Pickles and War Stories

Last week our church planned neighborhood football watching parties for the Cowboys kickoff. We had a spontaneous move of locations to a back club house in in our neighborhood because our friends couldn't host because of a sick child. When I called the HOA to see if we could move it to the club house they said the condition was that we invite the whole community to it. No problem! This was an unexpected opportunity to potentially see many more people come.

I was dreaming big and praying for courage to invite a room full of strangers to Guest Sunday and the Bridge Course next Thursday. I was nervous with that familiar feeling when I have no idea who will show up, how the conversations will go, and when I know God is asking me to be social and extroverted when I really just want to be alone on my couch—and not a smiley preacher.

God had different plans.

Maybe it was the last minute email that went out or the location. Maybe nobody likes that particular clubhouse. Maybe it’s that the TV isn’t HD. Maybe nobody likes the Cowboys in my neighborhood. But my idea of having a bunch of guests turned into having one guest.

One guy.

One dude with a plate full of pickles and cheese.

I felt a strange mixture of disappointment and relief at the same time—and a pinch of guilt about both.

So there we were—the Tombrellas, the Dickersons, and a 67 year old man sharing a feast while the game echoed in the near empty clubhouse.

But I learned last night that God was answering my prayer in a very different way. As we got to know him we learned that he had a story to tell—many actually.

He told us how he was shot down twice in countries denied by most history books—surviving when other soldiers died. He crash landed once after enemy fire. He knew General Chuck Yeager (of the movie The Right Stuff) on a first name basis because he was his flight engineer. He almost died in Nicaragua when a mig had missile lock on him. He told me other tragedies he experienced in war I’ve never personally heard from a veteran.

I mostly listened. Nodding my head and saying the kind of things one says when you have almost no reference point.

“Wow.”

“Amazing.”

“Really?”

“hmmm.”

Around the third quarter he began to talk about religion. I held back a nervous smile because I found it comical. Up until this time my evangelism skills consisted of watching football, eating cheese, commenting on the Cowboys, and listening to war stories. As a complete stranger he told me his opinions on the matter unprovoked…

“I believe in God…I believe in a higher power…I mean..no one-no one has the right to tell another person who he is…”

“the Bible is just a book about man….man wrote it. God didn’t write the Bible.”

“I mean…why do you have to pray to Jesus…what is that all about? I know God my way…and you can know God your way…and that’s that..”

“I don’t believe in hell…I’ve been to hell…this is hell now…”

It was getting intense. It was one of those moments I wish I wasn’t a pastor. I was feeling a bit like Undercover Boss at the reveal if he asks me what I “do.”

In times like these I’ve found the best thing to do is not argue for the validity of Scripture or some apologetic point, or some doctrine—but just talk about the person of Jesus. So I did.

I shared that I was a Christian and how the gospels talk about Jesus…and that he is the one who says he’s the only way to know God and sends us out to tell the world.  I honestly don’t think I did a great job—but I was aware of God’s help—and how he was giving me courage and strength.

The courage for strength to invite a room full of people to church and the Bridge Course turned into courage to talk to one person about the Bridge Course.

“I think your perspective would be really valuable at this class I’d like you to consider coming. We don’t have any combat veterans.”

“I will think about it. I don’t have any problem telling people what I think…so long as they know where I’m coming from.”

I walked to my car with the seeds of gratitude that God allowed me the opportunity to share his love with a man he created in his image, and protected and pursued in grace throughout his fascinating life—even though it wasn’t what I had planned.

I was also thankful the Cowboys won…

"All Religion is Man-Made"

We prayed as couples and Josh and I went across the street to make some friends tonight. The party was still going strong. We were surprised by the immediate shouts of "neighbor!" when we stepped into the backyard. We had some great conversation with guys--at some points we had a sense that seeds were being sown. But after further reflection we both agreed that the most important thing we did tonight was simply be a presence of Christ to folks.

I will share a sound byte of Josh Jordan's conversation...

[Friend] "All religion is man-made."

[Josh] "If you believe there is a God you've got to believe that at least one religion is not man-made."

[Friend] agreeing...

[Josh] "Don't you think that if there is a good God that made you--living for Him would be the greatest thing?"

Josh went on to communicate that because we've been separated from God--Jesus died to help us be reconciled to Him. The conversations went in several directions--loops and spins--but in all we experienced God's help in building relationships and scattering seed.

How Do you Evaluate an Open Door?

Today I'm visiting a friend Josh Jordan in Seguin. It's about 8:30pm right now of a wonderful day of reconnecting and seeing the city as well as San Antonio.

Josh has some great neighbors.

At 9am his next door neighbor was already getting the grill ready while while our kids were playing on the swings. When we got back from San Antonio the music was going loud--but because they had been in Spanish--it wasn't a big deal. But by the time we decided to grill we were hearing Sir-Mix-a-Lot and 80's Salt-N-Peppa.

Nevertheless. His neighbor thanked us for our patience as they were celebrating a family birthday. He insisted through the fence that we come over and get some beans--finally walking over to the house and bringing us a plate to enjoy. He then said, "you need to come over. We're having good conversation."

trusting God for an open door...

The Sunday School Teacher who led Moody to Christ

Most people have heard of D.L. Moody. He was used by God to lead hundreds to Christ through the course of his ministry in the late 19th century.

But have you heard of Edward Kimball?

Edward Kimball was the lay Sunday School teacher who lead D.L. Moody to Christ when Moody was an 18 year old shoe salesman in Boston.

Moody visited his Sunday School class and was won over to the middle-age man when he rescued him from the embarrassment of not being able to find the gospel of John (he was thumbing through the Old Testament).

Shortly after, Kimball "felt constrained to go call on Dwight Moody and inquire about the condition of his soul." Although Kimball felt the Lord leading him, he feared the encounter and was so absorbed with debating whether or not he should actually go talk to Moody that he past the store and had to circle back.

Mustering up the courage he decided to "have it over at once" and talk to Moody. While Moody was shelving shoes Kimball remembered "I went up to him and put my hand on his shoulder, and as I leaned over...I made my plea, and I feel that it was really a weak one. I don't know just what the words I used...I simply told him of Christ's love for him and the love Christ wanted in return."

How did it go? How did God use his weak presentation of the gospel?

Moody describes how this man's love was used to lead him to Christ:

"I recollect that my teacher came around behind the counter of the shop I was at work in, and put his hand upon my shoulder, and talked to me about Christ and my soul. I had not felt that I had a soul till then. I said to myself: 'this is a very strange thing. Here is a man who never saw me till lately, and he is weeping over my sins, and I never shed a tear for them.' But I understand it now, and know what it is to have a passion for men's souls and weep over their sins. I don't remember what he said, but I can feel the power of that man's hand on my shoulder tonight. It was not long after that I was brought into the Kingdom of God." (A Passion for Souls, Lyle Dorsett, pg. 47)

Car Scam

My wife and I just started looking for used cars. Since we're new to Craigslist we've discovered that there are a number of deceptive scams to "ship" very expensive vehicles sold ridiculously low cloaked by a story of urgency and sympathy.

This is the second car scam we've encountered. This conversation picks up where I've just asked for a phone number. Here is the response from "Anna" and my email back.

Hi again Rob,

Please understand that I just moved here and I don't yet have a phone. Until then please understand the situation and carry on with this by e-mail cause I don't have any other way yet. And again I'm truly sorry we can't talk over the phone. But please understand.

The car is located in Honolulu HI. Is already crated at the shipping company ready to be sent to any location anywhere in the world, like i told we will use eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection, so we can both be protected and insured. The price for the car is $3,000 with shipping included.

1. Buyer, seller reach an agreement (price and delivery conditions)

2. Buyer sends money to eBay.

3. eBay confirms to seller that the amount has been received.

4. Seller performs the required services (shipping, insurance).

5. Buyer accepts delivery and informs eBay about the acceptance.

6. eBay releases the money to seller.

As you can see, you will receive the car BEFORE any money is released to me. You will get the chance to inspect it, test drive it and everything you like while your money is still safely held in eBay's account. ONLY after you confirm to eBay that you agree with the vehicle, they will release the money to me.

If, for some reason, you disagree with the car (I assure you that is NOT going to happen since my 2006 Acura TL is in IMMACULATE condition inside and out) it will be shipped back to me on MY EXPENSE and eBay will send you your money back.

If you wish to proceed further, I will need your complete name and address so I can start the transaction with eBay's Vehicle Purchase Protection Program.

Let me know if we can get the ball rolling.

Regards,

Anna Parker

no. thanks.

praying for you friend that you will turn from this sin and find new freedom and life in Jesus Christ.

We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Rom. 3:23) but God came to us in Jesus Christ to set us free from sin. If you turn your life to him recognizing your sin and need of Him by faith--He will forgive you--and give you new life (Acts 3:19-20).

God will provide for your needs if you become His child--we are not all children of God by birth. But we become His children when we turn our lives over to Jesus Christ by faith alone (John 1:12-13).

He can provide for your financial needs. But you must turn from this and trust in Him.

Praying that you do that this hour.

Broken Down but Not Broken

Friday before last I was in Garland having lunch with a guy new to the church. As I was driving off I was grateful for how the conversation went. It was almost exclusively about the gospel--and encouraging to talk about the grace of God.

So when my car died just 5 minutes down the road I was at peace. My mind was filled with thoughts of God's grace. Can you hear a Tomlin song in the background?

However, 3 hours later, and 3 mechanics in--my peace melted off my conscience and onto the pavement outside of Peachtree Food Mart to join the pools of sweat. Nobody could figure out the problem of my Nissan mystery machine.

Questions filled my mind.

"Am I going to get home?" "Will this be the end of my car?" "Can I afford another one?" "Can this be salvaged?" "Am I going to get mugged?"

Long story short--the mobile guy discovered the non-fixable problem I had the the car towed and we are still praying about what to do with it. But one thing that did happen was an opportunity to share the gospel when I was at the end of my rope emotionally and physically tired.

One of the mechanics was a friend of the guy I met with. He called him and this man came to help. But he didn't just stay for 20 minutes in the 102 degree temperature, or 1 hour, but for over 3 hours!

At one point I was on the phone juggling calls with AAA, my wife, and another friend who works at a dealership and I looked over at him. There he sat--next to my defunct car--waiting patiently for me to see if I needed his help for anything else. He was an amazing example of compassion and generosity.

I was floored. As I asked him questions I learned that he was born in another country--and had a Christian upbringing--and some interest in church.

I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed--so after 3 hours in the sun--mostly of us silently starring down at the sea of gray under my hood--I thought it may be a good idea to share the gospel.

We talked about the peace of forgiveness through the death of Jesus--and new life through His resurrection. As I surrendered to the Spirit's desires--I found the words to say and sensed His power. I am convicted that it has been a while since I've stepped out in faith at an open door.

It was a great reminder not only that God uses inconveniences as open doors--but more than that for me. This reminded me that He will see to it that His message of reconciliation be shared with all people--and even when we're not actively going into the world--He will bring the world to us.

Just give us eyes God.

Cab Drivers at T4G...(2)

If you're like me--sharing the gospel with Muslims can be intimidating.

What do I say?

Well, in short--be loving--ask questions--and talk them about God's love in Christ and the promises we have in Jesus--in particular of atonement for sin in the death of Jesus and of assurance of eternal life in Jesus.

On the return trip to the airport I shared a cab with Craig and Aaron from the hotel to the airport. Once again we jumped into a cab that was driven by a Muslim. One difference was that this man seemed to be a practicing, much more serious Muslim. A stack of religious books were on his dashboard.

"Are those religious books?" Craig asked.

"Oh yes" he said, "they are--books about the Koran to help explain it."

For about 10 minutes Craig asked him questions about his beliefs, what he thought of the Koran, and his understanding of God. He was eager to share. As we pulled up to the airport to get ready to get out we asked about who gets to go to heaven as a Muslim. Good people.

"Do you think you'll go to heaven?" Like the previous Muslim he only hoped he'd go--he insisted that no one can really know.

"The Bible says you can know" we said. He recoiled at the mere mention of that and as we got our bags out of the trunk he wanted to know how we were so sure.

Craig shared the gospel with him--told him about the love of God in the death of Jesus for sinners and told him about the gospel of John and encouraged him to read (1 John 5:13). He said he had a Bible--but this seemed new.

When we reflected on the conversation and getting into the cab Craig mentioned feeling a sense of darkness in the cab--before noticing the books.

Thankful God placed us there to shine the light (2 Cor. 4:4-6)

Don't be intimated to share with Muslims. If you know the gospel--you're ready.

Cab Drivers at T4G....(1)

One memory I have from T4G was the drive to the airport.

With 7,000 men from around the globe descending on Louisville, I was a bit cautious of being a clanging cymbal of white evangelicalism to an Indian cab driver just doing his job. But, when I found myself taking a cab solo it seemed like an open door.

On the drive to the airport the man I spoke to claimed to be Muslim and had taken his trip to Mecca. He didn't seem very strong in the teachings of the Koran, and he didn't know what his standing was before God, but he did believe that he held to the Law as written in the Koran. He believed in the Law of Moses and the 10 Commandments.

"Do you think you've kept all the commandments?"

"Well...yes."

"Like what about lying? Have you ever told a lie?"

As we raced to the airport he told me several times that he had lied to his friends a couple times. "But every time it was only a joke. I was just kidding--and told them later."

He shook his head 'no' with confidence when I asked him, "Is your god of the Koran a god of love?" He later said he didn't know where he was in his standing with God.

"I....I don't know....I...don't know...." He said in a kind of hopeful way.

Out of the jet-lag I found the Lord gave me His compassion for Abib. Out of what can only be Christ's love for him I shared the good news.

Tattoos are Talking Points...

From a friend named Nicole--released from the comments...

I found myself in Wal-Mart on Halloween night at 9:30 buying food for our Bible Study group the next day. I pulled into the one of many checkouts open...apparently no one shops on Halloween(all out being scary:). Anyway, the guy working had a HUGE tat of the grim reaper, which was sort of ironic being on Halloween and all. Before I even thought about the words leaving my mouth I was asking him about his tattoo. He told me how it reminds him of how he almost died. He told me the story and I was then able to ask him if he knew where he would go when he did die one day. He looked at me puzzled, I explained the gospel to him and asked him to think about that question every time he looked at his tattoo. I invited him to the college Bible Study and we figured out we knew some common people.
He told me I should get a tattoo, I told him I was too much of a whimp to get one. He advised I should just be intoxicated then it wouldn't hurt as much, I told him that probably wouldn't be a good idea. I have thought about a tattoo, the Hebrew letters for integrity, that is probably what I would get "IF" ever! So, being intoxicated wouldn't really go with that theme :) We laughed and parted ways! I was on a high though, because being in the midst of something God is doing is thrilling! I knew that night I was right where God wanted me to be, and it was peaceful!
So, what started out as a usual run to Wally World turned into a divine appointment...

Great Tattoo...

I've recently had some opportunities to connect with people around their tattoo. It's about the easiest way to engage in conversation with a complete stranger. All you ask is...

"Wow. I like your tattoo. What's the story behind that?" You can launch in to all kinds of topics from there that are all relevant to me.

For instance, "did that stinking hurt?" [big one for me]

"How did you finally choose that one over another one?"

"Will you get another one?" etc.

"What's it mean?" [from here it's pretty easy to cross over from the temporal to the eternal and into the spiritual. Many times a tattoo has real significance]

Yesterday at Legacy Books I was meeting someone to talk about college ministry in our church. We ended up talking with a great guy that works there about his tattoo.

It led into a great conversation about his life, moving to Frisco and his hopes of obtaining a better life here. We were able to talk about the church we're apart of and invite him out. Good conversation.

Leverage the tattoos all around you.

Tell someone today...

Parenting is Incarnational Ministry

One thing that parenting does is allow you glimmers of the glory of God's heart in the incarnation.

We've been gone for a few days on vacation and it's no surprise to us that today has been tough. For one, we usually need a day for everyone to readjust. But all three boys have been sick. Last night I noticed one of my boys had what looked like chicken pox all over his body and his cough hasn't improved in 3 weeks. Moreover, our 1 year old has had a barking cough. So while it snowed in Houston I took our oldest to the doctor for the bumps all over his skin while Michelle took our youngest to another doctor for his cough.

Since my oldest son has had strep throat he's familiar with the "swabbing" that makes him gag. Today he wanted nothing to do with the test.

The nurse cajoled. I encouraged. The doctor demonstrated. Nothing seemed to work.

I had to get down on my knees, look him in the eyes with a cotton swab in my mouth and take the journey of suffering with him. He was able to muster the courage to swab his own throat as he watched me swab mine.

This afternoon the same son struggled desperately with the taste of the cough syrup. It was less than strawberry flavor. Less than pancake friendly. We cajoled. Encouraged. Threatened. Insisted. I even put sugar in it. Nada.

Desperate for him to finish his teaspoon I asked, "it tastes bad doesn't it?" His head nodded. "It tastes gross?" Affirmative. "I'm so sorry. Come sit on my lap and tell me."

He lamented the strawberry vile of despair--he wept with great sadness. But he finished the medicine. When I put my anger to death and quit trying to sell it as "yummy" and just met him in his fear it made all the difference.

Tonight was the same. After celebrating Christmas with family the boys were wired. Didn't want to go to sleep. At. All. I spanked. Stated the case. Commanded.

But tonight I needed to get down on the carpet. Forget the coughing. Forget that they are contagious with strep and I'll probably get it. Forget the tickle when you swallow. I needed to lay in the guest room in the dark and let them hear me breathing. They needed me to be with them--near them--go through it with them. It made all the difference.

Moments like this remind me of my own need--my own restlessness--for God to come down to me--in my helplessness and need. What I'm so often reluctant and unwilling to do God did with no reserve hesitation (John 10:18).

Note the steps of God's journey to us from Philippians 2:6-7.

Though equal with God in resplendent glory and perfect fellowship of joy, Jesus...

"made himself nothing..." [low]

"...taking the form of a servant..." [lower]

"...being born in the likeness of men." [lower]

"And being found in human form," [lower]

"...he humbled himself" [lower]

"...by becoming obedient to the point of death," [still lower]

"...even death on a cross." [lowest]

In the mercy of God salvation comes through the incarnation of the Son. This incarnation displays the eternal glory of God's heart for lost, desperate, and miserable sinners.

Sinners like you and me. Sinners that need a Savior to come down to us. To meet us where we are. A Savior willing to do the unthinkable and be near us--with us. This incarnation looks us in the eyes and makes us come face to face with courage-inducing love.

Parenting gives us plenty of opportunities to incarnate the love we profess to our children--and in so doing remind us of the One who did this perfectly for every time we don't or even won't.

His love can make me thankful for the tickle I feel in my throat.

Who Do You Say I Am?

We are home from our 10 year anniversary celebration in Playa Car, Mexico. We had a blast. One way we were able to join our friends Jeanna and Justin of 11+ years was because my wife found a great deal for a few days if you're willing to sit through a "90 minute" presentation.

If you've sat through a time share pitch or something similar you're familiar with the approach. Great location. Great opportunity. Great deal. Great pressure in the final few minutes.

Ours was a good experience from a man who professed to be a born again Christian of 8 years. He had two couples who were Jehovah's Witnesses buy the plan the day before. I noticed he had a book in his pocket and he later pulled it out to show us "What the Bible Really Says." A gift from the couple he thought were Christians.

Walking past the tanning aged on the way to slurp lemonade with the closers he asked, "okay...you guys are pastors. What's the difference between what these guys believe and others?" He showed the book that was given as a gift.

I said the biggest difference is their understanding of who Jesus is. For Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus--for all his exalted status as the "firstborn" is still a created being. He is not one with the Father. To legitimize this belief they have their own false translation where the "word was a god" rather than what the Greek clearly says (John 1:1). This is what separates them from being Christians.

Justin replied, "it comes down to what Jesus asked, 'who do you say that I am (Matt. 16:15)?'"

LA Fitness Fiasco....

I'm in Houston till tomorrow. We fly out for a few days in Mexico to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.

On Thursday morning to prepare for the onslaught of the American feast I went searching for a place to work out. Although I have a membership (till January) at 24 Hour Fitness I went to the LA Fitness down the road to see if they'd let me work out for free.

There were not many people there but the 3 salespeople (2 girls and 1 guy) were there to hear my pitch. I'll spare you of the details but I went in to the situation very sales-like. I have an agenda. I'm going to appeal to their desire to sell. I'm going to present myself as a buyer in the hopes of getting a free pass for a few days.

And that's what I did. I told them I canceled my membership at 24 Hour (true) and I was in town with family (true) and that I'd like to see if they'd give me a pass for a couple days because who knows, maybe I'll become a member of Lifetime in the future (not true). I acted a bit arrogant and pushy. I was wearing clothes that didn't fit.

I justified this language purely from a sales perspective. Even though I know there is no Lifetime even close to our home, I knew it unlikely to get anything free if I went completely honest. Therefore I did what you learn from the world and the American mileau.

"Well...since you don't live in the area...we can only offer a pass for $15 a day." I declined it and said there were plenty of Lifetimes in Dallas. The guy said "Let me look them up for you..." in hopes of probably convincing me that I should buy a plan today etc.

"No thanks...if there's no option to try the gym..I'll go down the road."

And I did. I actually found a 24 Hour down the road and they let me work out for free. Mercy.

However, while I was working out I was convicted about the approach I took. What I thought was a sound, legit approach actually was worldly and dishonest. What I thought was wise was only according to worldly wisdom and didn't reflect the pure honesty of Jesus Christ my Lord. I was reminded that I had wanted to share the gospel with folks in Houston while I'm here, and now the Lord was giving me a chance.

You want to share the gospel? Go back and apologize to those salespeople and tell them why--Jesus is your Lord and you spoke dishonestly.

Gulp.

I work out extra hard when there's something I'm nervous about later in the day and that workout was no exception. Those 20 pound dumbbells took a beating.

I drove back to the LA Fitness. All three salespeople were there. Egads! Breathing heavy from my workout and from nerves...

"Hey...uhh...just wanted to come back and apologize. I'm a Christian and Jesus is my Lord and I think He wanted me to come back and tell you that I spoke dishonestly. It would have been fine to present myself as a buyer if I really was one--but I'm not. I was just trying to get something for fee. I apologize. I should have just asked if you had any free offers."

I noticed as a shared the girls seemed to smile and let their guards down. The guy expressed appreciation. The Lord seemed to be at work. Moreover, I felt power from the Lord where before it was purely flesh.

Thankful for the unexpected opportunity to witness the freedom that Christ brings--from my own unbelief.

"It Comes From Yourself"

Last night Michelle and I were on a date. We ended up at at a furniture store to look at some things. We ended up talking to a very nice salesmen who shared his story with us briefly. Having lived in Houston before, Michelle and he talked about the area.

It turns out he's Jewish. He mentioned some tragedies he's experienced and how death doesn't frighten him.

I asked if he has a local synagogue he attends and he said he hasn't been for many years.

At one point he mentioned pursuing happiness.

I asked, "where does happiness come for you?"

As an intro to his answer he said, "well...it comes from yourself."

I Shared the Gospel!

Yesterday I got a call in the middle of the day from a college single in the church.

His first words,

"Rob! I shared the gospel!"

He went on to tell me the details about how the Lord impressed him to share the gospel with a guy he met and how he struggled through his fears until he called him up and shared the good news of salvation through Jesus. It's an amazing story.

I was stoked.

About a half hour later I'm washing my hands in the restroom and noticed a guy who works landscape next to me washing what looked like pears.

I left the restroom and suddenly remembered the story of how God used my friend, and considered the guy still in the restroom. The thought crossed my mind that we had Spanish-written booklets in the office. I could grab one and come back.

So...I did.

I came back to the restroom. There was the guy. There were the pears.

"Do you speak Spanish? [affirmative]

"Hey here's a booklet in Spanish that talks about Jesus." [grateful response]

He went on in broken English to tell me he is from Honduras and spoke favorably about Christianity. He even said that based on my pronunciation of his name and the word "Honduras" that I should consider taking more Spanish because I'm "good" at it.

Thankful for God's work in my friends life. His work with the guy with the pears. His getting me through Spanish 3. His getting me out of what has felt like a dry and weary land.

Pray for Boldness...

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

One thing I'm painfully aware that I should have been painfully aware of the past few weeks in my growing decrease of talking with people about Jesus Christ has been my lack of being with Jesus Christ, asking for what I need most.

You see, it's tough to talk boldly about Someone you're not seeking boldly.

Moreover, it's tough to have the kind of burden that embraces people when you're lacking time in prayer asking God for it.

Yesterday I was in Subway eating a $2.50 turkey sandwich a few feet from a white collar guy with his tie tucked in his shirt. He was a furious eater, but didn't seem like he was too much in a hurry. We're just digging in. Seemed like a ripe opportunity to say...I don't know...something...anything to talk about Jesus.

Here's where I started...

[....................]

And the more I thought about it, I considered saying...

[.....................]

Then on second thought, I wondered about this approach...

[....................]

So, after a while of nothing, I left Subway. That's right. Back to my cozy chair in my sheltered office consoling myself the way you do when you missed an opportunity, "oh...well...better effort next time."

Today I'm aware that what was missing was not a card, a booklet, a catch-phrase, a penetrating question, a mysterious Christian t-shirt, the offer of a minty Testimint, a U2 cross-over, or something ultra-relate-able that would be a Golden Gate Bridge to gospel conversation.

I was missing a boldness that only comes from being with Jesus.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

Gloriously and painfully simple.

Going Solo in Subway...

Last week I was in Subway attempting to read Your Jesus is too Safe. I am never able to eat and read at the same time. Plus I hate getting honey mustard and smudges on a new book. So, I settled for perusing at best. Stetzer writes a great introduction and I was surprised by the data he collected on what young professing Christians feel unable to affirm strongly--including the resurrection of Jesus.

I noticed two guys sitting next to me that appeared Indian. With little thought (and in reflection almost zero prayer contributing to the progress of the conversation) I decided to ask them if the resurrection of Jesus would matter to them.

"Sorry to interrupt. Just reading a book about the resurrection of Jesus and was curious if you believed in the resurrection of Jesus and if it matters to you."

Both guys were cordial--one guy talked for them. "It doesn't matter. It wouldn't matter."

"So if you knew with certainty Jesus rose from the dead proving himself to be God--basically that Christianity was true--it wouldn't matter?"

He said confidently it would not. He and his friends are Hindus. We talked a little bit about how he believed in many gods and sins are forgiven simply by appealing to the god(s) of your family and saying you're sorry. When I asked him if the many hundreds of gods would compete for your alliance he said, "it doesn't work that way" and said the gods of your family pretty much stay with you. Up until now it was cordial but very cold--with no seeming interest I just felt totally at loss to keep the conversation going. In retrospect I was foolish to go into that flying solo without really pausing to call on God's power and help.

The "this is awkward" part came when I said thanks and was picking up my things to leave. I felt like I couldn't at least invite them to church. When I said I was a pastor and would love to have them come to the church sometime I received an immediate shaking of the head like I was selling a new and exciting business opportunity.

"no. no. uh uh" while heads wagged to say, "never in a million years." I said thanks but turned around licking my wounded pride at the tiny rejection and wondering if anyone in Subway saw the evangelical shoot the air ball.

These moments are good for me. It teaches me about my total need for God's help and dependence on Him. It reminds me that I've got no power on my own and only God's power can deliver. It reminds me that I'm often more concerned about my reputation and the way I look than about people.

Do you have a Church you go to?

One of the easiest ways to bridge to the gospel in a churched culture is to talk about "church." Literally every person you pass by on the street, sit next to at work, or live by as some affiliation--past or present--with a church. Inviting someone to church is one of the easiest ways to potentially get into a conversation about the gospel.

Last night we

Trying to Cast a Net in Fish Express...

I don't know if I should have gone further or not--but I definitely felt both the tug of the Lord to get out of my comfort zone as well as His grace to greet the lady next to me waiting for her to-go order today at Fish Express.

My mind was busy thinking about other things and I could tell she was in a hurry too.

"Is it slower today than usual?" [legit question--really was slow]

"Yeah...it's very slow today..."

"I sometimes meet people for lunch here--I serve as a pastor in a church and our offices are in the building across the street." [hoping for a door to open in the conversation here]

"yep." [no go. I didn't have much else to say here]

It seemed like all the elements were there for an opportunity for the gospel, but the conversation never really got off the ground. Maybe I should have been more bold, but this is how it goes sometimes.

Senior at Walgreens

When it's part of normal routine I find it increasingly easier to give a booklet and an invite to strangers. Still hard to get past the anticipated awkwardness. On our way to a party tonight we stopped at Walgreens. We met a great guy named Justin who was at the register. He will be a senior at the Colony and attends a church in the Colony (and is ready to be out of school). Felt grace after the conversation to think about students in this area and how to reach them.