I was chatting with Jim the other day. He is fired up! He is a bold soul-winner. But to reach that point, he had to make a goal for himself to focus on what he needed to be doing for Jesus.
I just wanted to get back to you about my daily goal. I can’t say when exactly, but about three years ago, I resolved that my bare minimum goal was that I wanted to hand out at least one tract a day. I knew this would keep me focused every day on witnessing. Most days, it is easy to get out multiple tracts and maybe a conversation. This goal forces me to get out there where the people are. Sundays are the hardest, but thank God, I have never missed a day since setting that goal. I have had to go out in the early evening a few times to meet it, though. I hope this helps. I’m not the best at putting thoughts into words.
One thing I started doing, maybe about a year ago, was whenever Satan would try to start something here at home with our son, Travis, like an argument or get me down by telling me my kids were never going to turn to God, I would get discouraged briefly. But then, I read some Scripture and prayed and would purposely go and hand out some tracts and try to get into a conversation. Boy, does that work every time to put a stop to Satan!
One last thing: George and Lindy, my new friends, were at church today for the second time. Two weeks ago, they came and prayed to be born again. I met them about six weeks ago at the gas pumps. I never go to that gas station. It’s on the other side of town, but they had ethanol-free gas, and I needed to mix gas for my motocross bike. George was beside me. I gave him a tract and witnessed to him. He asked where I went to church, and that’s how it started. I’m meeting with them again on Thursday with our visiting pastor. Praying for them to grow in the Lord. It’s an actual seed that I could see grow!
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Handing out a tract a day is a great goal. If you handed out three tracts each day, you would hand out over 1,000 in a year! Say something like, “Did you get one of these?” as you extend a tract toward someone. Almost everyone takes one. Also, use that smile God has given you! Smiling can break the ice with anyone.
Maybe make it your goal to have one conversation every day. I ask people, “Can I ask you an interesting question?” Pretty much everyone says, “Yes.” Then use one of the questions we put in One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven. Something like, “What do you think happens when you die?”
I know one guy who wants to make sure the name of Jesus flows off his lips as easily as the words “and,” “or,” “the,” and “but.” So, he makes sure to use the name “Jesus” seven times a day as he witnesses to people. He doesn’t use the word “God” or any other term that is used for God, but he says the name of God’s Son, Jesus. I like that! It’s a great goal.
Acts 2:47
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
We need to have a daily mindset as we serve the Most High God. And, if you miss a day, don’t beat yourself up. Get back on track the next day.
Until the nets are full,
P.S. We received this great response to Monday’s newsletter. If you want to pass that newsletter, or any of our other newsletters, along to others like Bruce does, go for it. Here is a link to the Playing with Balls newsletter: https://markcahill.org/playing-with-balls/. Bruce is taking a stand against worldliness in the church and isn’t budging. How about you?
Fantastic message, Mark!
Two weeks ago, a new girl on our worship team at church was talking about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce and then promoted listening to Swift. Maybe she didn’t know about the satanic elements of her shows, but this troubled me. This Sunday, we have a special video message consisting of the SB commercials. I love my church, but I have never—nor will I ever—attend this service. Day 30 of my 100 days of prayer and fasting. TV and commercials are something I’m giving up. It won’t be popular, but I’m sending this newsletter to church and all the small group leaders I know.
Bless you, your work, and mostly Jesus our Savior.
Bruce
P.P.S.
