"Be ready always
to give an answer
to every man that asketh you
a reason of the hope
that is in you . . ."
1 Peter 3:15
Last week, I had the blessing of the alternator in my car failing.
The auto shop owner was kind enough to have one of his employees drive me home.
He was a polite young man in his late twenties, and we talked superficially for a just few moments until he found out I was a pastor.
His face changed, and he became very serious.
I was thinking that either this was someone who had a real problem with Christians . . .
OR
This was someone who needed to talk.
Turns out, he needed to talk.
I only live about 5 miles from the shop, but we spoke for another 15 minutes in my front yard about God, and Faith, and where to turn in the Scriptures for assurance and comfort.
Stemming from what would usually just be a frustrating mechanical failure, this unlooked-for conversation was the best and most profitable part of my whole day.
Are you looking for opportunities to have a profitable conversation about the Lord?
There are many of the Lord’s little lambs who are struggling, and you may have the opportunity to minister to one of them through an encouraging conversation about the Lord.
Are you willing to speak?
Are you prepared to speak?
Do you feel unqualified?
If you have kids or grandchildren, do you ever feel unqualified to speak about them?
Of course not.
Because you know them, and you love them.
If you love the Lord and you know Him, then you have a solid starting point.
Build on that point as you grow in the knowledge of his Word.
You never know when the Lord will bless you with the opportunity to speak of him.
It may be the best part of your day.
Today's Reading
1 Peter 3:8-17
8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
A Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I praise you for your goodness and mercy to me each day of my life.
Please give me an opportunity to minister to one of your children today.
Help me to have the courage to speak up and boldly declare the truth about your Son, Jesus, and to share what great things he has done for me.
In Jesus's Precious and Holy name, I pray.
Amen.
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