Jesus meetings

Sometimes, I think, in our “church” world – Sunday school, small groups, corporate worship – we forget that we’re still connecting to the lost in the world, and not just existing within a believer’s environment.

We may feel that it is difficult to connect with others “out there” in the “real” world because we are so focused on learning and maturing in Christ.

But I know sometimes I need to be reminded that the everyday things in life that I go through – parenting, marriage, work, and finance issues – are the same issues as those who aren’t believers. This gives us all common ground … a chance to connect in a “Jesus meeting.”

Jesus, a rabbi to the average person viewing Him walking the Earth and the Savior of all to those who know Him, was a master of connecting to people in everyday circumstances.

Take the woman at the well in John 4:4-42. Jesus was thirsty, she was drawing water from a well where there was a connection, albeit a tense connection, between Jesus, a Jew, and the woman, a Samarian. This was a connection and conversation that wouldn’t likely ever happen between the two, except this is Jesus.

When you read this passage, it flows right through the story. One must pause, reflect on what is happening culturally and religiously and then reread it again.

Jesus made a huge statement about connecting with people – a Jesus meeting. He spoke truth while caring about the person (pointed out the sin), he shared about Himself and what He offers (living water) and He gave the woman an opportunity to follow Him (no matter the cultural norms or the sins of the past).

As Jesus instructed the disciples, we never know where someone else has sowed and where we might reap from their labor (John 4:37-38).

The woman proved what could happen from one “chance” meeting (some like to refer to these encounters as “divine appointments”). She ran back to where she lived, John 4:28-30, and told all the men who then came to meet with Jesus.

And then something happened that I’ve always found amazing – many believed because of what the woman told them, how she testified about Jesus.

Now, disciple, we need to be aware of the Jesus meetings afforded to us because the results can be amazing. What connection in life can you make with someone today?

3 Questions for now

Look around, and you’ll see people with whom you can connect.

That connection likely won’t come from some grandiose “biblical signal,” it’s more likely going to be a simple, regular thing in life.

We might not meet someone at the well, but we could meet them at the soda fountain at a fast-food joint. A simple, “How does that sugar-free, lemon-lime mango drink taste?” might be enough to get them talking.

Here are questions (they’ll fit all those topics – parenting, marriage, work, and finance issues) that could help you connect:

• What role does hope play in your life when things are hard?

• How do you stay positive in the face of adversity?

• How do you cope when things don’t go according to plan?

Even if their suggested soda fountain mixture tastes yucky just say, “Mmmmm. Flavorful,” and go from there.

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.)

God delivers his power through prayer

Not so much a rant this week, but a praise for prayer.

There have been some health concerns in our household of late, and we’ve turned to our prayer teams among our community of believers – Sunday school class and men’s prayer group. Thankfully, praise God, prayers have been answered.

I know, not all prayers are answered in every instance (we continue to pray for one of our children who needs healing), but I do know God hears all prayers. All works out in His time within His will.

Jesus taught us that prayer is powerful, and we have access to pray directly to our Father.

In Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus shares with us how to pray. And if you haven’t recited it in a long time or you just need a place to start, remember the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-15).

“Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name …”

Paul reiterated the need for prayer throughout his ministry.

James 5:16 (KJV) – “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

What access do you have to prayer partners, warriors, teams in your community of believers?

Don’t be afraid to ask for prayer or to pray for help. God loves it when we turn to Him for all our needs. (Matthew 6:8)

Now, disciple, pray for your needs and pray for those you know and love and pray for those who are lost who you might someday connect with in a Jesus meeting.