you never will. All you did was plant the seed. Job well done. Now let God. You have no idea. You may never know who, or how many people you are influencing. Just because you do not know, does not mean there are not many people watching. Always think of yourself as on stage or as if people are always watching. They are. What are they watching you do? If you are the only Jesus some people meet?

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He raised from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord! 

You May Never Know, Who You Are Dealing With

  Who you are dealing with. 

Welcome back. We are currently talking about the concept "You may never know." We talked last time about how we may never know on this earth, why things happen the way they do. As we talked about last time, this could be a whole series in and of itself, and very well may be, the topic today is the same. 

We could spend weeks diving into this story that Jesus told us in Luke 10:30-37

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Now, what is Jesus trying to teach here? Love? Kindness? Compassion? Grace? Yes. Love your neighbor as yourself? Yes. Show God's love through your actions more than your words? Yes. However, there is another aspect of this. Who is the naked half-dead man?

The Priest doesn't know. He crossed to the other side. The Levite, or one of those religious folks that work in the temple, did the same. He did not know who the man was. Only the good Samaritan stopped to help. Did he ever learn who the man was? Jesus did not tell us. But nonetheless, he took care of him and gave the innkeeper two day's wages, roughly $150.00 bucks in today's value. Rooms did not cost a hundred dollars a night back then either.

Remember one of the scariest passages, at least for me, in the Bible? Jesus talking about the end time and people coming from all around thinking they would enter into heaven, and Jesus separates them and says this?

“Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." Matthew 25:41-45

Now keep in mind that doing this sort of thing is never about you. It is also possibly not even about the person you are helping, but more about that next time. However, the person themselves may very well be someone God put there for you. Therefore, it is always wise to follow the wisdom of the Word of God, when it comes to dealing with strangers.

"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Colossians 4:5-6

Peter encourages children of God this.

"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 3:15

The Bible even comes right out and says this plainly.

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:2

Wait, what? Yup. I have shared this story before but I am going to share it here again. Before you ask, I have no idea if he was an Angel or not. Ok, two stories.

I was working as a Night Auditor in the Hotel business and a man came in and asked if he could use the bathroom. He was dirty. He looked like a bum. I told him that it was ok, very reluctantly I might add. I was just recently saved and was reading one of those pocket-size Bibles. The ones with the New Testament and Psalms. This continued for a few days. One morning, for whatever reason I got in my Spirit, give him your Bible. I remember thinking, "No. My Bible." "Give him your Bible, and put twenty dollars in it." "Wait. first, my Bible. He is never going to read it. Second, all I have is twenty dollars. I don't wanna."

Well, he comes out of the bathroom and walks across the lobby. I had put the twenty in the Bible but I was not trying to get his attention as he walked through the lobby. As he got to the door, I said, "Sir? I have no idea why, but God asked me to give this to you." He stopped, smiled, and walked across and took the Bible from my outstretched hand. "Thank you." He said with a smile as he turned and walked out the door.

I remember thinking, "Did he find the money? Did he just through the Bible out? What was the point of the whole thing? I guess I could ask him or see if he acts any different tomorrow." Guess what? Tomorrow never came. Meaning, he never came back. I have no idea what happened to him. I have no idea why what happened happened. I have not idea whatsoever what any of that was about. All I can say is that I, begrudgingly, was obedient to what I was lead to do. Was it a test? I do not know. Was it something the man really needed? Maybe he just needed money for a bus ticket? I do not know. Was he an angel? I may never know. But I did what I felt was right. Even if I really did not want to at the time.

Here is a story of a stranger helping me. This one was when I was first saved. I bought a car, a Chevy Chevette for those of you who know what that is, from one of the guys that lead me to Christ. I was driving it down the road and it just died. As I was coasting to a busy four-way intersection, the light changed green and I was able to coast into a gas station.

I'm standing there, hood up, looking at the engine, when I heard a voice behind me. "Won't Start?" I remember thinking, "Nah, why would you think that?" What I said was "No." "Are you a Christian?" Huh? "Uh, yes?" "Then I have to help you then don't I." He walks away.

I watch as he walks over to a truck and a car carrier. On the carrier was a brand new shiny red sports car. He took the sports car off and left it on the side of the gas station and drove over to me. He loaded my broken down Chevette, not worth even the money I paid my friend for it, and said, "Where do we need to go?" We got to the destination and I offered some money I have in my pocket, and he said, "No thank you." I stood there in awe as I watched him drive away. Why did he do what he did? I do not know. Was he a fellow Christian who just wanted to help? I do not know. Why did he ask me specifically if I was a Christian? I do not know. Was he an angel sent to help me? I do not know. But what I do know is that I confessed to being a child of God, and I was helped in my time of need, in the name of God. So?

You meet people every day of your life. Some are decent people. Some are bad. Some are your brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, in the family of God. Some are enemies. Some are lost. Some are hurting. Some are looking for love. All are looking for kindness, even if they do not know it. I love this phrase.

"Never be cruel, never be cowardly. And never ever eat pears! Remember – hate is always foolish…and love, is always wise. Always try, to be nice, and never fail to be kind." 12th Doctor, Doctor Who.

You can eat pears if you want. I personally do not like them either. But it is true. Always treat people the way you would like to be treated.

"And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise." Luke 6:31

Not to mention again, but if the word says it, it must be true. You may be hosting an Angel. You may even be hosting Jesus Himself. Remember this event following the resurrection? They were walking along the road and talking about all that happened. They were talking about all that they have seen, heard, and done, for the past few years at Jesus's side. Then this happened.

"and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him." Luke 24:14-17

These people lived with, ate with, slept with, Jesus. Everyday. They witnessed miracles and watched the dead rise. Yet, they did not know Jesus as He walked with them. Would you recognize Jesus if He came to you?

What about you? You may be the only "Jesus" someone ever meets. How are they seeing you? More on that next time. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He raised from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

You May Never Know, The Reason Why?

Why is this the way it is? 

Hello. Welcome, today. Today we will begin a new series entitled "You May Never Know." We will look at the most common "You May Never Know" topics that many people both wonder about and struggle with.

You May Never Know,

1 - Why.
2- Who you may be dealing with.
3- Who you are influencing.

Why?

Today we will start with a big one, that really is not so big. But it is one that bothers many people. Why? Why is it the way it is? Why does God allow this or that? Why do I have this illness? Why do I have to go through this? Why did my loved one die?

Now the title of this sermon series is "You may never know." However, I believe that this answer is true here, while we are on this earth. Now when you go and be with God, I think you will have all the answers to whatever questions you may have. But here on earth? This may not be the case.

There are many questions that could be crammed in here. We will just cover a couple in-depth, but answer the question in general.

People ask why about a lot of things.

Bad people getting ahead? Sickness? Disease? Death? Why? Why does a loving God allow all this? Yes, we are going to try to answer all these today. Emphasizing the word try.

Bad People? 

First I want you to think of this. You were once a bad person. You became saved and adopted into the family of God by His grace and patience. This is why Peter tells us to not think about God as being slow to deal with evil people. Turn to Peter 3:9

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

In Ezekiel 33:11 we read this.

"Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?"

He is not being slack or slow. Rather He is being patient. Hoping all, say all, all will come to repentance. He wants no one to end up in hell. Jesus told us this story.

“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” Matthew 13:24-30

Again, we see God being patient. Now we could spend a whole day on just this topic. God created all, gave to Adam, Adam gave it all to the devil. Man is born into sin. All mankind. Why does it seem like some evil people get ahead? The devil can bless people and give them many things here on Earth. Yet at the end of their life awaits the same fate as the devil himself. Jesus is the only way out of that. God is waiting and hoping that as many as can be possible will accept the way that He gave us. Sadly many will not. However, make no mistake about it. There IS a judgment day coming when all the evil people WILL answer for their sins and rejection of Jesus the Christ.

Sickness and Disease?

This is another that could be a stand-alone sermon that many people struggle with. However, in the interest of time, we will look at a couple of passages, that I hope will shine a light on a possible reason why. First, look at this story. John 9

"As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him."

Wait? Does that mean God wanted him blind? Yes. Why? "That the works of God might be displayed in him." It wasn't about him. Think of the woman that had the issue of blood for 12 years, spend all she had, and suffered for so long? {Luke 8:43-48} Jesus healed her, even though she was not even worthy to be out in public. It wasn't about her. Look at this story in Luke 5 17-26. A man paralyzed and laying on a bed was brought to Jesus. The crowd was so big that they lowered him through the roof. Turn to verse 20

"And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.”

If the man was not paralyzed, this would have never happened. All these situations were for the glory of God. All of them were for lessons for us. We see sickness and disease as bad horrible things, and they are. Yet? They may have a purpose in God's overall plan. We may never know why here and now, but we will understand it one day.

Death?

"For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace."

Death is as natural as life itself. Wasn't always this way. Physical death and sin entered the world through the sin of Adam and Eve. So death comes to every living thing on this earth. However, physical death is not the end. As we just talked about in the last series, there will be a resurrection for all. {John 5:28-29.}The child of God and the evil. For the evil, it IS most definitely something to be feared. But not for the child of God. For the child of God, it is a time of celebration. A moving up if you will. A time where we will know the answers because we will be with the Creator of all things.

"He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken." Isaiah 25:8

It will be a place of peace and no more suffering.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

The truth is, there are many topics that we could cover in this category today. Why? The truth also is, we may never know why. Maybe not here on this earth. When you find yourself asking "Why?" start by asking your Father. Pray to Him. Search His word. Ask the Church. Seek the answers you are seeking, just know that you may not get the answer you are hoping for. Just because we do not understand it, doesn't mean God is caught off guard. Remember what God told Isaiah in Isaiah 55:9

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

God has a purpose and a plan for everything. Remember Romans 8:28

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

What things? ALL Things. For what? Good. All things. Just because we do not understand it at the time, doesn't mean there is no reason for it. It may not have anything to do with you. You just have to trust in the Lord.

Next time we will be talking about how you treat and deal with people. Be a careful child of God. You may never know who it is you are talking to. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He raised from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!