A very encouraging and enlightening word! Lord help us to be all that we can be so those around us will encounter you. Help me to be bold and speak truth in Love to those you bring my way; bringing more people with us to the Father’s house❣️
What an honor for Jesus to call his bride to be salt and light. What if Jesus allows us to love him a little longer on this earth, grow us stronger, prune us, build our confidence, activate our faith, forgive us deeper, maybe suffer more painful life stuff. What if…. I don’t want to waste a single second loving and serving. We are called to be Delta Force followers of Jesus. We can hope and long for restoration in our relationships here…. And someday in Heaven longing for supernatural perfection on New Earth! Wait a little longer TP family —“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLT
Ha this is awesome! I have had my Kristene DeMarco playlist playing this morning because I woke up to her singing "It Is Well" with Bethel. Right now that is my favorite song to have playing when in prayer. Just thought that was neat. 🤗
And Amen to waiting however long He wants me to wait! I will just sit here and worship while I do. Hope you guys are doing well and Z had an amazing first day at school!
My dad shared with Rog and I years ago that we could commit our lives to be Delta Force believers. What he forgot to mention was how BEAT UP we’d feel living out this God-journey. We remember yelling out over the lake that day…. Yes Lord we want to be Delta Force!!! 🔥😅 As a military man you lived out this life, Steve on earth too but for reals! 🇺🇸 So grateful for strong sisters & brothers in the faith!
Wow...I love that :))). It's kind of fun to think that I'm learning directly from your daddy from the legacy he left in you. That's a pretty big name to my "resume" of teachers!
"BEAT UP" is certainly a good term for how we feel at times, but isn't it crazy how we seek that same beating every day? It's like running a marathon...we know it is going to be painful but it is healthy, and it's for the most important cause in the world. :)))
When we do feel beat up then we are sharing in Christ sufferings to a minute degree. When I am discouraged or some other negative emotion I asked Jesus when he experienced this. Entering into his pain has brought so much gratitude in my life for what He’s done! Also minimizes my pain.
Thank you Cynthia…. I love reading all the comments! So many amazing people here—even though we may disagree from time to time, it’s an honoring community of like-hearted family 💛
This week has been miraculous… thank you for wrapping around my sweet Z in prayers! I was just reading the verse Pastor Greg posted and wanted to add— as salt & light…. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 💡🔥
AMEN Kari ☺️. Love Paul’s writings : so encouraging and bold. Prayers for Z. Good updated report. Have a blessed Friday and week. I will be a Delta Force believer. 🙏🤩
This is hands down one of the best posts on the TP!!!! I keep reading it (outloud to my hubby too) WOW! Pastor Greg thank you for bold, salty, shining bright words today! 🫶🏽
Excellent, thank you! I was praying for a way forward this day and voila! Holy Spirit brought your article to me! Praising our Lord and Savior for His goodness and Grace!
This is a pastor talking in a manner that I need and that I listen to! It isn't too bold, disrespectful, or heartless. It is the unvarnished truth that meatheads like myself need to hear to stop us from becoming a runaway train. I love this language because it convicts me, and comforts me. There is a comfort like no other when I know I am surrounding myself with people who care enough about me to tell me what I NEED to hear, and not what I want to hear. But this is want I want to hear, so both goals are reached when I'm in fellowship with those who God wants me to be.
Hoping all of my Tipping Point Family has an amazing Friday! Covering each of you...every one in prayer this morning. 🤗
Amen, Pastor Laurie!! Great article. The truth is the truth. Amen. Some people say the truth hurts, others that it convicts. I'm feeling a bit convicted. Do I ALWAYS behave as I should? I try to share the Lord, but do I do it enough? I don't get out much because of my heath, but I try to keep in touch via the internet. Do I witness enough? I do try, but when people get aggressive I do tend to back off. Anger intimidates me. Its from my childhood. I'm working on it, I guess I have to work harder. Lord help me.
God's blessings on All our Pastors, and all out Tipping Point Family. Love in Christ
Hi Verna...I know how you feel, because anger intimidates me as well. But, when I came to the realization of how close the rapture is(a year ago), it flipped a switch in me. The realization of how little time is left, renewed His spirit of compassion in me, for not wanting anyone(most especially family and friends), being left behind to face the soon coming tribulation.
I became emboldened, and decided I was not going to allow anyone to say after the rapture "why didn't she tell me?" I began to fumble my way through witnessing to loved ones, starting with my brother. I started out with a bang too, because he works at a prison, as a security guard, and WAS an angry person. I say "was", because his response to my initial witness to him was indeed anger. But, God...through His Grace took over and he is now SAVED. God's Grace to me, was that He allowed me to see that, where I thought I failed and felt defeated, that was not the end of the story.
Therefore, I now more boldly witness to people, because I look at that anger, that may come back at me, as the enemy's way to try to intimidate me, and stop me from witnessing. And, I am not going to let the enemy win! People may get angry and end up hating me, but that is on them. I am not going to stop speaking the Truth in Love!
Michelle, that's wonderful. Praise God ! It hasn't stopped me, but I don't continue with that specific person. I still witness, and I pray for the angry ones, that God's will be done. I love sharing Jesus. Thanks hon. God's blessings on you!!
Oh Michelle your words at the end of your post are words to live by:
"Therefore, I now more boldly witness to people, because I look at that anger, that may come back at me, as the enemy's way to try to intimidate me, and stop me from witnessing. And, I am not going to let the enemy win! People may get angry and end up hating me, but that is on them. I am not going to stop speaking the Truth in Love! " Well said my sister in Christ! GBU
Your post made me think of how Jesus actually instructs us to "walk away" from those who won't listen:
"And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet." (Matt. 10:14).
If people get angry at you, that problem is theirs and isn't your burden to carry, right? You are just trying to love them to life, so I don't personally see it as something you have to work on, ...but that is just my opinion!
Thank you Steve, I was worried about that. I guess it didn't occur to me that those instructions were for us as well. How do we walk away from family or dear friends? Some will hear me out, and others will raise their voice at me. Some tell me it's not my place or business what they think or how they feel about Jesus. I have been told that its personal. And I have been told it's private. How can a person love Jesus and not want to share it with everyone? My only answer is that they don't know him like I do. I don't know. Thanks for your encouragement Brother Steve. Have a blessed of God day. Love in Christ Jesus, v
Oh yeah, I understand what you are saying now. For some reason, I always tend to think of coworkers or other people I just meet in public, but I think you are right that there is a little different dynamic when it comes to people we know and love so much. We love everyone, I know, but there is still a difference.
To us, I think it's just our love for them that makes us feel like we are "walking away" from them like you said, but these are times I have to remember to put my faith in the Holy Spirit to do what He does better than I could ever do. I always want to reach their hearts right now, but sometimes God has a different timeline and I have to remember that He is much better at the timing and reaching their heart than I am. Actually, I'm not capable of reaching hearts because it is all Him. I think we all get those moments where we want to push a little more, but I have to remind myself that pushing is usually going to do more harm than good and push them further away.
One thing that really surprised me was the effect that "letting them win" has. The few times I have pushed a little much have always been turned-around by God after I replied with "You know, you're right Kevin. I probably was a little pushy and I never meant to be that way. Sometimes I let my passion for those I care so much about get in the way, and I probably did that here because I just want you to be happy. I'm sorry if I seemed pushy brother. I just wanted to share what has changed my life because you deserve that."
Somehow, God has always used that to disarm the person right then, or to bring them back later. I love how He knows best!
Hey Steve ...... As I am catching up with some of the comments on the excellent post from pastor Greg, I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate being reminded of Matt. 10:14, even with family members. I also experienced the hostility (as I'm sure a lot of us have) even though we do our very best to bring the truth to those around us in love..... Also, glad to have been on the livestream with pastor Jimmy this morning ...... Great job hosting ........ Keep up the good work and God Bless!!! :)
Man, it was great to have you with us Sir! I got excited when I saw your message pop-up! I understand what you mean about experiencing the hostility, and I used to take it so personal and felt like a failure. I played right into the enemies hand by feeling defeated and like I was a failure. But, listening to some of Pastor Jimmy's other teachings on condemnation helped me to understand the error in my thinking and the Holy Spirit used it to renew my mind and thinking too!
Thank you so much again for joining us, and for the kind words brother. It's a pretty good day!
Yeah, God's word is powerful beyond description as we support, encourage, and strengthen each other so as not to allow deceptions and falsehoods to take root. I love hanging around God's warriors, so thank you brother!!!
Hi Verna ...... Just wanted to pipe in and encourage you ..... You can overcome anything because you're a warrior for truth ...... Besides, Jesus is on your side so you have nothing to fear ..... Keep moving forward........ God Bless!!!
I appreciate your kind words. Always forward. I'm on the Lords side also. He is my heart. I live for Him. I don't fear, I love. I think He knows me, and I know He is for me. Truth be known, I do all I can. But I pray I can do more. God willing. Praise the Lord !! Again, Thank you hon. May God open His store house of blessings, and poor them down on your life, and your family as well.
I can tell your heart is right with God as true believers want to share His love for others in our circle of influence. I also have no doubt that He knows you and He's blessing the work of your hands, even though we don't always see it ...... Praise God is right ....... Blessing to you and your family as well!!!
Verna….. everyone loves you on the TP! You’re not the same person we met over a year ago— God has grown you & activated his Holy Spirit power in you to encourage and share with others what he’s doing in your life. Your salt & light sister!! Love you 💛🫶🏽
Oh, Kari, All the Glory to God. He is shaping me, teaching me, And growing my faith. I am so grateful. I still depend on the Lord for everything. I hope I never grow to big for my britches, and forget who I want to be. Jesus, my Lord and Savior, and the Holy Spirit of God are the joy of my life. I can't do anything without Them. I cherish my Father, and live to love Him.
I love you sweet Kari. You have no idea all you have taught me, or how much you have encouraged me. You are the Jewel in my crown. Praise God. The Tipping Point Family are truly my family. I love each and everyone of you.
Thank you, Greg, for reminding us how important our Christian walk is and how we should constantly be aware that we are Jesus's living epistles, and someone is always "reading" us and our "reading material" should always align up with the Word of God! Great article!
So, I had a “that’s too much pressure, deal with it” moment, this morning. I walked into my Church for ladies prayer just having read Greg’s post on how to live in perilous days. I was encouraged, pumped even, as the message of being Salt and Light, hit the target in every way. We started praying, great prayer time, going deep and Holy Spirit led, until the woman leading started quoting Dutch Sheets. She happens to lead the on-line women’s Bible Studies, so I was a little surprised. After the Bible Study, I carefully asked her if she thought Dutch Sheets was a true prophet? Now remember, our Church is a Church where Amir Tsarfati has come to preach on several occasions, and we know how he feels about modern day false prophets, and why! I wanted to be Light in the moment, and not a downer for the poor woman, and Jesus was faithful. Open your mouth and speak, the Bible says, and the Holy Spirit will give you the Words. I was able to explain to her that this “prophet” she was quoting, doesn’t happen to believe in a literal 1000 year reign of Christ. And it went from there... Sometimes you have to be Light, right in your own Church. That’s too much pressure!! Not today. Thank-you Jesus. I suspect we have to be Light, His Light, no matter where it leads us. False teaching right in the Church, and a good Church at that, is particularly annoying. 🌻
Hi Kari, that’s because he is Amillennial and you travel in very different circles. But he is very popular, among Christians, good Bible believing Christians, many of them in Texas, who hang on every word he says. And there are many of them. He is just the tip of the iceberg.... He has a huge following, as does Lance Wallnau, the guy Jimmy just did an interview with on Daystar, that Steve sent out. That interview was a miracle, in my eyes. It literally, got the Word out, to a community in the Church, that desperately needs it. The Lord just totally took over. Go Jimmy!🌻
Thank you for sharing Kris… I feel out of touch sometimes with other views. I’m so focused on learning & studying what God is teaching me here—and the comfort I receive living in all this craziness. It feels like a daily water hydrant here on TP. I try to keep up but this helps a ton. I’ll hunt for that link that Steve shared … love u sister💛
Hi Kari, oh yes I get that. I would not know much about them either, except in 2019-20 I was invited on to a prayer call by a good friend of mine from Texas. We prayed daily, about 20 of us, from all over the Country, mostly about the election, however the Lord was leading. It was good at first, until they became more and more glued to these “prophets” for what they should pray. I began to get uncomfortable, and was eventually kicked off the prayer call (I was not the only one) for not having the same views (Amillennial) and for not believing in the “prophets” even when they were wrong.... In retrospect, it was a real learning experience that I never want to repeat, as it became all too obvious that they were willing to listen to the “prophets” before the actual Word of God. Trump didn’t win, and the “prophets” made many excuses why they had been wrong, although some did repent for leading people astray. These ”prophets” were literally all Amillennial. I learned from them, to stay away. They are, however, part of the Body of Christ. And I greatly admire Pastor Jimmy for mixing it up with them. I pray the Lord will bring something good out of his good intentions with them. 🌻
You know your the light when the only neighbor you speak with tells your adult children that you talk about God to much. I love God with all that I am and Love sharing his story and what's going on that reviles his Truth in today world. I am the Daughter of God and there I will always stand on his Rock of salvation.
Hi Gayla, your story sounds all too familiar. I’ve learned that the only answer for this type of situation is to pray for your neighbor(s), family, friends and enemies and if they remain resistant give it to God.
I live in a close, congested neighborhood. During my short time living in the neighborhood I’ve witnessed a lot of pure evil (cultic) spiritual warfare like nothing that I’ve ever seen before.
As Pastor Greg Laurie stated in his read, that I might just be the only Christian in my neighborhood. I’m not sure but I believe that I’m the minority among my neighborhood. None the less, hopefully the constant neighborhood monitoring of my unconditional representation of being a devoted Christian will hopefully be a persistent reminder to them that they too can enjoy the same inner peace, strength and happiness through believing in the salvation through our Lord Jesus. Amen.
You know we are the light and salt when a neighbor who says they are Christian complains to your adult children you talk about God to much and what's taking place in our world. I relocated my family and don't know anyone where I live and this is the only neighbor I speak with because the others live in fear of Covid and took the jab and don't want to be around those who didn't. So she was it and now it's just God, myself and family. I personally Love talking about our Father in Heaven and yet I find people have closed their ears and hearts to Truth. Sad to say the least yet as for me and my family we will serve our Lord Forever.
Thank you for the exhortation, Pastor Greg. I've been thinking about this for a while and trying to figure out specifically what and how to be/say/act around my coworkers to be salt and light. I work from home in Tech and have meetings/calls with some extremely smart and educated engineers who design microprocessors. I've been seeking to build relationships with my colleagues and look for opportunities to bring up my faith with them. Often, fulfilled prophecy in current events is a topic I've used to broach the subject - but in all honesty very few have responded with heightened interest.
So, I'm looking for practical ideas on how to be more effective in piquing interest in Jesus, and I'd love it if our TP community would POST STORIES, PHRASES AND IDEAS FOR RAISING THE SUBJECT OF JESUS OUT OF THE BLUE that have been fruitful. I hope this will prove helpful for all of us to be saltier salt, and brighter light in our personal spheres of influence.
This is slightly more indirect but perhaps doing some devoted prayer time before your calls to invite the Holy Spirit to speak through you. Jesus didn’t have to bring up his own name to have power (his name didn’t have any back then) but his presence and truth is what brought people to God and also to want to be around him. Praying for you brother!
Wow Buddy! What a message, and a great way to challenge everyone here in our thinking and ministries to others! I've learned so much from so many other people just in the ways they have impacted me.
I think the best thing I can add here that has really made a difference to others is the same thing that changed me...and that is being transparent and openly admitting and showing my brokenness. Seeing and hearing my pastors (PJimmy is amazing at this!) tell their honest stories of struggles throughout life made me realize that it is okay to be broken and humble. Hearing others be honest and tell their failures and challenges brings comfort to everyone and disarms their defenses, leaving only honest, heartfelt, and comfortable communication that leads to humility and worship, right?
So that is what I find the most powerful. I'm amazed at how the Holy Spirit just fills every heart and corner of the room when I am honest, and even a little emotional. I learned that it was okay to just be me, from every person I consider my pastor or mentor. :) Talk about the hard stuff!
Another great door-opener is playing your favorite worship music softly...that has opened a lot of doors for me. Can't wait to hear some other ideas!
You're right on, Steve! This takes all the burden of "image management" off of us and replaces it with an authenticity that is virtually non-existent in our Facebook "look at me!" culture. Very refreshing, and should at least give others pause when they see it.
Man, this is good stuff right here! Where have you been at all this time brother?! You have the gift of inciting some deep thinking and growing...we need more of that!
Thank you for the kind words, and for inciting me to take inventory of how I minister Sir!
I've been in the community for a while now, but I recently got around to finding where I could fix my name in my profile, which used to use my legal name and last initial of "Albert S".
I am impressed with the collective experiences and perspectives of our TP community and hope to invite folks to share more that can be of help to all of us... to be an ecclesia.
That can launch into the Bible's description and prophecy:
2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
I think world events (the major birth pains) are a built in springboard. Some People see there's smthg happening in the world.
This is what I have said:
can u believe what's happening?
People are acting more wild, the droughts , they're committing crime brazenly, the war in Ukraine, everything's so expensive now , inflation , gas , all the wildfires, people are very selfish now.
(Also in my neck of the woods there aren't enough nurses to staff the ERs)
Well some Christians say its the endtimes and I believe it. The Bible predicts all of this.
Then I talked about the birth pangs.
I didn't convince them but it started a discussion.
After reading every article I can’t wait for the conference in September. How blessed we are to have such Godly , wise ,Men to share their beliefs with us . I love every article I read on here . Let’s go out and be the salt and the light ❤️
Thank you for this encouragement! A while back I started saying God bless you to people who served me in restaurants or stores. For the most part the reactions were very positive and appreciated. Since doing that it has made it easier for me to actually share Christ with strangers through the power of the Holy Spirit. Actually it was just to a guy who asked for some money to buy lunch and I asked him if I could pray for him and he said yes. So he heard the plan of salvation and now I have someone else to pray for. It was so exciting!!!
A very encouraging and enlightening word! Lord help us to be all that we can be so those around us will encounter you. Help me to be bold and speak truth in Love to those you bring my way; bringing more people with us to the Father’s house❣️
Amen!
What an honor for Jesus to call his bride to be salt and light. What if Jesus allows us to love him a little longer on this earth, grow us stronger, prune us, build our confidence, activate our faith, forgive us deeper, maybe suffer more painful life stuff. What if…. I don’t want to waste a single second loving and serving. We are called to be Delta Force followers of Jesus. We can hope and long for restoration in our relationships here…. And someday in Heaven longing for supernatural perfection on New Earth! Wait a little longer TP family —“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLT
This song 🎶😭 https://youtu.be/tIpxpjrInA8 Maranatha 💛
Ha this is awesome! I have had my Kristene DeMarco playlist playing this morning because I woke up to her singing "It Is Well" with Bethel. Right now that is my favorite song to have playing when in prayer. Just thought that was neat. 🤗
And Amen to waiting however long He wants me to wait! I will just sit here and worship while I do. Hope you guys are doing well and Z had an amazing first day at school!
My dad shared with Rog and I years ago that we could commit our lives to be Delta Force believers. What he forgot to mention was how BEAT UP we’d feel living out this God-journey. We remember yelling out over the lake that day…. Yes Lord we want to be Delta Force!!! 🔥😅 As a military man you lived out this life, Steve on earth too but for reals! 🇺🇸 So grateful for strong sisters & brothers in the faith!
Wow...I love that :))). It's kind of fun to think that I'm learning directly from your daddy from the legacy he left in you. That's a pretty big name to my "resume" of teachers!
"BEAT UP" is certainly a good term for how we feel at times, but isn't it crazy how we seek that same beating every day? It's like running a marathon...we know it is going to be painful but it is healthy, and it's for the most important cause in the world. :)))
Love these words sister...thank you! 😁
"I wanna be tried by fire
Purified
You take whatever you desire
Lord here's my life"
Such great comments Kari and Steve !
When we do feel beat up then we are sharing in Christ sufferings to a minute degree. When I am discouraged or some other negative emotion I asked Jesus when he experienced this. Entering into his pain has brought so much gratitude in my life for what He’s done! Also minimizes my pain.
Yes Ma'am, Amen! Thank you:)
Thank you Cynthia…. I love reading all the comments! So many amazing people here—even though we may disagree from time to time, it’s an honoring community of like-hearted family 💛
This week has been miraculous… thank you for wrapping around my sweet Z in prayers! I was just reading the verse Pastor Greg posted and wanted to add— as salt & light…. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 💡🔥
I love hearing this! She can't fail because she has you, and you have Jesus, and she has Jesus. She knows who she is and WHO's she is!
AMEN Kari ☺️. Love Paul’s writings : so encouraging and bold. Prayers for Z. Good updated report. Have a blessed Friday and week. I will be a Delta Force believer. 🙏🤩
This is hands down one of the best posts on the TP!!!! I keep reading it (outloud to my hubby too) WOW! Pastor Greg thank you for bold, salty, shining bright words today! 🫶🏽
AMEN 🙏✝️❤️
Excellent words
I am particularly concerned that churches are NOT preaching directly against the
present darkness pushed by our own government. Where is the salt and light from them?
Excellent, thank you! I was praying for a way forward this day and voila! Holy Spirit brought your article to me! Praising our Lord and Savior for His goodness and Grace!
"Deal with it"...
This is a pastor talking in a manner that I need and that I listen to! It isn't too bold, disrespectful, or heartless. It is the unvarnished truth that meatheads like myself need to hear to stop us from becoming a runaway train. I love this language because it convicts me, and comforts me. There is a comfort like no other when I know I am surrounding myself with people who care enough about me to tell me what I NEED to hear, and not what I want to hear. But this is want I want to hear, so both goals are reached when I'm in fellowship with those who God wants me to be.
Hoping all of my Tipping Point Family has an amazing Friday! Covering each of you...every one in prayer this morning. 🤗
Amen, Pastor Laurie!! Great article. The truth is the truth. Amen. Some people say the truth hurts, others that it convicts. I'm feeling a bit convicted. Do I ALWAYS behave as I should? I try to share the Lord, but do I do it enough? I don't get out much because of my heath, but I try to keep in touch via the internet. Do I witness enough? I do try, but when people get aggressive I do tend to back off. Anger intimidates me. Its from my childhood. I'm working on it, I guess I have to work harder. Lord help me.
God's blessings on All our Pastors, and all out Tipping Point Family. Love in Christ
Hi Verna...I know how you feel, because anger intimidates me as well. But, when I came to the realization of how close the rapture is(a year ago), it flipped a switch in me. The realization of how little time is left, renewed His spirit of compassion in me, for not wanting anyone(most especially family and friends), being left behind to face the soon coming tribulation.
I became emboldened, and decided I was not going to allow anyone to say after the rapture "why didn't she tell me?" I began to fumble my way through witnessing to loved ones, starting with my brother. I started out with a bang too, because he works at a prison, as a security guard, and WAS an angry person. I say "was", because his response to my initial witness to him was indeed anger. But, God...through His Grace took over and he is now SAVED. God's Grace to me, was that He allowed me to see that, where I thought I failed and felt defeated, that was not the end of the story.
Therefore, I now more boldly witness to people, because I look at that anger, that may come back at me, as the enemy's way to try to intimidate me, and stop me from witnessing. And, I am not going to let the enemy win! People may get angry and end up hating me, but that is on them. I am not going to stop speaking the Truth in Love!
Michelle, that's wonderful. Praise God ! It hasn't stopped me, but I don't continue with that specific person. I still witness, and I pray for the angry ones, that God's will be done. I love sharing Jesus. Thanks hon. God's blessings on you!!
You shared a really amazing truth about testifying. Awesome share, thank you.
Oh Michelle your words at the end of your post are words to live by:
"Therefore, I now more boldly witness to people, because I look at that anger, that may come back at me, as the enemy's way to try to intimidate me, and stop me from witnessing. And, I am not going to let the enemy win! People may get angry and end up hating me, but that is on them. I am not going to stop speaking the Truth in Love! " Well said my sister in Christ! GBU
Amen!
Whew, and this is a good word! 😁 Praise God for working through you, and especially bringing the heart of your brother to Him Michelle!
Good morning Miss Verna :)))
Your post made me think of how Jesus actually instructs us to "walk away" from those who won't listen:
"And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet." (Matt. 10:14).
If people get angry at you, that problem is theirs and isn't your burden to carry, right? You are just trying to love them to life, so I don't personally see it as something you have to work on, ...but that is just my opinion!
Love you Miss Verna!
Thank you Steve, I was worried about that. I guess it didn't occur to me that those instructions were for us as well. How do we walk away from family or dear friends? Some will hear me out, and others will raise their voice at me. Some tell me it's not my place or business what they think or how they feel about Jesus. I have been told that its personal. And I have been told it's private. How can a person love Jesus and not want to share it with everyone? My only answer is that they don't know him like I do. I don't know. Thanks for your encouragement Brother Steve. Have a blessed of God day. Love in Christ Jesus, v
Oh yeah, I understand what you are saying now. For some reason, I always tend to think of coworkers or other people I just meet in public, but I think you are right that there is a little different dynamic when it comes to people we know and love so much. We love everyone, I know, but there is still a difference.
To us, I think it's just our love for them that makes us feel like we are "walking away" from them like you said, but these are times I have to remember to put my faith in the Holy Spirit to do what He does better than I could ever do. I always want to reach their hearts right now, but sometimes God has a different timeline and I have to remember that He is much better at the timing and reaching their heart than I am. Actually, I'm not capable of reaching hearts because it is all Him. I think we all get those moments where we want to push a little more, but I have to remind myself that pushing is usually going to do more harm than good and push them further away.
One thing that really surprised me was the effect that "letting them win" has. The few times I have pushed a little much have always been turned-around by God after I replied with "You know, you're right Kevin. I probably was a little pushy and I never meant to be that way. Sometimes I let my passion for those I care so much about get in the way, and I probably did that here because I just want you to be happy. I'm sorry if I seemed pushy brother. I just wanted to share what has changed my life because you deserve that."
Somehow, God has always used that to disarm the person right then, or to bring them back later. I love how He knows best!
God is good. We start the conversation, and the Spirit reminds them at the right time. Praise God.
Hey Steve ...... As I am catching up with some of the comments on the excellent post from pastor Greg, I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate being reminded of Matt. 10:14, even with family members. I also experienced the hostility (as I'm sure a lot of us have) even though we do our very best to bring the truth to those around us in love..... Also, glad to have been on the livestream with pastor Jimmy this morning ...... Great job hosting ........ Keep up the good work and God Bless!!! :)
Man, it was great to have you with us Sir! I got excited when I saw your message pop-up! I understand what you mean about experiencing the hostility, and I used to take it so personal and felt like a failure. I played right into the enemies hand by feeling defeated and like I was a failure. But, listening to some of Pastor Jimmy's other teachings on condemnation helped me to understand the error in my thinking and the Holy Spirit used it to renew my mind and thinking too!
Thank you so much again for joining us, and for the kind words brother. It's a pretty good day!
Yeah, God's word is powerful beyond description as we support, encourage, and strengthen each other so as not to allow deceptions and falsehoods to take root. I love hanging around God's warriors, so thank you brother!!!
Ditto! I wouldn't want to hang with anyone else!
Hi Verna ...... Just wanted to pipe in and encourage you ..... You can overcome anything because you're a warrior for truth ...... Besides, Jesus is on your side so you have nothing to fear ..... Keep moving forward........ God Bless!!!
I appreciate your kind words. Always forward. I'm on the Lords side also. He is my heart. I live for Him. I don't fear, I love. I think He knows me, and I know He is for me. Truth be known, I do all I can. But I pray I can do more. God willing. Praise the Lord !! Again, Thank you hon. May God open His store house of blessings, and poor them down on your life, and your family as well.
Maranatha
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I can tell your heart is right with God as true believers want to share His love for others in our circle of influence. I also have no doubt that He knows you and He's blessing the work of your hands, even though we don't always see it ...... Praise God is right ....... Blessing to you and your family as well!!!
Verna….. everyone loves you on the TP! You’re not the same person we met over a year ago— God has grown you & activated his Holy Spirit power in you to encourage and share with others what he’s doing in your life. Your salt & light sister!! Love you 💛🫶🏽
Oh, Kari, All the Glory to God. He is shaping me, teaching me, And growing my faith. I am so grateful. I still depend on the Lord for everything. I hope I never grow to big for my britches, and forget who I want to be. Jesus, my Lord and Savior, and the Holy Spirit of God are the joy of my life. I can't do anything without Them. I cherish my Father, and live to love Him.
I love you sweet Kari. You have no idea all you have taught me, or how much you have encouraged me. You are the Jewel in my crown. Praise God. The Tipping Point Family are truly my family. I love each and everyone of you.
Come quickly Lord
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You are a winner for Jesus and His 🤴 Kingdom. Love ; and enjoy this day, Verna . 🙏
Exactly what we need to hear! Thanks so much 😘
That was excellent Greg - thanks so much for that 😊🙏
Thank you, Greg, for reminding us how important our Christian walk is and how we should constantly be aware that we are Jesus's living epistles, and someone is always "reading" us and our "reading material" should always align up with the Word of God! Great article!
So, I had a “that’s too much pressure, deal with it” moment, this morning. I walked into my Church for ladies prayer just having read Greg’s post on how to live in perilous days. I was encouraged, pumped even, as the message of being Salt and Light, hit the target in every way. We started praying, great prayer time, going deep and Holy Spirit led, until the woman leading started quoting Dutch Sheets. She happens to lead the on-line women’s Bible Studies, so I was a little surprised. After the Bible Study, I carefully asked her if she thought Dutch Sheets was a true prophet? Now remember, our Church is a Church where Amir Tsarfati has come to preach on several occasions, and we know how he feels about modern day false prophets, and why! I wanted to be Light in the moment, and not a downer for the poor woman, and Jesus was faithful. Open your mouth and speak, the Bible says, and the Holy Spirit will give you the Words. I was able to explain to her that this “prophet” she was quoting, doesn’t happen to believe in a literal 1000 year reign of Christ. And it went from there... Sometimes you have to be Light, right in your own Church. That’s too much pressure!! Not today. Thank-you Jesus. I suspect we have to be Light, His Light, no matter where it leads us. False teaching right in the Church, and a good Church at that, is particularly annoying. 🌻
I’ve never heard of Dutch Sheets?
Hi Kari, that’s because he is Amillennial and you travel in very different circles. But he is very popular, among Christians, good Bible believing Christians, many of them in Texas, who hang on every word he says. And there are many of them. He is just the tip of the iceberg.... He has a huge following, as does Lance Wallnau, the guy Jimmy just did an interview with on Daystar, that Steve sent out. That interview was a miracle, in my eyes. It literally, got the Word out, to a community in the Church, that desperately needs it. The Lord just totally took over. Go Jimmy!🌻
Thank you for sharing Kris… I feel out of touch sometimes with other views. I’m so focused on learning & studying what God is teaching me here—and the comfort I receive living in all this craziness. It feels like a daily water hydrant here on TP. I try to keep up but this helps a ton. I’ll hunt for that link that Steve shared … love u sister💛
Hi Kari, oh yes I get that. I would not know much about them either, except in 2019-20 I was invited on to a prayer call by a good friend of mine from Texas. We prayed daily, about 20 of us, from all over the Country, mostly about the election, however the Lord was leading. It was good at first, until they became more and more glued to these “prophets” for what they should pray. I began to get uncomfortable, and was eventually kicked off the prayer call (I was not the only one) for not having the same views (Amillennial) and for not believing in the “prophets” even when they were wrong.... In retrospect, it was a real learning experience that I never want to repeat, as it became all too obvious that they were willing to listen to the “prophets” before the actual Word of God. Trump didn’t win, and the “prophets” made many excuses why they had been wrong, although some did repent for leading people astray. These ”prophets” were literally all Amillennial. I learned from them, to stay away. They are, however, part of the Body of Christ. And I greatly admire Pastor Jimmy for mixing it up with them. I pray the Lord will bring something good out of his good intentions with them. 🌻
Thank you Kris… I remember you going through this. That’s where we came up with if it sounds wonky it’s wonky!
You know your the light when the only neighbor you speak with tells your adult children that you talk about God to much. I love God with all that I am and Love sharing his story and what's going on that reviles his Truth in today world. I am the Daughter of God and there I will always stand on his Rock of salvation.
Hi Gayla, your story sounds all too familiar. I’ve learned that the only answer for this type of situation is to pray for your neighbor(s), family, friends and enemies and if they remain resistant give it to God.
I live in a close, congested neighborhood. During my short time living in the neighborhood I’ve witnessed a lot of pure evil (cultic) spiritual warfare like nothing that I’ve ever seen before.
As Pastor Greg Laurie stated in his read, that I might just be the only Christian in my neighborhood. I’m not sure but I believe that I’m the minority among my neighborhood. None the less, hopefully the constant neighborhood monitoring of my unconditional representation of being a devoted Christian will hopefully be a persistent reminder to them that they too can enjoy the same inner peace, strength and happiness through believing in the salvation through our Lord Jesus. Amen.
All that I can say to this is AWESOME!!! So well said !!! Thank you!
You know we are the light and salt when a neighbor who says they are Christian complains to your adult children you talk about God to much and what's taking place in our world. I relocated my family and don't know anyone where I live and this is the only neighbor I speak with because the others live in fear of Covid and took the jab and don't want to be around those who didn't. So she was it and now it's just God, myself and family. I personally Love talking about our Father in Heaven and yet I find people have closed their ears and hearts to Truth. Sad to say the least yet as for me and my family we will serve our Lord Forever.
Thank you for the exhortation, Pastor Greg. I've been thinking about this for a while and trying to figure out specifically what and how to be/say/act around my coworkers to be salt and light. I work from home in Tech and have meetings/calls with some extremely smart and educated engineers who design microprocessors. I've been seeking to build relationships with my colleagues and look for opportunities to bring up my faith with them. Often, fulfilled prophecy in current events is a topic I've used to broach the subject - but in all honesty very few have responded with heightened interest.
So, I'm looking for practical ideas on how to be more effective in piquing interest in Jesus, and I'd love it if our TP community would POST STORIES, PHRASES AND IDEAS FOR RAISING THE SUBJECT OF JESUS OUT OF THE BLUE that have been fruitful. I hope this will prove helpful for all of us to be saltier salt, and brighter light in our personal spheres of influence.
This is slightly more indirect but perhaps doing some devoted prayer time before your calls to invite the Holy Spirit to speak through you. Jesus didn’t have to bring up his own name to have power (his name didn’t have any back then) but his presence and truth is what brought people to God and also to want to be around him. Praying for you brother!
Wow Buddy! What a message, and a great way to challenge everyone here in our thinking and ministries to others! I've learned so much from so many other people just in the ways they have impacted me.
I think the best thing I can add here that has really made a difference to others is the same thing that changed me...and that is being transparent and openly admitting and showing my brokenness. Seeing and hearing my pastors (PJimmy is amazing at this!) tell their honest stories of struggles throughout life made me realize that it is okay to be broken and humble. Hearing others be honest and tell their failures and challenges brings comfort to everyone and disarms their defenses, leaving only honest, heartfelt, and comfortable communication that leads to humility and worship, right?
So that is what I find the most powerful. I'm amazed at how the Holy Spirit just fills every heart and corner of the room when I am honest, and even a little emotional. I learned that it was okay to just be me, from every person I consider my pastor or mentor. :) Talk about the hard stuff!
Another great door-opener is playing your favorite worship music softly...that has opened a lot of doors for me. Can't wait to hear some other ideas!
You're right on, Steve! This takes all the burden of "image management" off of us and replaces it with an authenticity that is virtually non-existent in our Facebook "look at me!" culture. Very refreshing, and should at least give others pause when they see it.
Thank you for your crucial reminder!
Man, this is good stuff right here! Where have you been at all this time brother?! You have the gift of inciting some deep thinking and growing...we need more of that!
Thank you for the kind words, and for inciting me to take inventory of how I minister Sir!
LOL! Just taking your advice, Steve!
I've been in the community for a while now, but I recently got around to finding where I could fix my name in my profile, which used to use my legal name and last initial of "Albert S".
I am impressed with the collective experiences and perspectives of our TP community and hope to invite folks to share more that can be of help to all of us... to be an ecclesia.
People also ask whats wrong with people now?
That can launch into the Bible's description and prophecy:
2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
Hi Buddy
I think world events (the major birth pains) are a built in springboard. Some People see there's smthg happening in the world.
This is what I have said:
can u believe what's happening?
People are acting more wild, the droughts , they're committing crime brazenly, the war in Ukraine, everything's so expensive now , inflation , gas , all the wildfires, people are very selfish now.
(Also in my neck of the woods there aren't enough nurses to staff the ERs)
Well some Christians say its the endtimes and I believe it. The Bible predicts all of this.
Then I talked about the birth pangs.
I didn't convince them but it started a discussion.
After reading every article I can’t wait for the conference in September. How blessed we are to have such Godly , wise ,Men to share their beliefs with us . I love every article I read on here . Let’s go out and be the salt and the light ❤️
Thank you for this encouragement! A while back I started saying God bless you to people who served me in restaurants or stores. For the most part the reactions were very positive and appreciated. Since doing that it has made it easier for me to actually share Christ with strangers through the power of the Holy Spirit. Actually it was just to a guy who asked for some money to buy lunch and I asked him if I could pray for him and he said yes. So he heard the plan of salvation and now I have someone else to pray for. It was so exciting!!!