Sunday, May 1, 2016

Journey Day 21, First, NOTICE

Acts 17:21 “People of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious …”  (read on to the end of the chapter)


This is a fantastic example of how the Apostle Paul entered into a situation as an outsider and, because he picked up on cultural cues was able to gently share the good news with the people of Athens without offending them. (THE good news here = the story of God in a way they would hear)

Today as you journey, be VERY aware of the people you see.  Notice what they need … what might be important to them.  Then your prayer focus for today needs to be, “Lord, how can I open up a conversation with this person about good news?”  Notice, Paul honors the people of Athens (actually the high-brow ones who love to argue philosophy and religion) by knowing their history and their poets and very gently respecting them.  

The point of this train of thought today is simple … notice what’s important to the people God puts in your way and begin to find appropriate ways to open the conversation with them.  This isn’t a conversation that needs to get “religious” or end in a decision. That’s none of your business.  Jesus walked this earth connecting with people.  That’s it.  Our first steps need to be 1. noticing, 2. actually caring about people and their needs and 3. opening (not necessarily finishing) a conversation with them.  

Maybe somebody you notice hasn’t had eye contact with somebody friendly in a month.  Maybe a nod or a smile will help someone feel like they matter.  Honestly, we are so stupid not to include these beginning steps. Just connect and let someone know that you notice them.  Period. 

Watch it, ladies … this might be more fun than you expect.  :)

“LORD Jesus, we need to see people like you do.  Help us notice cues … a baby stroller, a tricycle, an access ramp to a home, a beware of dog sign … help us to see first!  We need to notice the people you show us.”


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