Newsletter Articles
Witnessing Tip of the Month by Jeremy
07/25/2008 -
July 2010
Witnessing Tip of the Month
Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and empower you! Acts 1:8, Acts 4:8, Acts 4:31 “And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly.”
It sounds simple, but Jesus' instructions were to wait for the gift my Father promised Acts1:4 This is how the very early church began. Every time I go out witnessing, I ask to be filled anew with the Holy Spirit, for boldness to witness.
Practical: Pray and receive the Holy Spirit, then go by faith and witness. Wherever you are, you can witness. Ray comfort says “I go to witness at the grocery store, and while I'm there I do some shopping.” Anywhere you go, pray, and be a witness for Jesus. Zechariah 4:6 “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit”
If you have a specific question about witnessing e-mail me jlandgreen@yahoo.com
June 2010
Out of your Comfort Zone
You're not alone if witnessing, acts of service, mission trips, and being a part of outreaches take you out of your comfort zone. Corrine Anton has been a big influence in my life. Corrine has really challenged and pushed me to use my gifts for God and His Kingdom. Corrine calls it “being stretched!” Being stretched is going farther than you can on your own but relying on God to do it.
Recently there was a group from Central Assembly of God that got stretched. We went to the KFC parking lot at Tower and 28th street filled up washer fluid for free. We were there to show God's love in a practical way. The act of kindness opened the door for us to pray for people. We asked each person that we gave washer fluid to “if there was any way we could pray for them.” We had opportunities to pray with people who had loved ones with cancer, for families, anniversaries, and jobs. A few people we talked to said they were recently looking for a church to go to and asked for the time of service on Sunday mornings.
Ephesians 6:19 says, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel.”
Recently on a Friday night witnessing trip in Duluth, Scott gave his life to the Lord! Scott said “you guys made a difference in my life.”
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” Romans 1:16
I encourage you, put yourself in a position to be stretched by God. Getting out of your comfort zone; whatever shape that takes, is all about Jesus working through you in love to make a difference in someone's life.
May 2010
Time to Act
Jesus came to serve, not to be served Matthew 20:28. I have been teaching a Sunday school class based on the book, The Externally Focused Church by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson. “Externally focused churches are convinced that good deeds and good news can't and shouldn't be separated. Just as it takes two wings to lift an airplane off the ground, so externally focused churches couple good news with good deeds to make an impact on their communities. The good deeds, expressed in service and ministry to others, validate the good news. The good news explains the purpose of the good deeds.” Page 24.
The Externally Focused Church is more than a book or a class, it is a lifestyle. It is about doing acts of service with no strings attached. Building relationships in the community through acts of service opens the door to share the Gospel. I have been encouraged by the people attending the EFC Sunday school class. Here are a couple of quotes from people attending the class: “Lord, I am here, I am willing and ready to get my hands dirty.” “It is time to get outside the four walls and impact our community.” “We cannot sit here comfortably while others are dying and going to hell.”
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up (Ephesians 4:11-12).
We are taught, trained, and equipped to bless, and minister to others. There will be some opportunities coming up very soon to impact the community with acts of service together with The Good News: free washer fluid top offs (May 15th), free car wash, soda give away, and volunteering at the Union Gospel Mission. Let's serve and love our community into the Kingdom of God through words and action. If you have an idea for an act of service in the community contact Jeremy at jermwarfare617@yahoo.com or 218-940-6233.
Mark your calendar for upcoming outreaches:
May 22nd - Skate Park Outreach,
July 24th - Hammond Park,
September 11th - Benny Peterson
April 2010
Divine Appointments
Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. at Central Assembly of God we are seeking God's face for this region. I am reading a book called Revival Fire by Wesley Duewel, I am convinced that it is time to come before God in deep prevailing prayer. Many awakenings were started out of extended prayer. Continue to deepen your personal prayer time at home in your prayer closet.
A quote from chapter 16 ”All such widespread outpourings of the Spirit have their beginnings in a movement of prayer that is motivated, guided, and coordinated by the Holy Spirit.” Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2).
This week, as we pray for an awakening, we will pray that God would send forth a Spirit of Prayer in this area! Begin to pray now that God would impart a Spirit of Prayer to His people in the Twin Ports; a Spirit of Prayer that would bring His people to extended times of prayer for the Twin Ports, for salvation and holiness. It is time to share the vision. Invite those you know that are hungry for more of God to contend for a breakthrough with us every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at Central Assembly of God (Hammond and 3000) Superior
A quote from Misty Edwards, "Hunger is an escort into the deep things of God."
Jeremy Landgreen 218-940-6233
March 2010
Mardi Gras Outreach 2010
“And He said to them, Go into all the world, proclaim the gospel to all the creation. Act 1:8 But you shall receive power, the Holy Spirit coming upon you. And you shall be witnesses to Me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Mark 16:15)
The first part of the verse is “Go.” We must go. The mission of the church is to proclaim the Gospel to all creation. We have to leave our comfort, surroundings, and step out by faith and the power of the Holy Spirit to participate in the ministry of reconciliation.
A few highlights from the trip: we went to the Ibersville projects on Saturday afternoon and ministered through music, testimonies, free food, and preaching. There was a street called Canal drive near Ibersville where Kevin Meredith, Matt Anderson, Peter McInnes, Dave Johnson, and Dave Rosu went witnessing.
“For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For it is God who said, Out of darkness light shall shine; who shone in our hearts to give the brightness of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:5-6).
Sunday night the Ravens ministry team (300 strong) walked together locked arm in arm four wide all the way to Bourbon Street singing Alleluia, and knelt down in the Middle of Bourbon St. and Saint Peter and prayed.
Sunday was also the night the Twin Ports team passed out candy stapled to homemade Valentines Gospel tracts.
The worship, with over a thousand other Christians on Monday afternoon outside in an amphitheater, was powerful.
God put together a great team that displayed unity, love, compassion, sincerity, and the heart of a servant. It was great to come together with people from all over the country with one single goal; to share the Gospel with the lost.
February 2010
Here am I. Send me!
Availability. God loves to work through humble servants who make themselves available. The more we say “yes” to God, the more opportunities God will provide. Here are a few testimonies from individuals who said “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8b
Kevin Meredith: God has laid on my heart to proclaim the salvation message to the lost. I feel the New Orleans trip will help me grow and develop my witnessing. “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it?“ Proverbs 24:11-12. These verses confirmed to me God's plan and desire When some people were praying for our team that is going to New Orleans, I felt a total confirmation from God the I am supposed to go along. I am so thankful for this opportunity. God bless! Continue to pray for our trip.
Tabitha Landgreen: Never thinking my Dad would agree to a 22 hour car ride with Jeremy, Valerie, Jeanine, and myself, I jokingly said “if you go Dad, I will.” It took a few other confirmations to convince me, and while I'm still unsure why I'm going, I know I must. Jeremiah 1:7b “For you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.”
Jeanine Ryan: When some people were praying for our team that is going to New Orleans, I felt a total confirmation from God that I am supposed to go along. I am so thankful for this opportunity.
Jeremy Landgreen: Last year when I was at the Mardi Gras outreach I prayed that God would burden more people with the desire to go and witness. God is so good. He provided more than I could have imagined; twelve people coming from five different churches serving one risen, living King, with a desire to reach as many people as possible! We covet your prayers as we seek to love and minister to others with the full power of the Gospel. We are praying that God would prepare divine opportunities, healings, and salvation. To God be the glory.”
“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” Colossians 4:3-4.
January 2010
Living on Borrowed Time
The morning of Christmas Eve my wife Tabitha and I were driving down to Minneapolis to spend some time with family. We stopped at the Burger King in Hinckley, and I gave a million dollar bill Gospel tract to a guy in the bathroom, and to the cashier.
When we were on the south side of Hinckley, we saw a big cloud of snow coming up from the median. I shouted “Whoa!” and started pumping the brakes I thought the car might come across the median into our side of traffic. We pulled over onto the shoulder, my heart was beating fast; we had seen an accident happen right in front of us! I yelled from my car, "Are you okay? Do you have a cell phone?" They were both okay, and had a cell phone.
As we continued to drive, God really began to speak to me. We are living on borrowed time. We are not guaranteed another day on this beautiful earth. God really spoke to me about living with love for Him and urgency in fulfilling all that He has called me to do.
Psalm 90:10 The length of our days is seventy years - or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 103:15 As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field;
Don’t live life with regrets. If there is something God has called you to do in 2010, no matter what it is, go after it. Whatever God is speaking, obey. Be a fool for Christ! When we look back on our life we will not wish we spent more time watching TV, or working longer hours. We would rather be able to say that we pursued God with everything we had and when God spoke we acted with love and obedience. Intentionally spend time with Jesus; cultivate a relationship. Make the decision to live in radical obedience. With witnessing, the only opportunities that I regret are the ones when God spoke to me to witness to someone, and I didn’t. Remember life is short, we are living on borrowed time. Don’t live with regrets!
December 2009
Divine Appointments
The outreach to New Orleans during Mardi Gras is coming up quickly. February 11th - 17th 2010. We will leave the Thursday morning, and get back Wednesday afternoon.
I have gone the last two years. The trip always impacts my life in a very big way! There are a lot of people gathered in one place hurting and lost that need Jesus. There are a few ways that you can get involved.
Number one: We need your prayers. Pray for God to provide another vehicle, for safety, divine appointments, that God's plans and purposes would be accomplished, that the Holy Spirit would be upon us in a strong way, and that God would equip us and prepare us with love and compassion to reach the lost for Jesus.
Number two: Seriously pray about coming with to New Orleans. They are in need of people to invest, plant seeds, and harvest souls for the kingdom of God. John 4:35 says, Do you not say, Four months more and then the harvest? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.
We will be teaming up with RAVENS ministry .The Ravens provide a place to stay (bunk beds in a church), transportation to and from the ministry sites, food, and praise and worship. We just bring ourselves, and reach the lost with the compassion and love of Jesus who has commissioned us.
The leader, Pastor Troy Bohn, can be located on Facebook, www.biggrace.com
Pray and fast and allow God speak to you about going to New Orleans. We are making preparations and soon we will be meeting together weekly. It would be great to have as many people go as possible. I need to know by December 30th if you are committed to going.
November 2009
Open Mic
On Friday October 16th, Will and I met at the Blaine Business Center to go witnessing. I felt the Holy Spirit leading us to go to UWS. Acts 8:29 “The Spirit told Philip, Go to that chariot and stay near it.” I mentioned to Will that “...we should walk by the college campus to see if there is anyone to witness to.” We walked into the parking lot and three students were getting out of a car, one carrying a guitar case. They told me there was open mic inside.
We watched the open mic for a while and wanted to witness to people there, but we didn't want to be disruptive. I thought out loud to Will “wouldn't it be great to share the Gospel at open mic sometime?” I asked someone where I sign up to speak. I asked if they had a schedule for next month. They started showing the schedule for that night! The guy said they had an open time - NEXT! My heart was pounding, I said “we'll take it!” God led us to the College for a reason. I told Will we were on next. Will didn’t know what we were going to talk about. That made two of us. 2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season” I need to be prepared at all times to share the Gospel.” Will decided to read a tract and I said, “I can share my testimony”.
I started by letting the crowd of over a 100 people know that we were here to talk about God, and how you get to heaven. I continued by sharing my testimony, Will read the million dollar bill tract, and then I expounded upon it. I shared how the ten commandments are like a mirror and show our true sinful state, the need to repent from sin, and turn to Jesus Christ for salvation who is the only way to heaven. Open mic turned out to be a Divine appointment.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
October 2009
One of Great Value
On a recent Friday night my friend Will and I went witnessing at the Superior Spartans home coming football game. It was a great place to pass out Gospel tracts and talk to people about things of eternal value. There were a lot of people walking around slowly, having fun, enjoying football, and the weekend. We prayed that God would open doors to witness, fill us with the Holy Spirit to empower us to witness with boldness and compassion and that God would provide divine appointments. Then we went out in faith to share the Gospel with as many as we could. “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed from death to life.” John 4:24
I had opportunity to share the Gospel with someone I went to College with at WITC. Will and I witnessed to young kids, students and adults. After a little while we went to the gas station where I bought a bag of chips and Mentos. We continued to pass out lots of Gospel tracts. I asked one young man “did you get one of these yet?” He said “no, I could go for those chips though!” I let him know he could have the bag of chips if he let me talk to him for two minutes. I was confident that what I wanted to share with him was of far greater value than a $2.00 bag of chips. I knew that if I shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Anthony clearly, that it would be of great value to him … eternal value. Anthony said that he would give me his time for a bag of chips. So I explained the Gospel as clearly, simply, quickly, and as thoroughly as I could. Praise God! God gave me the words to say and the boldness to do it. The kingdom of heaven is more valuable than any earthly possession.
Matthew 13:45-46 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
September 2009
Looking for a Grad Photo
We were looking for opportunities to witness on a recent Friday night on Tower Avenue when I saw a young man standing in front of a car in an empty parking lot. I thought he might be waiting for a person the police had pulled over nearby. I took the opportunity to head over and begin a conversation with him. (When people are waiting it is a great opportunity to witness: i.e. waiting rooms, bus stops, laundromats, airplanes, cashier lines)
I found out his name is Alex and he was looking for a police officer to get a graduation picture taken with. The officer said she was not able to help Alex with a photo. I noticed he was wearing a cross necklace, so I said “Alex, if you'd like you can take your picture with me and the cross.” Alex thought that would be cool. I asked Alex what the cross meant to him. (It is great to find something to initiate a conversation, like sports, weather, something a person is wearing). Alex didn't really have a significant reason for wearing the cross necklace, he pretty much wore it because it looked cool. I continued talking about the Gospel while someone snapped a few photos of us. I quickly shared my testimony about how I came to know Jesus, and used the law; God's Ten commandments as well.
Proverbs 20:6a “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness.” People in general, and especially here in America, have the “good person” syndrome. People think they have done more good things than bad things. Therefore God will allow them to come into heaven.
Only by Jesus defeating death through the cross and resurrection is eternal life possible! It is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). That's why it is biblical for us to use God's law to show a person their true state. Psalm 19:7 says “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.”
I will be going every Friday night down Tower Avenue through the end of October. I want to invite you to come and be a witness for Jesus with me.
August 2009
Our Defense Attorney
A few of us went for a prayer walk down Tower Avenue in Superior recently. As we walked I carried a seven foot cross. We prayed for the city and prayed that God would provide people to witness too. The cross can evoke different responses. One young man named Jake was driving by and asked, “What are you doing?” “We are praying for changed lives in our city” I said.
Jake immediately pulled over and came over to talk to us. We started talking about life after high school and work and eventually I asked Jake if he knew the way to heaven.
“Thomas said to Him, Lord, we do not know where You go, and how can we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.” (John 14:5-6).
Jake admitted he had broken God’s law, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-17). I let him know we were just like him, 0 for 10. I asked “If God were to judge you by the standard of the Ten Commandments do you think you’d be innocent or guilty? And then I asked, “Do you know what God did so you wouldn’t have to go to hell?”
Think about natural law: You’re in court for speeding a 120 mph in a 15 mph speed zone while school is being let out and you are fined $100,000. As you are led off to jail, someone steps in and pays the judge the money you can’t afford for the fine you deserve! Jesus is your defense attorney! God sent His one and only son Jesus Christ to die on the cross the death we deserve, to give the gift of eternal life.
Romans 6:23 says “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” A wage is something we earn. We earn/deserve death. God gave the gift of eternal life - Jesus Christ.
When Jake saw the cross, he began to investigate seriously. He sought some answers, and asked tough questions. Is God speaking to you? Take this time to admit your sin to God. Confess your sins, and repent (turn away from sin and turn to Jesus), and receive God’s free gift of eternal life.
July 2009
Acts of Kindness
I was feeling tired as Tabitha and I were driving to St. Paul. I also felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to pull over to talk to someone that may be sad. We pulled over at a rest stop, and I saw a worker dragging a bag of trash in the grass. So I ran up to him and asked if I could help. I asked the worker where he was bringing it. He pointed to the dumpster about a hundred yards away. He tied it up and I picked it up, and ran over to the dumpster with joy.
I knew this was my opportunity to talk to him about God! I took a couple Gospel tracts out of my pocket. I gave him a tract that asks, One hundred years from now where will you be? I also attempted to give his co-worker a million dollar bill tract. She said “she couldn’t accept it.” I assured her it wasn’t real. I asked if they thought about where they would go when they died. Because it says in Hebrews 9:27 “... it is appointed to men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
He said “either up or down, my co-worker knows.” The co-worker was getting very agitated, and said she wanted me to leave, so I wasn’t able to continue.
I have found that acts of kindness often lead to an open door to witness. Recently three of us went witnessing in the East End of Superior. While in the East End we passed out tracts in the Super One parking lot. I helped a lady put her grocery cart into the cart coral, and then gave her a Gospel tract. As a result, she asked what church we were from because she was looking for a church to go to!
Galatians 6:9-10 says, “And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.”
June 2009
God has chosen preaching the Gospel to save the lost!
Jesus spoke in Matthew 24:14 (NIV) And this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Jesus also gave us the Great Commission. Mark 16:15 (NIV) He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
We have been given a great responsibility.
How is the gospel to be preached in the whole world? I know that others are like me; I get nervous when I set out to go witnessing; fear of man, fear of rejection, and loss of words. So I begin by praying; I ask God to help me, give me the words to say, give me compassion for the lost. When I remember what God did for me by sending His son Jesus Christ to die for my sins I am grateful. When I think of the fate of others who have not put their faith and trust in Jesus I am compelled to witness and preach the Gospel.
When we pray and ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with love, compassion, and power to witness we can be sure that God will answer. God has already given us authority and commissioned us (Acts 2). When we pray, we are putting our trust and reliance in Jesus. As students of the Word we need not be afraid, but compelled by love and compassion to share why Jesus had to die for us.
Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Mark16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
We are to carry on the task that Jesus gave to the disciples. The disciples shared and preached by being a witness of what Jesus did (Acts 2:22-36). The next verse says When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Summer is full of great opportunities to witness; graduation parties, weddings, parades, and others. Go forth and share what Jesus has done!
May 2009
Go forth in the favor of the Lord
My wife and I were home recently when I heard a knock at our door. Some youth were selling candy bars to raise money for a mission trip to Canada.
I bought some candy bars and found out they were from Twin Ports Baptist. In conversation, I discovered I work with a brother of one of the girls. I also had opportunity to pray for them. I prayed for the team, the leaders, and that God would provide for all their needs, including finances. I prayed that God would send them with favor.
It says in Philemon 1:4-7 “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”
Pastor Paul, I thank you for allowing Tom Miller and I to teach the Way of the Master Basic Training Course on evangelism Sunday nights and Sunday mornings. Thank you for your prayers and support of the Mardi Gras missions trip. Thank you for your time, energy, dedication, faithful service to the Lord, and for refreshing the hearts of the saints.
Pastor Paul, I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you, encourage and strengthen you. I pray that God will provide for all of your needs and send you forth in favor with man and God.
April 2009
It is Worth the Cost to Share Jesus with the Lost
Chris Snider, Ryan Lundquist, and I recently went to New Orleans on a missions trip during Mardi Gras. We left work, family, friends, and the comfort of our homes for a little while and drove straight through the night to get there. We teamed up with a ministry called R.A.V.E.N.S. (Restoring a Vision and Evangelizing Nations www.biggrace.com. We went to the Ibersville projects on Saturday; which is an area where kids and families do not even feel safe enough to go outside for fear of being shot or mugged. We ministered with music, testimonies, free lunch, free clothes, games for the kids, and give-aways. The people were very receptive.
Many lives were impacted for the Kingdom of God. We went to the French Quarter each night, handed out hundreds of Gospel tracts and witnessed to many people on Bourbon St. and the surrounding area. One of my favorite encounters was at Cafe Dumonde. After having a French doughnut, I went and stood in line for the bathroom. I noticed one of the guys had a Monster energy drink. I just asked him what his favorite flavor is, and began to share the Gospel with him and his friend Jason. It was great, because he wasn't going anywhere. I asked him to think about what we talked about that night.
We had one purpose: to seek and save the lost. Luke 15 tells the parable of the lost sheep, lost coin, and the lost son. “Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:4,8,10) God would leave the 99 for the one! I spoke with many people. I thought to myself many times, “are you the one I drove over 24 hours to talk to about Jesus?”
If you would like to see a video of the trip, go to www.youtube.com, and type in Mardi Gras mission trip 2009. I would like to thank Rhonda Horyza for putting the video together.
March 2009
Super One
On Tuesday, February 10th I dropped Dennis DeVogel off after a Lake Fest meeting and was in the mood for some cookies. I thought it would be a good idea to drive to Super One and get some cookie dough.
As I walked to the back of the store and toward the frozen food section God prompted me to talk to a couple. “Hi, how are you doing?” I said as I kept walking and made my way to the cash register. I was hoping I didn’t miss an opportunity that God had provided.
Later, I saw the same couple paying for groceries. They had two items they couldn’t afford to buy and gave them back to the cashier. I offered to purchase the remaining items. They were very grateful. I think the cashier was touched more than the couple. She said she had never seen anybody do that before.
I gave the couple some gospel tracts. I said the food was theirs, no strings attached, but if they’d like to come to church give me a call. I then gave them a ride to where they were staying. They were very nice. I was excited to help out. I let the gentleman know that God had told me to greet them, I just didn’t know why. (Now I do!) He said it was a blessing. The next day I received a phone call from the couple stating they wanted a ride to church the following Sunday.
It says in Mark 12:31 that we are to love our neighbor as our self. I believe there are many ways we can love our neighbor. One way we can love our neighbor is to care for their needs. We will see a difference here in our own community as we live out this commandment. In Mark12:29-31 Jesus said, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like it, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
February 2009
“Wear ‘em down”
A co-worker recently told me that one of the guys (for the sake of confidentiality let’s call him Bob) wanted to go to church. I was surprised to hear that. Bob is usually turned off by the things of God. The Bible says in NIV “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18) Bob told my co-worker, I “wore him down” and he wanted to give church a try.
Over the last couple of months I introduced Bob to Christian music. Bob took a liking to a band called Skillet in particular. Bob even went and bought the Skillet CD. One day we were watching TV and a commercial came on promoting a story about Jesus; Bob said, “Look, there’s your favorite person”. I talked with Bob about God and what I believed. I continued praying for Bob. I encouraged Bob to seek out the truth.
When my co-worker let me know that Bob wanted to go to church it encouraged me. The things I was saying and doing were making a difference. God was working in this man. It also reminded me of the parable of the persistent widow. “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” ( Luke 18:1)
Don’t give up on someone you are praying for. Maybe God has placed a friend, co-worker, stranger, or loved one on your heart to pray for. Continue to pray. Do not give up until that person comes to faith in Jesus. Do not loose heart. Do not be discouraged. Continue to do what God has laid on your heart to share the love of Jesus. Do whatever it takes to “wear em down”! Pray, and do not give up!
January 2009
God Speaks in Different Ways
God is always speaking, are we listening?
I listened to Glorious Shoo from Africa speak at Celebrate Recovery about how God speaks in various ways. Like when a parent asks a child to do something; it is the parents' desire for the child to obey, not to just hear the words that were spoken. “Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord, ' and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46
While I listened to Glorious speak about obedience, I was encouraged to obey what God had called me to do already; carry the cross down Belknap and east on highway 2.
When I was almost finished walking with my seven foot cross, I saw a car turn off the highway and park. It was a friend of mine named Dave who stopped to ask me about the cross. I invited him to listen to Glorious Shoo speak about New Life Foundation. Dave said, “that's something, because God has been speaking to me about giving money away, God also spoke to me through the radio about giving money away to an orphanage.” I was encouraged to see Dave and to see God's hand at work. Praise God!
Dave did come and listen, and without a doubt he gave. I find it is easy to speak, but sometimes hard to slow down and listen.
December 2008
Wayside Money
On the way to the Twin Cities my wife and I stopped at a wayside. While inside I gave the janitor a $100 bill Gospel tract. The man said “I could use some money now”. So I pulled some money out of my pocket and said “it’s not much, but you can have this money”. To my disbelief the man refused the free gift of money. That made me think; the man said he needed money but when someone offered exactly what he needed he chose not to receive.
There is something else that we all need to receive that is more important than money or anything else the world can offer. We need to receive forgiveness that comes through God’s gift to man; Jesus Christ His one and only son who paid the penalty for our sins. Do not let your hearts be troubled, believe in Jesus. Believe that He died for your sins, believe that He forgives you. John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. It says in Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. God gave the gift of eternal life, his son Jesus Christ. We all know John 3:16. We can not earn our way into heaven. Going to church does not make you a Christian.
But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12). Get alone with God. Ask God if there are any areas in your life that you may need to receive forgiveness. Maybe God wants to give you exactly what you need.
November 2008
Jeremy’s definition of a Divine Appointment:
An interaction between two people orchestrated by God.
Sofa Delivery: At work we were getting a sofa delivered recently. I advised the moving crew to go around the house, up the stairs to the deck and through the back door. The sofa wasn’t even close to fitting through the back door. I felt bad the guys had to carry the sofa back to the front door in the rain. The guys were really having fun trying to turn the sofa up a narrow stairway and eventually make a ninety-degree turn into the living room! I saw the guys were having a tough go at it, and said “if you need any help, just let me know.” Just a little bit later the gentleman at the top of the stairs was pulling the sofa up, when all of a sudden it fell on him and his back went out.
I jumped up right away to see if he was okay. I advised the movers that I used to work at a furniture store. The other mover and I finished maneuvering the sofa into the living room. While the movers were leaving I gave them both a couple Gospel tracts, and I asked the injured mover if I could quickly pray for his back. He accepted my offer to pray, and I did. Praise God! I let the injured worker know that Isaiah 53:5 says, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
We can meet the needs of others through tangible ways as well as spiritually through prayer! Luke 10:33-34 “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion, and came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on them oil and wine; and he set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.” The Samaritan saw the need, felt compassion, and did something.
October 2008
We Just Don’t Know!
(What our impact will be)
It never ceases to amaze me how God works in ordinary activities in extraordinary ways! My wife and I were walking by the electronics section in the Superior Wal-mart and a man said, “Excuse me, don’t I know you?” I said “you look familiar too, but I can’t place the face.” He said that he remembered me from WITC as a member of the student council. He said “I was thinking about you recently; I remember you would invite me to the Encounter all the time for concerts. My girlfriend led me to the Lord, and you had a part in my salvation!”
Wow, that was over three years ago that we were in school together. At the time, I didn’t know those things I said had made a difference. We just don’t know what our impact will be, even if we think it is something small at the time.
Let your speech be always with grace, having been seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6
Let this encourage you. Invite the person that you have been thinking about inviting to church, give someone a gospel tract, share your testimony of how you asked Christ into your life, share a kind word, give a helping hand to someone in need. Be salt and light to the world.
You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)
September 2008
Fresh Commitment to the Gospel!
LakeFest 2008 was a success! Thank you to everyone who helped. There was music, food, games, guest speakers, and the Encounter skate park. God's hand was at work throughout the day. It is great to see us come together for the common goal of reaching out to the community and reaching the lost with the Gospel.
I am especially proud of my wife stepping up in obedience to share her testimony; just finding out the night before someone else wasn't able to speak. I know lives were impacted for the kingdom. We all can play a part in spreading the Gospel to the masses and one to one.
2 Timothy 4:5 “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist.” Not all are evangelists, but everyone is required to do the work of an evangelist. Everyone is to share the message of the Cross. Use any and all means to share the Gospel. Share Christ in boldness, truth, and love because you care about people's eternal salvation. Take the risk, God will equip you; strangers, neighbors, and friends will thank you! Billy Graham said “Mass crusades, to which I have committed my life, will never finish the job; but one to one will.”
If you would like to help plan for Lake Fest 2009, please call the church office at (715) 394-5567.
August 2008
Divine Appointments in Everyday Life
Intentionally pray for divine appointments expecting God to provide. Stay alert, and always be ready.
Valerie in her car: “I was driving back from the mall with three 17 year old boys. I did the whole “good person” test taking them through the ten commandments; and asked if they thought they would go to Heaven or Hell? They all sat with their eyes wide open. During this, one said "hey you sound just like that guy at the skate park!” As I let the boys out of the car the one stayed behind and thanked me for the conversation, and said “You say the same things as my Grandma!”
Jeremy and Tabitha shopping: I was looking at the paper when I came across an ad for Younkers. I let Tabitha know they were having a sale there. Tabitha later told me she went to Younkers and had a divine appointment. Tabitha saw somebody she hadn't seen for a while, and was able to pray for a need while they were in the store.
Jeremy on the phone: A man called my phone asking for Nick. I said “Nick is not here”. I said “my name is Jeremy, I'm an Evangelist is there any way I can pray for you”? He said no. There was a pause. Then he said, “actually you can pray for my ankle.” I began praying for Chris' ankle. God continued to show me how to pray for his ankle through visuals. God revealed bones, muscles, and ligaments.
Jeremy at work: A co-worker asked if I could pray for her sometime when I had a minute, because she was going to the hospital for a check up. I let her know that I could pray for her right now.
Colossians 4:3a,5-6 says, And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; 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.
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