Starbucks...

After our church-wide prayer meeting my friend Nate Palmer and I went to Starbuck's to grab coffee for our beautiful wives who watched our kids so we could go. This week we've been staying with the Palmer's because the Texas heat literally killed the unit on the house we're renting from one of our friends in the church. We've had a blast this week. A mini-vacation.

We went through the drive through.

"Hey Nate. Give them this booklet and and tell them, 'hey you know that refreshing water next to the window for sale? We offer you the water of life through Jesus for free!"

"Are you serious?" [great question]

"of course not..." [I really was kidding]

We talked to him for about a minute and gave him an invite to church in a Quest for Joy...

It wasn't wild man--but it was us. It was genuine. Good times...

You've Got to Try This...

We live in a culture inundated by slogan, banners, logos, one-liners, and incessant commercial. Moreover, as a Christian trying to engage a culture that needs to see the light of the gospel of Christ, I struggle with how the message of the gospel written with black ink on paper--a message more powerful than all the Hummers in Frisco--can be heard through the noise of culture. This is the challenge of handing someone a booklet, tract, or even an invite card. How will this rise above every other gospel--every other life-changing offer--in this land? So, like you, I'm looking for best ways to gain a hearing.

Yesterday I purposed to go to through a drive-thru and attempt something recommended by Steve Sjogren. I went through a drive-thru to pay for the people behind me and give them a booklet and invite to church.

I chose Taco Bell (...I somehow felt led to the most inexpensive place for my first attempt).

I ordered a couple of tacos. My total: $2.04. I went to the window and paid. I was thankful to see the lady was cheerful. I noticed there were two guys in a pick-up truck behind me. I thought honestly, "man...I hope their order is not like $15 bucks."

"...Have the guys behind me ordered?"

"uh...yes they've ordered."

"I'd like to pay for their meal as well."

She seemed surprised but said it was fine. She took my card, and my "Quest for Joy" with an invite to church to give to the guys behind me.

Their total: $5.78 [yeessss...]

As I drove off I saw her her smiling and explaining what the car in front did. I have no idea what their response was but at the end of the day I was encouraged by the only response I imagined they could have given.

"Wow. thanks. that's great." I hope that they took a second look at the literature and card.

I know it's just Taco Bell. I know it's 5 bucks, but it left me thinking about the demonstrated power of God's love in us for the lost (a love that is burdened for its fulfillment in Christ) as a means through which power of the gospel gains a hearing (Acts 4:29-31). Maybe it's not as dramatic as a healing we see in Acts--but then, maybe to some in a drive-by culture it is.

I do believe the love of God demonstrated to others (Sjogren will call this the Spirit's fruit of kindness--different from the world's understanding of merely being nice) incarnates the message we proclaim. Loving deeds pointing to loving truths. The more I consider it, the more I see the need for it in my life.

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18)

Missed an Opportunity at 24 Hour

This week I've headed back to the gym...and I'm feeling it. No. Not the exhilaration of beta-endorphines creating a euphoric high but the sleepy soreness you feel the first week back. I've worn a Superman t-shirt the past two days (yes it was washed) but I've felt like Otis.

For two days I've grabbed my Grace Church invite cards and kept them in the pouch where my member card goes but I've not given them out to anyone. I find it very difficult in a gym to pause--pray--be open to getting to know someone. Most of the time I'm consumed with getting in, getting out, getting gone.

This morning the lady at the counter took my badge to scan my card and couldn't because of the stack of cards covering the bar code. I quickly apologized and pulled the 4-5 obstacles out of the clear badge so she could scan it in.

"Have a good workout."

"Thanks..you too." [nevermind you're working and folks who work in 24 Hour Fitness don't work out all day]

Only a faint thought crossed my mind that I had an opportunity to invite her to church right there--maybe even share the gospel. I was consumed with moving on, moving past, getting my workout in.

Pray that I'll have faith for the gospel to speed on and triumph in 24 Hour. Seems to be a hard place for me to think outward, and trust in the Lord. I likely need to get past the unbelief that there's no openness to the gospel there--that God isn't at work in thousands of ways in the folks in the gym.

His Strength in KFC...

It never fails. The times I feel the weakest God proves Himself strong. When the boys went to sleep tonight Michelle asked if I would mind going to Starbucks and picking up something. As I was grabbing my keys I had a sinking feeling come over. I knew I'd have plenty of opportunities at this Starbucks to certainly talk to someone and frankly, I just didn't want to. Not a bit.

You been there?

Lack of time in the word and prayer today left my soul feeling lean. The leanness that allows you to function--even well at times--but not thrive. Moreover, the hours leading up to dinner, clean up, bed time, spankings, left me feeling dry. Even listening to Driscoll rant about religion prior to Michelle's request, and Fee singing about being redeemed on the drive over didn't fuel faith. I was in the dry land. I know that place.

I asked the Lord to help me on the drive over. Really help. It wasn't glamorous or heroic. It was weak and desperate.

The Starbucks looked happening when I drove up. Outside a family enjoyed their drinks and a couple a smoke. I thought, "okay, I could walk around and give everyone an invite card--just leave it at that." But...I...just didn't want to. I could feel my legs get numb over that one.

I ordered my wife her favorite--a grande-skinny-decaf-hazelnut-latte (awesome) and an Americano for myself. I asked how everyone was doing and learned that the young lady at the counter was working on her birthday. What felt unusually difficult was inviting her and her friend to Grace Church. I felt like the tin man in The Wizard of Oz when he needs oil.

She seemed surprised and mentioned that she'd look into it. I doctored my drink and left--I contemplated going over to the couple but as I delayed--saw them get into their car and head out.

As I got in my van to drive off something of the familiar happened. Grace. Suddenly I felt burdened for the area. My eyes could see people everywhere again. I drove past the KFC and noticed what looked like a young man sitting by himself. I decided to stop in and say something to the guy. As I walked in to the empty KFC I noticed the figure was actually a boy--probably of someone working. I decided to order a drink (unneeded btw) and invite someone to church. I met a great gal there and invited her to Grace Church. I gave her a card. Right then 2 other employees (friends of hers) walked over and mused over the plain white business card.

"Hey--you guys need this...this is a church," she told the others.

"I have a church," one responded. The other just stared at the card.

"You guys have a church you go to?" [safe launching pad for further conversation]

They said they didn't. The girl asked about the times and her need to find a local church.

"Well, we'd love to have you...if you come don't worry about getting all cleaned up and dressed up--we're all sinners who have been changed because of Jesus Christ. That's it." [seems the Driscoll message paid off] She looked genuinely surprised.

Right about here the two guys left. "Well...that's good," she said. She said she'd consider coming. I was able to go through a few pages of the "How Good Are You?" booklet with her. The Lord gave me his heart for her. I hope I see her tomorrow.

Very thankful for what this taught me. At the end of the day (especially a dry day) it's Christ in us that we're to depend on--not our bravery--or self-sufficiency--or great feelings. There's no hope in that. No glory there (Col. 1:27). He empowers us to proclaim his gospel--even when we've neglected Him--this is the power of Christ at KFC.

"For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10)

Gospel and Guacamole

Michelle got back from Houston last night and we went down the road Christina's Mexican restaurant for 9:00pm deserts. We had a great time talking about the trip, life, the kids, schooling options for next year, and what the Lord seems to be teaching us about prayer in the midst of some difficulty we're experiencing with our oldest boy. Great dates for us is when we're able to connect at the place of difficulty and faith. Where we're able to go from tears to laughter over tortillas. Awesome.

Our waiter was a hard working guy who is not attending a church but has lots of family that go to evangelical churches and Catholic ones as well. His profession was that he has given his life to the Lord but not involved in a church. We invited him out to Grace.

God gave grace to go through the "How Good Are You?" booklet with him. I knew he couldn't stop and dialogue about each page, but I was surprised when he leaned in to go over it. I was able to walk through each page in about 30 seconds. I've never done that before. Michelle jumped in with eagerness and joy. Love sharing the gospel with my wife!

I was amazed at how easy that was. Not always the case.

The Mormon jesus Over a Smoke...

Yesterday evening I was heading out the door and turned my head wondering if anyone was out at the smoking area picnic table at our office complex. It was around 6pm so I didn’t think anyone would be there. When I saw two ladies smoking I was surprised and a little disappointed. I battled my desire to move on but felt the Lord saying to go. Lacking a strong desire to step out and feeling helpless to know what to say I walked out to the ladies and started a conversation.

[something like] “You guys getting a smoke in?” I was surprised by their warmness and their welcome. They told me they were friends just catching up on life and asked if I worked there. I told them that our church office is on the first floor and I wanted to invite them to church.

As I handed them a “How Good Are You?” booklet and a Grace Church card, one of the ladies said very graciously, “thank you, I actually do have a church I attend. I’m a Mormon.”

She was one of the nicest ladies I’ve ever met. She went on to talk about how she was raised Baptist and became a Mormon 18 years ago. She tired from the constant rededications and was thankful that “wisdom” had been revealed to her through the Mormon church. She also talked about family and the strong values held by the church. She talked about her son who is serving as a missionary. She beamed with the love of a mom when she thought of how hard he’s working—even through insults and physical threats. She talked about the Father and his love for the whole world. She talked about her relationship with Jesus. She assured me that Mormons are Christians who believe the Bible—but that they believe there is simply more revelation given to us.

I’ve studied Mormonism from a distance but have limited experience in sharing the gospel with Mormons. Instantly I was engaged in the difficulty of clarifying the differences in her understanding while at the same time maintaining a dialogue and conversation. She mentioned past encounters of Christians “bashing” her beliefs. I thought of Randy Newman’s approach.

“I have a friend who used to be a Mormon. Help me understand. How is a Mormon saved from their sins?”

She instantly said that “repentance” was the key—all someone needed to do to avoid hell is to repent. All people when they die are given an opportunity to repent and that only a few people ever really end up in hell. I talked to her about how 11 out of the 12 times “hell” is mentioned in the Bible it came from Jesus. I asked her what she thought of John 3:36 where in the context of speaking of God’s love, he warns that God’s wrath “remains” on those who do not believe in the Son. She said her revelation helps her to interpret that differently .

“I don’t want to misrepresent you—so tell me if I’ve got it wrong. It sounds like your ‘feelings’ are your ultimate authority and not the word of God.”

Her friend who is an agnostic and listening patiently said, “I don’t think that’s what she’s saying.” She agreed. She said that she does believe Jesus’ words are important and admitted not knowing the Bible—but that God gives special revelation.

At some point I asked, “Is God a trinity?"

She graciously but firmly said, “no way.” She said Mormons do not believe that. She said, “God is not three in one.”

“Did the Father create the Son?”

“…yes”

“So Jesus is a creature?”

“…no…he’s not a creature…he is a god.”

“..but he is created?”

“…yes.”

“is the Holy Spirit God?”

“………..yes.”

She and her friend are open to continuing the conversation. I was thankful to the Lord that for the ease of conversation—and for His grace to not go on a defense or do all the talking. Pray for a doorway for hearing the gospel (2 Thess 3:1).

I left burdened for her and for all of Frisco. The “jesus” she described was not much different than the way many describe him even in the evanjellyfish world—but he’s not the Jesus of Scripture. The offensive message of the gospel is that salvation from our sins is found in the Messiah as recorded in the Bible—not a “jesus” made in our image or revelation or any other person’s gospel—no matter how sincere (Gal. 1:8-9). If Jesus is not equal with the Father in holiness, atonement for our sins and reconciliation with the Father is not possible (Heb 9:14).

Remember Paul’s words from 2 Cor 4:4 “…the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of…”

From seeing the light of what? A great family structure? Fantastic morality? The joy of serving others? The need for every person to repent?

No. This is not the light of the gospel. Satan's blinding ministry is a shielding of their eyes from seeing the light of the “glory of Christ (v. 4, 6).” This glory does not shine forth from our nudges, our impressions, or golden tablets in Egyptian hieroglyphics—but from Scripture (Ps. 19:7-11; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Matt 5:17-19; John 14:10; 24). Reject the glory of the written word and you reject the glory of the Living Word.

Craig and the Rough Riders game...

Since my wife is visiting family in Houston with the kids I've been staying in the Cabaniss home for a few days eating their Frosted Flakes and trying to keep my room clean. I've had a blast hearing everyone talk sports during the Espy awards Sunday night, the latest in music (starting to feel old and boring) and playing some new Mario game on their Wii with his son Kevin and his friend visiting from San Diego (I won a couple on my first try...i need a Wii).

Last night they invited me along for a Frisco Rough Rider's game. It was a beautiful night at an uncrowded ballpark. We were told they sell out on Fridays, but Tuesday's are empty. When we got inside we noticed one of the guys signing autographs and virtually no line--outfielder Tim Smith.

The conversation went something like this..

Rob: "Check that out. We should give that guy a card and invite that guy to church" [really just kidding]

Craig: [laughter]

God: "Okay..cool guy go do it."

Rob: [ohh..uhh..okay...why not]

Rob: "I don't have an invite card...do you have a card?"

Craig: (Jokingly) "Oh man...the guy that headed up FPU and outreach both pays with credit card then doesn't have an invite to church. Wait till this gets out." Fishing in wallet, "looks like I don't have one either."

Rob: [handing the program to Tim] "hey how you doing?"

Tim: [taking program] "Great..."

Rob: "Do you live in this area...in Frisco?"

Tim: "...actually live in Richardson."

Rob: "Do you have a church you go to out there?"

Tim: "Yeah...I do..."

Rob: [aware of the humor] "me and this other guy behind me are pastors at a church here in Frisco...it's called Grace Church. We'd love to have you out some time."

Tim: "oh...thanks...Sundays are sometimes a challenge with games an all."

Rob: "does your church do a Saturday night service you go to."

Tim: "...no...just Sunday morning."

Rob: "thanks a lot."

The Rough Riders won. It was a great game. Filled up on peanuts and diet Dr. Pepper. Noticed Tim was born in 1986 which made me wonder why I was intimidated. I was playing Zelda when he was born.

I wish I had remembered to grab a booklet and some invites before I left the house. You never know when an opportunity to invite someone to church where they will hear the gospel.

Tell someone today...

Restroom Encounter...

I had the opportunity to talk to a landscaper in the restroom while washing my hands today. He was cleaning his credit cards in the sink after his wallet got wet from the rain today. Felt bolder than normal.

After chatting about that for a moment I said, "this might sound strange but I serve at a church [glad I didn't say pastor--lame and unnecessary] and wondered if you knew Jesus as your Lord and Savior." [...thought about how Piper inserts "Treasure"]

"Yes...I do."

"Great. Do you go to a church around here?" [I wanted to flesh that out and see if talking about church we could get at some beliefs.]

"It's hard to describe in English (he is Hispanic), but it's...Christian." I asked if it was Catholic and he said it was not--and that they meet on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Right about now a guy dressed biz/casual walked in and I became immediately aware of my desire to stop the conversation and move on. We kept chatting but I thought in complete unbelief, "this dude that just walked in is hearing this and is prob a Christian and will think I'm over-the-top attacking the guy who is stuck cleaning his cards and avoid me like the plague." The Lord gave me grace...

"How long have you been a Christian?" [trying to hear how he came to faith--when did regeneration happen etc.]

"since birth--since growing up."

[something like] "Do you believe you have to repent and turn to Jesus? Does your church have baptism for those who trust in Jesus?" [prob too many questions]

"...uh..yes."

"is this the same for you?" [couldn't tell if he was asking how I came to faith or if our church is like his but I thought it would be good to give him a "How Good Are You?" booklet since I could share the gospel is what our church is about.]

"Well..here's what our church believes (handing him a booklet). You may not need this but you can give this away" [awful...next time..."I need this message every day...take a read and give it away."]

I felt like I could have gone further in the conversation but found myself ending it here and saying goodbye aware of the guy a few feet away--aware that he was going to need a sink and we were going to make him uncomfortable. Left the conversation with open loops. Thankful for God's grace. Felt the Lord's heart for the lost and glad to be made aware (once again) that affluence (or the appearance thereof) can tempt me to shut down and not move forward in love.

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.

"so...you believe in Jesus?"

Last night my wife suffered from painful nausea. We had to conclude our date while at dinner and rush home because of her pain. Not the way we love dates to start. Maybe you've been there.

A couple hours of what I've heard only happens when you drink the water in Mexico, we found ourselves in our Town and Country for a midnight trip to the ER.

The doctor gave her fluids for dehydration and prescribed an anti-nausea. We were told of the only known 24 hour pharmacy in Frisco and headed that way around 2:30am.

I met a great pharmacist and wished I was more awake to get to know him. You never have time to actually TALK to a pharmacist--unless it's 2:30am.

While he was at his computer filling the prescription (whatever that means) God actually gave me grace to think about a conversation.

"Man...I'm tired." [no exaggeration]

"well...it's 2:30 in the morning." [that's why he's a pharmacist]

"yeah...hey here's an invitation to our church and a booklet on joy if you have time to read it tonight." I set it down for him to grab later. I thought about how I wished the quality was a bit less "tract-like."

"great..." [kept working]

I was going to leave it at that. But he was curious. "So...is your church non-denominational?" I said it was and learned he attends the local Catholic parish and that he was pretty regular.

Then he asked something like "what are you guys like?" I have a hard time getting into a conversation about the gospel with Catholics in the past. So, I thought I'd say something about substitutionary atonement [oh yeah..at 2:30am with a sick wife in the van that was my trajectory choice of conversation]

"well...we are a church that believes in the gospel of Christ as an atoning sacrifice for our sins..and we gather in large meetings on Sunday, and in small groups during the week around His life he gives" [as I'm writing this it sounds a lot better than how it came out--it was choppy bad...]

[He nodded approvingly as if to say..."uhh..okay"]

Then I asked an very open-ended question I wouldn't recommend to anyone who has less than an hour to chat. The prescription was filled at this point.

"so...you believe in Jesus?" [couldn't believe my ears]

"Yes..(sincerely)" [...thinking back even the demons believe--who wouldn't say yes to this?]

"Great to hear....well have a great night."

I know, I know. You would never have asked a question like that without follow up right? You would never have left the conversation there right? Well, I did. I was thankful that I had some literature and website that could fill out what was lacking in that too-open-ended-at-times and too-religious-jargoned-at times conversation. So on a scale of 1-10 this was a 2 at best.

But hey--to God be the glory for helping me with a 2 (at 2am).

Very thankful for the openness and helpfulness of the pharmacist.

"no...not recently."

Had a great lunch talking about follow up with my friend Jeff. Great ideas. As I was walking through the hallway I noticed there was a man sitting alone at the the picnic table outside.

I've been surprised by the number of people that take a smoke break out there. The last time I was about to go out there and initiate a conversation I totally chickened out. Talking with Craig and our conversation ending, I turned the corner in bold, assured faith. By the time I got to the door and saw there were four people at the table my fear turned my shoes to concrete and I walked back to the office licking wounds and assuring myself [in a David Allen way] that "there are too many people to jump in there and invite them to church...better to wait till there are less.." Oh for just as much faith as the Dominoes guy on the street inviting drivers for a large pepperoni.

Today the Lord gave me grace.

I walked over to the man at the table. Noticed that it sounded like he was listening to a small radio enjoying a smoke. It turned out that he was using his cell for a conference call--go figure. I learned this when I went straight in to talking and he said firmly and politely, "can you wait a second?" to finish out his call.

[yes, sir.]

He fit the profile of a guy I'm usually totally intimidated to approach in this way. Not because of the Kool cigarettes but because of his age and apparent season of life. Older. Seasoned. Been around the world.

"Okay..you were saying.."

[Sheepishly] well...I saw you sitting here and I thought I'd invite you to church. Here's an invitation to our church and a booklet on joy."

He took it and started looking at it...

"I am a pastor at the church there. Do you have church you go to? [easy Dallas conversation rescuer]"

"no..not recently." [loved his honesty]

Not sensing any desire from him to go further, "Well we'd love to have you sometime. Enjoy your smoke and this heat."

I turned to go inside and realized I never got his name--nor did I give him mine. Rule one in initiating a relationship is GET THE NAME. Rule number two: REMEMBER THE NAME.

Lord, use the power of Your word to draw him to you...

"Okay...thanks..."

Today I went out for a walk around our office complex building. I was thinking about a podcast I just listened to and about how to reach college students with our church, so I took a stroll around the parking lot.

While I was walking I remembered this commitment to share the gospel and thought "okay I should probably pray and think outward right now. I prayed something like, "Lord, help me walk up to someone and and humble myself and just meet them where they are."

I was thinking about all the times I've "gone bold" and tried to achieve a place in the conversation early on. So many times I've done the talking instead of listening to the Lord, and going at his speed.

As I turned the corner I saw a guy coming out of his car. He dressed very trendy (or normal for most people). I said, "hey, how you doing?" He surprised me by saying, "great!" and started walking towards me.

Not normal.

I said, "I know this sounds strange, but I was going for a walk and was praying for someone to share this booklet with. It's about joy. Here you go.."

As I was pulling out my newly-purchased-from-Mardel's Piper tract "Quest for Joy" he beemed, "What church are you from?"

After I told him he said he was with 121 Community Church in Grapevine. He was very thankful and we chatted about his church for a couple minutes until he had to go. Great guy. I was very thankful to meet him.

I kept walking and saw a guy at his truck emptying his cooler.

"Need any help?"

"No..no thanks.."

[Awkwardly] "I'm...well I was walking and praying to God about who I could share this with and thought I should come over here. Here's a booklet about joy, you can do what you want with it [lame]."

He was very thankful for it and noticed that it's from John Piper and he's read a couple of books from him. I thought that it was amazing to be having a conversation with a stranger about John Piper in a parking lot in Texas July before I knew his name. We chatted for a while about his church First Baptist Wylie and about the church I serve at. It was great meeting him and he was glad I stopped to talk to him.

So, two attempts led to two conversations with believers.

This differed from yesterday. In the hallway I played the back and forth game "should I go or not?" I was able to by God's grace start walking toward a guy sitting on a bench waiting for someone. I had some booklets in my pocket but no idea how to lead into a conversation.

"you waiting on someone?" [I thought if a stranger asked me that I'd think "get away freak..."]

I don't remember his response which shows you how well I listen sometimes.

"well...I was just over there and saw you and thought you might like something to read..."

[sort of blank stare]

Not knowing where to go I said, "there's also a card in there with an invitation to church. I serve as one of the pastors there.." [a lame distraction pastors have the luxury of using in awkward moments like this].

[more of the same stare]..."okay...thanks."

I walked away alive and to use the same author of the booklet from a sermon at T4G, feeling "real." This, not because the conversation went anywhere. In fact, it never got off the runway before going down. But the Lord helped me have courage to walk over to that guy when everything in me wanted to keep walking to the office. Thank you Lord.

Tell Someone Today...

Purpose...

For about a year I've considered doing a blog that would help me to remain disciplined in sharing the gospel while at the same time serve as an encouragement for those who like me, are most motivated in evangelism by hearing stories of faithful (not necessarily successful) attempts. After reading Jack Miller's book "A Faith Worth Sharing" I feel compelled to enjoy the grace of God enough to attempt sharing Jesus daily and leaving results to Him.

Faith has ripple effects. Hearing someone share a story of how they got egg on their face trying to share the gospel and how the Lord met them in the egg is often as motivating as stories of radical conversions (though Lord bless to that end!). Maybe this will encourage you to share your attempts to share the gospel with others in service of their faith and joy--the good, the bad, and even the Christ-exalting ugly.

So, recognizing the ever-present temptation to hide the true fear, pride, and anxiety in writing something others may read, I will by God's grace be as honest as possible to communicate the rumblings of heart and mind that take place in my efforts to share the gospel. I hope the honesty helps those who may peek in, the way it helps me when I hear of your attempts.

Let's tell someone today...