Lois and I recently lost three family members, a beloved aunt of Lois’ went to be with the Lord.  I lost and aunt and Lois lost a brother to cancer. Although it is hard to have someone die, especially when not very old, there is great comfort if we know for sure that they had a close walk with God and are now in his presence. This would be true for one of the above. Another attended church a lot but never gave clear witness or tried to reach out to me and share what God was doing in their life. The other is reported to have said the sinner’s prayer but there is no evidence since then of a walk with God.

If I used paddles to revive a patient, I would then watch for continued heartbeat and breathing. In the absence of breathing, I would conclude that nothing much had come of the paddle cardiac shock.

I’ve always been puzzled by people that I know well and I am not sure if they are saved or not. It isn’t that I didn’t check, it’s just that their lives show no evidence in character growth to be more like Christ or in witness to what he is doing in their lives. Such a quiet , private approach leaves their loved ones hanging as to their eternal fate, besides what about,” let our light so shine before men that they see what we do and conclude that, after all, there must be a God.”  I remember a doctor in Anchorage who’s patients would switch to me in order to have a Christian helping them. I happened to know that he was a Christian but he kept it a secret in his working with others.

Do you feel that you are too weak and confused on what you believe to be helpful to others? Remember that those who “seem” to be the least are much more necessary than those who “seem” to be strong. Many struggling folks find it hard to listen to the triumphant testimonies on Christian radio and might find more comfort in your being real with them about the natural struggles of clinging to God in the midst of trials.

Shaky faith? If you can at least agree that there is nowhere else I can  go ? I’ve tried everything else and found no answers there, so I will cling to Jesus even when I can’t see anything else. I do know there is no other path that holds any hope.” Then share this truth.

Do you feel too shy to share? Then find other shy people and at least share that you struggle with shyness but that you do love Jesus. Then let the Holy Spirit speak through you and ask others to pray for you that you might find more boldness. Paul the apostle must have been shy and asked that others pray for him, for boldness.

Ephesians 6 18 -20 KJV Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;  that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Remember, it’s not about me it’s about the beauty of Jesus and the needs of those around me.

Poem by:
Griggs, Joseph (with liberties by yours truly)

Jesus, and shall it ever be that I could be ashamed of Thee? Ashamed of Thee, whom angels praise, Whose glories shine thro’ endless days?

Ashamed of Jesus, I ne’re will be; For He is not ashamed of me.

Ashamed of Jesus! sooner far, Let ev’ning blush to own a star;

He sheds the beams of light divine O’er this benighted soul of mine.

Ashamed of Jesus! that dear Friend, On whom my hopes of heav’n depend? No! when I blush be this my shame, That I don’t more revere His name.

Ashamed of Jesus? Have I forgot? His blood has washed away each spot, and with His blood my soul He bought.His hand has wiped away my tears, and with his peace He quelled my fears, every good comes from above, He fills the universe with love. Ashamed of Jesus?I THINK NOT!