Friday, September 14, 2007

Study and Prepare

A while ago I signed up at the Blue Letter Bible Institute. It is a free on line accredited school. One can audit classes or take them for credit. I am taking the classes for the knowledge about the Bible and Christianity.

If you are interested here is the website. Blue Letter Bible Institute. I am enjoying the classes that I am taking. It does require reading, but then you can test your knowledge immediately.

Many people will take a stand and say that it is not approved(to enroll in this institute) for this reason for that, but I am very conservative and read strictly the King James Version, but everyone of us, from the very old to the very new should study the Word.

I have found many in the blog world that are obsessively controlled and it worries me. I understand my role and my place as a Christian. I also understand that if I am limiting my circle to only other believers or my church group, then I am doing a mis-service to the Lord. The Great Commission gives us a very plain clear message.

By staying in the word, and studying the word in addition, one is preparing themselves for each witnessing moment.

I abhor alcohol, BUT, one of the most profound moments in my life occurred when I was at an ice cream shop with my kids...Bill was at the window ordering. A homeless drunk man made a random statement about what a great night it was. I quietly said yes it was. Then he stepped closer, my boys and my daughter went and sat, and I repeated myself. He was shocked and told me that I don't understand. He told me that since Vietnam his life has been pure hell.

I told him that it was because we live in a fallen world. He told me that he knew all this *junk* but Vietnam changed his thoughts. I was so filled with the Spirit. Bill stood beside me and I decided to share how very easy it was. He choked up, and asked me really? I said yes, it is. Then I asked him what his name was. I reached for his hand and he broke into tears, I knew that he hadn't been touched in years. He then told me that his name was David. I broke into tears as a result. David was my dad's name and I told this David this, we both gulped.( Unknown to me, the ice cream shop called the police while I was talking to him) David heard the plan, he was very receptive then he saw the cops. His demeanor changed, but being a former cop's family, I asked the officer if I could finish. She allowed me. Bill also bought this man a hot dog and drink. We had one track on us, and Bill slipped in a 5.00 bill in it also. This David, I told him that I believed that we were to met, and share our grief and so he could move forward to the Lord. He did not receive Jesus in front of me, but I believe that the Lord has many in the line of David(no play intended) to bring David home. I know that if had looked down on him, an opportunity for David would be lost.

His very soul is at stake. Now did I place myself in a situation that was giving an appearance of evil on myself? No, my husband was there and all my kids witnessed their mom, allowing the Spirit use one for another.

So as I share this story, I pray that as Christians we remember that the Lord gave us our gift, and prior to it we we dirty filthy vile sinners.(Hey that is rude, I never drank)Too bad without the blood of Jesus, we are sinners not worthy to be in the presence of God.

So please take a look at your life, are you afraid to taint you with the evil? Well guess what? The world is evil. Walking to the store, going to a restaurant etc. exposes you to the most vile of people. We can shelter our children, and home schooling protects their minds until they are older. But what about you. What are you doing? Have you buried your coin, or are you out investing in the Kingdom???
Jennifer

10 comments:

Theresa's Notes said...

Wow, I didn't know that even existed. I hope you continue to enjoy your studies.

Jackie said...

What a beautiful moment that was with David. Thank you for sharing.

Susan said...

This is 1 Corinthians 3:6 in action: "I have planted, Apollas watered; but God gave the increase."

Also, about not hiding our light, but letting it shine and shine and SHINE!
Susan

MightyMom said...

oh great, thanks susan, now I'm gonna sing that song all weekend!

Pen of Jen said...

Theresa it is wonderful and I love to continue my studies of the Lord

Jackie- It was !! You are welcome

Susan Shine Jesus Shine!!!!!

Sarah- me too, but I love the song so it is bearable to me, just not the rest of the family who has to listen to a tone deaf mom sing;)

Unknown said...

Amazing how God works. I pray that David did recieve Christ.

It's so true Jen. Rita and I have noticed a trend over the past several years. Some christians seem almost afraid to even speak, much less show love, to those who don't act, dress, smell and believe the way THEY think is right. I believe the church should be full of all kinds of people. How can we disciple and mentor others in the things of the Lord, if we are all only allowed to be on the same level? I love seeing someone visit and start attending church who we get to encourage and work with , then see God work in their lives. We don't change them, God through His Holy Spirit does. I think it would be an awful boring life if I only associated and spoke to those who believe exactly like me.

TO BECOME said...

I can remember one time when I was visiting in a home teaching a home Bible study class. The lady's daughter in law came into the room and her wrists had been but and she or someone else had sown them up themselves.She was on drugs. All I could do was to hug her neck and tell her that I could not help her but I knew the ONE who could and I proceeded to tell her about Jesus Christ and how he had died for her and shed His blood so that she might be free from the sin that kept her in bondage. She cried and said, He can't help me. Many times after that, I tried to show her that she just had to repent and accept what He offer her. As far as I know she never repented and was killed a few years ago In Alaska by a drunk driver. I am so glad that I had the chance to tell her of the love that Jesus had for her and I can only pray that somewhere down the road she got saved.

We should always be on the lookout for those who have a need for the Saviour for one thing except for the Grace of God it could be us. Thank you Jennifer for your testimoney. It Moved by heart with thanksgiving. connie from Texas

Jennifer said...

Jen...Came over after reading your comment on my blog about our similarities--how neat! I look forward to being able to spend more time reading your blogs!

Karen said...

Wow, this is a great post. What an opportunity! It's awesome that you were prepared to give an answer. "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." -from Matthew 12:34

~~Deby said...

Jen,
I am spending probably way to much time on your blog this evening..dh is working late...and I thought..hmmm...let's get to know HER...and I have never really spent any time at McBenning...let me tell you...this post about reaching out to this man...is what it is about...I just thank you for this post...when we leave church..we are entering the mission field, our Jerusalem...our piety needs to stop...people are going to hell...and they think California has been HOT....imagine eternity...anyways...I am not a stalker..never fear...just reading this evening the bloggers I admire
Deby