Do you know my Jesus?

Over my sixty years on this earth I have experienced many ways to witness the gospel of Christ. As a preacher's daughter, my early experiences included attempts to go into the neighborhoods around the church and invite people to services. Gospel tracts with titles like, "Are you going to hell?" were often a part of witnessing for Christ. Hell was a big deterrent in sermons and discussions. I remember being scared to death that I would go to hell. I was on the receiving end of this style of evangelism in early adulthood. Well-intentioned individuals, who made attempts to bring me over to their side would often be critical of my lifestyle. Somehow none of this worked for me.

After I came to Christ, I watched from a different perspective. I too wanted the lost people to find Christ. To date I have successfully avoided any attempts to join in with church member efforts of passing out tracts, going on visitations or standing outside busy retail establishments handing out whatever happened to be the gift idea at the time.

In the past couple of years as God has taught me the example of Jesus and His life, I am seeing this part of ministry in a whole new light. In the assuredness of my redemption and the boldness that comes from walking with my Holy Spirit, I have come to recognize freedom in this area. I have begun to see open doors or opportunities to speak truth and life over those who come into my circle of influence. God gives me the words to speak and the boldness to declare truth. It usually come out as, "Do you know my Jesus?"

Because I have declared myself as a "Christ follower", rather than a "Christian", this brings an entirely different level of discussion. Either people have a relationship with God or they don't. Simple, really. Once that relationship or lack therof has been established, I know how to continue the conversation. Then I use God's word to speak truth over their heart, mind and soul.

Whether we realize it or not, we all desire to have relationship with God. To have a connection with this creator of ours and of our world. I see so many wounded hearts at the rescue mission where I volunteer. Their needs are raw, immediate and unfulfilled. Who can resist the words from Psalms 139, "You have examined me and know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything I do. Lord, even before I say a word, you already know it. You are all around me- in front and in back- and have put your hand on me. Your knowledge is amazing to me; it is more than I can understand. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

May I continue to be used to speak God's word always before others. May I continue to show others the heart of God. May I always be an example of living in relationship with my Abba, my Heavenly Father. Do you know my Jesus?