Titus and his little froggie.

Titus, our little 4 1/2 year old loves his pet frog--a girl it turns out. He brought it home a couple months ago after catching it in a freind's pond. Flies, worms, in fact anything he can catch is fair game for frog food. We're actually surprised he kept it alive this long.

Relationship -vs- Fellowship

“Chad, Titus, come—pizza’s ready—Time for supper!” I yelled from the second-story porch just off the kitchen. Since arriving in Papua New Guinea as missionaries, we had tried to set aside Fridays as family nights. My wife Joy would use her creative missionary culinary skills to invent wonderful pizza, often substituting local ingredients in place of those items one would typically expect on a pizza. The results were never a disappointment, and, when combined with games or a video, family night became (and still remains) the highlight of our week. This particular Friday it was already getting late and two of our boys, Chad and Titus, were still outside playing.

Running around the corner and up the stairs was Chad, the oldest. “Where’s your little brother?” I inquired.

“I dunno—but I think he’s got a problem!” He hollered over the slamming screen door.

Typically the two would race inside, jockeying for the lead. I figured I ought to go investigate Titus’ whereabouts. No sooner had I reached the bottom of the stairs when from behind the banana trees (where earlier I had told the boys NOT to play) there came the familiar distressing cries of my three-year-old. My ears followed his hysterics until I got close enough for my nose to be clued in to his predicament.

There was my son Titus, shirtless and barefoot, with tears streaming down his distraught little face. The “problem” Chad alluded to was that he had stepped in a massive, fresh, steaming dog pile—with both feet. He stood frozen in the muck of his gross dilemma, but frozen also because he had been caught in his disobedience. Titus had worked himself into such a fit by this time, stomping and crying, that for me to intervene would only get me covered in the same mess. So I stood close by (but upwind) from my son, waiting patiently for him to settle down. Eventually his tantrum slowed. He wiped his tears with one hand, while continuing to plug his nose with the other. Titus opened his eyes, turned, and looked up at me. With a small voice, between sobs he said, “Daddy, I was playin’ over here and stepped in doggy poop… (sniffle)…will you please help me get … (snuff)… cleaned up? I wanna go upstairs with you for pizza.”

So what do you think I did? Of course, I carefully scooped him in my arms, carried him over to the hose and began washing his feet. I removed the consequences of my son’s disobedience so that we could go upstairs and have family night together. Our fellowship was restored, but our relationship was never in question…no matter what he had stepped in.

The illustration was evidently clear to Shirley, as a smile joined her tears. This is truly Good News! I was able to assure her that as we wrap up our study in By This Name, we will look at more examples in the Bible that illustrate our position as children of God.

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”—1 John 5:13

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”—1 John 1:9

“… [nothing] else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”—Romans 8:39

The Heavenly Father sent Jesus to die on the cross not only to deal with our sin and its gross consequences, but also to establish a place for us in his eternal family. Regardless of what we might “step in” on this earth, as His children (relationship) we can be certain that our fellowship with God can be restored.

STRANGER on the Road to Emmaus Video Book

The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus - VideoBook

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It's been called "the greatest story ever told." Now the central message of the Bible is brought to life in this eleven-hour online Bible study. This self-paced course has been adapted from the popular award winning DVD series - The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus

Your teacher will take these individual elements and chronologically tie them together into one universal drama. Whether you have significant Bible knowledge, or have never read "the Book"—this online series is for you.

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“Enlightenment” at 31,000 Feet

Boarding a commercial flight is one of the more awkward of our social encounters. But if we overcome our homophobic tendencies and the invasion of our personal space, God can use us in these unique situations to engage people from

all walks of life. Airplane flights are a rare ­opportunity afforded us in our hurried culture to sit and converse with people about things of eternal value.

The young man who clambered over my tightly-retracted knees to plop into the airplane seat to my left was far from a stereotypical geek. Intentionally disheveled hair, various anatomical piercings, square-rimmed glasses, and painted-on trousers all pointed to his preferred mix of gothic and über-european fashion. From his pockets and handbag there protruded various widgets and high tech squiggly things.

Once airborne and approaching cruising altitude, there was brief opportunity to engage Matt before the captain gave passengers permission to fire up any and/or all electronics and insert their iPod earbuds.

“Interesting choice of reading—is it enlightening?” I initiated, referring to a book he had not yet opened on the tray table in front of him. It was a collection of writings from the Dalai Lama. The sub-line read, “…a must-read for those who are searching for a path to a more joyful and fulfilling life.” Matt lit up at the chance to converse and went on to articulate that he has been on a spiritual journey of discovery. The dialogue that followed was spattered with various phrases in which Matt identified himself to be Catholic and homosexual, as well as being on the path of enlightenment through “Eastern Wisdom”. He also gave bitter testimony that he had been kicked to the curb of religious intolerance by “hypocritical Christians” trying to change who he is.

Tactfully, I admitted that I hadn’t met anyone recently with his unique worldview, but I was curious: “Aside from your negative experiences with religious people, do you think the Bible has any relevance in your spiritual journey?” Matt toyed with his silver lip stud as he pondered the question. His response was transparent.

“I think it’s relevant only as a historical document,” he said. Then he went on to ask, “Besides, is it really possible for someone to find insight and enlightenment from just one source—like the Bible?”

Matt’s question is valid. And the answer, according to the Bible itself, is that God makes himself and his ways quite clear—he does not stay hidden. He also claims to be the only true source of wisdom.

“Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.”

Job 28: 20, 23, 24

The ancient book, the Holy Bible, is, as Matt said, a history book. But that is not all it is. Many who haphazardly delve into its pages find the message confusing and presume that it is not trustworthy. I challenged Matt to take the necessary time to discover for himself (apart from any religious affiliation) what the Bible’s message really is. In the course of his search for enlightenment, it is an exercise well worth the time invested.

"... He rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Hebrews 11:6

Like a carpenter trying to imagine a house in its entirety by examining just one two-by-four, so is the person who does not take the time to discover God’s blueprint, which is clearly evident through His Word.

I handed Matt a copy of By This Name and he eagerly scanned its cover, front and back. “I think this might be exactly what I’ve been searching for!” he exclaimed. As our flight came to final approach, we swapped contact information. God is extending his loving patience toward Matt as we continue our discussion via email.

“…but [God] is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9

For the first time he is discovering for himself the person and the provision of our Lord Jesus Christ. Matt’s true journey to spiritual understanding began at 31,000 feet.

"I wish I had said..."

Often that's what crosses my mind after an opportunity to share Christ with someone slips by me. The frustration is similar to when I am trying to repair something without the right tool. Can you relate?
To do a good job at fixing cars, a mechanic makes sure that he or she has the tools necessary to do many repairs on a variety of vehicles.
The same could be said for evangelism. Each situation we encounter is slightly different and might require a specialized tool to be effective. Just as repairing cars requires an understanding of the tools needed for foreign and domestic vehicles, so too must we understand where the people are coming from. Also, when introducing people to Jesus we sometimes only have a few minutes with them, while other times we might have a lifetime to spend together. Regardless of the situation, God's job for us is to “always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15).
GoodSeed is all about equipping people with effective tools. If you are like me, wanting to be better equipped to introduce people to the God of the Bible, then check out the great selection of Bible tools available at www.goodseed.com