Where the Mountain Meets the Valley.

There are many mountains and valleys along every christain journey and mine is no exception. I don't think I have ever experienced as many highs and lows in any one month as May of 2012. The surprise birthday party with 50 + members of my family and friends was just awesome. If you had a part in that, let me say thank you. Still, turning 40 does something psychologically to you, and it ain't pretty. Coupled with that, I have been fighting my first ever long lasting infirmary, epididymitus, ( look it up later, for now take my word for it it's painful) for the last three months. In just a few days, my Dr. will decide if surgery is the answer. Between the pain, the uncertainty, and the incapitations that comes along with it, I  have been battling more than just a medical condition. I have been wrestling more than flesh and blood. I have tried to keep an open mind.  It is true what they say, " idol hands is the devil's workshop". Keeping busy, has afforded me easy victories in spiritual battles but during this ordeal , keeping " an open mind" has been my greatest enemy. Frankly, I have had some pretty sinful  thoughts, lately. Spiritually speaking, I  am exhausted. It goes without saying, I want nothing to hinder my relationship to Christ. Let me share some specifics of what kept these sinful thoughts from becoming sinful actions.
First things first, My GOD. Understand this is a honest opening of my heart and not an attempt to be self righteous. My problems are minute compaired to other people. But I know they are important me and  to God. It seems too easy to say God helped me.To simply admit to the fear of God, as real as it is, does not do justice to a relationship with Him. I feared a strain in our relationship just from the thoughts I was having. I recognized these thoughts were sins. Trying to channel self serving thoughts is futile in your own strength, I asked for His help and God interviened. Here is how.
My church. This isn't an advertisement for my church, but it is a great church.  God's plan involves it. For my protection and His purpose God has used this church. Get yourself to a Bible teaching church!!!I can't tell you how many one liners from sermons I thought I had forgotten came back as I contiplated. I never really cared what people thought of me but as a volunteer there, I felt a certain responsibility to walk the walk. My church lead me to my MY group.
MY Group. Here is where the story gets interesting,  I have never been a part of a close group like this before. I will never be without one again. Something happens in a my group. I can't explain it but there is a connection.You share your weaknesses and somehow the group gets stronger. Nothing helped me through this more than my group. Partially, because some of these same issues we had discussed at one of the meetings. And just by chance (right) I found that particular study guide at my lowest moment. Additionally, these personal connections were so strong, I could not possibly bring myself to shame infront of these godly men and women. I thank God for my MY Group.
Last things last, My God.  He is the first and the last. I had to force myself to pray and read the bible throughout this.I had to remind myself of many things God word says. Like Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. The key being take delight in Him.( that means He will be what your heart desires)
  One of the passages I came across was Proverbs 3 . The whole chapter was like water to a parched thirst but verses 7-8. really stuck out.

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. 
   Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
⁸ Then you will have healing for your body
    and strength for your bones.

Charles Stanley once said" God did not call us to an open mind but to an open book." I'd do better to remember that.  
.  From the peaks you just enjoy the view of the valley.Mountains are appreciated from the valley. All mountain climbs begin in the valley.I am convinced that the deeper the valley that God brings you to, the higher the mountain He is preparing you to climb.  I am not sure this battle is over. I am sure God has already won the war. I am sure I don't have to climb this mountain alone.

Selling Christainity : a Salesman's Spin on Evangelism

     I remember it like it was yesterday. I was a new christian, sobbing at a friend's funeral, when I realized I did not know if he was saved. Would his soul be on my hands? From that day forward, I had a real burden for lost people, especially my friends. I promised myself that I would make an effort to evangelize.
I can honestly say I have bought into my church's mission of  doing " anything but sin to reach those farthest from God. After being at the Rock for three years, I believe in what we are doing now more than ever.
     Evangelizing, is tough but rewarding. It is a lot like selling a product. I know someone really spiritual is going to point out Jesus isn't a product and Jesus isn't for sale. I get that. I understand that for someone to get saved the Holy Spirit must draw them. I know salvation is a free gift, that cost heaven everything. I also know that Jesus sent out his disciples on what is known as the Great Commission. For a moment let's compare evangelism to selling Christianity. In essence, that is exactly what it is. Every time you try to convince someone of something it is selling.
      Evangelism is like trying to convince a person their house is on fire and they need to purchase a fire extinguisher, when they cannot see the flames or smell smoke. It is hard sale. One many ain't buying. Many people just do not see the urgency for salvation. Could that be because those who evangelize fail to convince those unbelievers we are different? If we don't act like Jesus is real and the most important thing in our lives what do we expect?  You can't sell a product you don't believe in or use. If you are gonna market Jesus Christ, you better believe in Him and you better know why. In short, you best use the product. Saying that's the way my grandma believed , just doesn't cut the mustard anymore. Only God could take the most gruesome symbol of despair, oppression, and death and change it into the greatest symbol of hope, freedom, and life. If God does that for a piece of wood, what will do for you? So to sell Christianity, your life should reflect your transformation. The new you.The ever changing you. As a professional salesman, I reinvent myself often. I study my products, my field, my market, my competition, and my customers. I try things. Some work some don't . Here are a few truths and tips from a salesman's viewpoint  that help me share my faith maybe they will help you.
Expect some difficulty: I can guarantee you that someone will come to counter sale. They'll claim your product doesn't work, or that they have something better. Christianity will be no different, except for you.
Don't expect demons to play fair.You are God's secret weapon.You are part of His plan. The same plan that ends with the destruction of  Satan.
 Psych yourself : I am not naturally positive, I am trained.  No one is going to believe you if you don't believe. Sell out. If you ask me how I am doing? I reply, " I am richly blessed, highly favored, and deeply loved. I forced myself  to say that for awhile. After three years saying it, I am now convinced. There is power in that . If you believe you belong to Christ, don't forget the victory, the joy, the love that ransomed you. Obsess yourself with it and it will transform you. Romans 12:12
.Don't worry about mistakes: Worry if you don't make some. In fact, work harder if you ain't making any. The Bible teaches us to forget about the past and to keep our eyes on the goal. Philippians 3:12-14
First listen, listen first. let them tell you everything about themselves before your talk to them about anything. Make a friend, be a friend, lead a friend. Remember, Christ is a shepherd not a cowboy. Cowboys drive the cows but a shepherd leads the sheep. Lead by example.
Prove your belief in Christ: by A. not compromising your integrity. B. not condemning others. We can't be perfect but at least do your best. Do your best for God, for others, and for yourself. Always remember, we are winning souls to Christ, not winning members to our church.
Be excited. Excitement sales. Ask the makers of oxyclean. Bicycle Bob says it best, "Jesus isn't boring". Focus on the closest happiest encounter you ever had with God. Tell that story.
Get over the fear of rejection.  God has accepted you. You belong to him and not them. This is hard, especially, if you are emotionally connected to your audience. Use the connection, love for others is never a liability. Picture them inside that burning house and try to talk them out of it. If you believe Hell is real this isn't that hard.
Create Urgency:Time is running out get in now. Realize this is life and death. Regardless of what people believe, the house is really on fire. We are not promised anymore time.  Today is the day of salvation. Confidence in what you are selling is the most important of all. People can resort to some pretty wild  gimmicks to sell a product. Churches are no exception, especially church people, who will do "anything but sin" to reach the target audience. Once the audience is captivated, salesmen can use tactics to close the sale, advertisements and promotional products help sell. Belief sales. Excitement sales. Urgency sales. In the end, the product has to be everything you claimed it was. Jesus Christ, is everything He claims to be. Jesus always over delivers. So sell out to Jesus, and buy into Jesus. No matter what mistakes we've made or will make, we always can have confidence in Him.