Hanging out with Jesus

There is only one way to God and the salvation He provides.

John 10:9 (KJV) – “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”

Christ is the only way to salvation – spending an eternity with God in heaven.

In our conversations with people, we must get to this point as quickly as possible.

We must cut through the frustrating noise of the world and deliver the calming voice of Jesus to those who seek something more in this life. People are ready to move on from the often-overwhelming barrage of emotions that this world foists upon them, creating stress and anxiety in every aspect of their lives.

We can deliver what they are looking for by connecting them with Jesus.

Revelation 3:20 (KJV) – “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

This verse is comforting to me – Jesus will actually “hang out” with me and relate to me. This, the son of God our Savior, will have dinner with me.

I know this is a reference to spiritual salvation, but I also can know from this verse that Jesus loves me and wants a personal relationship with me. In a world where so many people are existing alone in their bubble within the world, that one-on-one relationship with our Savior is immeasurably appealing.

Hanging out with Jesus can cut through the strain and strife of this life. He will pause and dine with us where we are at, offering us something nothing else can satisfy.

Now, disciple, how fast can we make that connection for those we encounter – that they open the door to Jesus?

3 Questions for now

We know people are hurting and seeking something more in life.

How do we know?

We’ve all been there.

Act fast, ask directly, and deliver love and kindness in your conversations.

Here are questions that could help you connect:

• What are you dealing with in life right now?

• What’s missing in your life?

• Do you know Jesus?

Those are pretty quick, direct questions.

You’ll get a response.

Be kind. Love them. Be bold.

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.)

Turn to God when life spins out of control

I tell you what, some weeks I get so off track in my faith focus that I feel like I landed hard after getting furiously spun around and thrown off a metal merry-go-round at the playground.

It’s my fault – I get caught up in the day-to-day demands and then I don’t pay proper attention to my faith journey.

Then I kick myself for not being more intent and dedicated to that which sustains me – Bible study and prayer.

I’ll often be out-thinking myself (and God) by ruminating over all the things I “have to do” and the demands of life that lie ahead.

And, of course, I screw up and sin creeps in ever so slyly as my focus is off track.

Thanks be to God that He is loving and forgiving. He always wants me to return to living in this world focused on Him.

Joel 2:12-13 (KJV) – “12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

“13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”

And when we turn back to Him, He hears us when we seek His forgiveness and guidance.

Joel 2:18 (KJV) – “Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.”

He loves us, even in our failures and certainly in any hardships we are facing.

The key is to return to Him in repentance and seek His way. And He will deliver to us all that He has promised.

Joel 2:21 (KJV) – “Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.”

God made these promises to His people ages before Jesus. And He delivered on His promises when Jesus walked this earth, suffered and died, and rose again.

What a great promise God delivered in His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Now, disciple, cut through the distractions of this world, regain your focus on God, and grow in your faith in Jesus. He can stop the spinning.