Do the deeds

Indeed, a simple deed can make all the difference to a lost soul.

Many never experience random acts of kindness from a stranger, certainly not on a regular basis.

A small gesture – “hello,” a smile, a kind compliment (“Nice shirt”), a bottle of water on a hot day, paying for someone’s coffee in a liberal coffee shop – could set off a spark of hope that provides an opportunity to share what God has done for you.

Will this work all the time? No.

But it will always – always – be a blessing for you.

Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Blessings for all your good deeds ahead.

Now, disciple…

3 Questions for now

Never sure about how to start a conversation?

Here are three questions to help you start one now:

· What do you think is the most important thing in life?

· Have you ever thought about the purpose of life?

· What are your thoughts on God? Do you believe in Him?

Read these several times and remember them as best you can.

Then, at your next “now” opportunity, ask one and follow the Lord’s lead.

Be kind. Be bold.

Love them all.

Shawn’s noodling rant:

(“Noodling” is a term I swiped from my mentor. The meaning is to “ponder” or “think deeply about” a topic that God is challenging us with through scripture or the Holy Spirit, or both.)

Prayer prompts courage, speaking fearlessly

Our church is following an evangelism guide “Who’s Your One?” where we focus on one person in our life who is not a believer, and we pray daily for them for 30 days. Each day the guide provides a scripture and a simple prayer to help us connect with that person.

No matter if you know the person well or just as an acquaintance, it is amazing how introverted we can be around this person we want so much to know Jesus. Even us extroverts can get tongue-tied with our stomachs suddenly twisting in knots.

The heart of this helpful evangelism guide is prayer – praying for a lost soul and praying for ourselves. Having others pray for us helps as well.

Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV) – 19 “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”

Prayer is the key to gaining the courage to talk with someone, get to know them better and share the Gospel with them.

Courage leads to a level of fearlessness. Being fearless is nothing more than saying, “I will,” and acting on how the Lord is guiding you.

Fearless courage is also backed by the love of Christ – His love for us, our love for Him and the love he gives us for others.

Be fearless, disciple.

Prayerfully,

Shawn Ankrom

P.S. Each week the goal is to provide the newsletter midweek and keep the insights short and, hopefully, an enlightening boost to get you through the day and the rest of the week until you get to church on Sunday.

P.S.S. If Now, Disciple has blessed you today, please share with your friends as we grow our reach to more believers who could use a little extra encouragement.