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Listen while you read: "There Is A Green Hill Far Away"1 (Lyrics) |
1 Peter 3:15 – But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (NIV)
Last fall, a bike ride ended in a visit to a coffee establishment that is close to my home. I left my bike unlocked as I sat enjoying my coffee at a table near a window. Usually, I take my helmet in with me, but for some reason, I hung it on the handle bars of the bike with my biking gloves. This, I believe, was a divine intervention by God, for if I had taken my helmet in and placed it on the table as I usually do, I believe that the following incident would not have taken place.
A couple came in, got their coffee, and sat at a table nearby, as they sipped their coffee and chatted. Then, I saw the man turn towards the window and look at my bike. He then turned to his wife and said, "I wonder which hot dog owns that bike," to which I quickly replied that I would be that person. A few moments of uncomfortable air hung between us, and then, God stepped in. I began to share all that Jesus had done for me in the previous sixteen months. I told them how I began taking care of myself better by going to aqua fitness, then added walking, and finally, as my health improved, I was able to bike. I found myself able to witness with confidence and boldness in a very uncomfortable situation. To be honest, it would normally have been much easier for me not to have stepped into their conversation and for me to have kept quiet. Stepping out of our comfort zone and into the will of Jesus, though, brings rewards much greater than my flesh wants for me.
Hebrews 13:20-21 – May the God of peace … equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV)
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for providing opportunities to share with others whom You place in our life. It is our desire to be servants and vessels of Yours to a world which does not yet know You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Wonderful challenge Julie.
I knew it had to be yours Julie!! Good one.
Dear Julie;
Beautiful devotional. Amen to your prayer.
Good morning, Julie: Thank you for that word of inspiration this morning.
Blessings on you.
Julie, I love your devotionals. Congratulations on another meaningful one. May God continue to bless you through your Ministry of writing to lead others to our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Isn’t it so true Julie that Our Lord has indeed already equipped us with all we need to serve him as He has planned! (Hebrews 13:20-21).
Blessings.
Julie, As you told the incident, I thought, “Oh no, her bike or her helmet might be snatched!” But as you related the chance to witness, I wondered if I would have the nerve to do the same. Thank you for encouraging us to share our witness. Blessings.
Dear Julie,
Thanks for your precious devotional. I’m glad you jumped out of your comfort zone and witnessed.
Enjoy your bike, your writing, and your witnessing. I pray that God will keep you at all three — for his sake and for yours.
Hi Julie, greetings in the all powerful name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Just popping by to let you know that l fully enjoyed your message.
l feel awkward at witnessing so found your message today most encouraging and I’m sure you were encouraged afterwards having witnessed to those people.
l pray that you will be richly blest this year.
God keep you and yours well.
(N. Ireland)
Hello Julie
Happy New Year!!!
Am happy to read your devotion this morning as am about to start a new term at my school and would be able to carry what I read to share.
I have told everyone that reading my daily devotion and keeping positive are the two things that helps me to live a better life and able to share that having Jesus in my life would shine out more and keep other people happy as well.
All the best to you and your family and looking forward to your inspirational devotion.
God’s Blessing,
(Trinidad)
Dear Julie,
I really liked your devotional from Yesterday.
Julie, what a tremendous story! Thank you for sharing this incident with us. I know that you have worked hard to take take care of yourself and have had many successes from the Lord. You were given the opportunity to share your witness with that couple and were found faithful. Praise God!
Good Evening Julie:
What a fantastic story. Amazing how our Lord places us in the right place at the right time. Without even guessing what a great opportunity you would have to witness for Him while sipping your coffee that morning, our Lord opened doors for you to intervene and share your story of life improvement, with His help and guidance, with the folks who, without knowing you, thought you were a hot dog. (I loved that)- You are a true soldier of the cross, keep up the good work in the name of the Lord.
Have a nice week and a wonderful year filled with blessings and the opportunity to tell others of His love, mercy and support.
Blessings.