Living the Journey

What do you do when you reach a spiritual low point? How do you keep from becoming discouraged and losing heart? With passionate exhortation, practical application, and memorable illustrations, pastor Ken Pierpont of Evangel Baptist Church, unveils how glorifying God keeps us from burning out on the journey and allows us to enjoy life to the fullest.

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Most of us have heard the expression “nobody is perfect.” Yet Jesus gave us the command to “be perfect.” He made it even more precise by saying, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). How is this possible?

In the context of this command, we have its explanation. When we make eye contact with another person, we are to express the same warm, loving, enthusiastic greeting that we would show our best friend. This requires a cleansing of our hearts from all prejudices and judgment of outward appearances.

Remember that we have only one opportunity to make a first impression on each person we meet. That first impression is made in the split second that we first make eye contact.

Many people have low self-esteem. They reject certain unchangeable features and expect others to reject them as well. They live with the hurts of past rejections and are extremely sensitive when anyone shows signs of further rejection.

If they see us looking at them with a blank stare or frown, they will just assume that we are looking down on them, judging them, and rejecting or even despising them. However, if we give them a warm, loving smile and an enthusiastic nod of greeting, they will be surprised, encouraged, refreshed, and open to anything we want to say to them.

This “perfect” greeting communicates the love that God has for everyone: “For he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

The Greek word for greet (salute) indicates an embrace in the arms of our hearts. In order to do this consistently, we must develop hearts full of love for all people with the compassion of Christ and the desire to meet their needs.

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1. Before becoming the pastor of Evangel Baptist Church, Ken Pierpont helped many young men experience the power and presence of a living God through a Journey to the Heart. Last year he preached this passionate message at an IBLP staff meeting and it motivated me to memorize Psalm 145. I hope it encourages you also!

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Tom Harmon recently spoke at Evangel Baptist Church, where Ken Pierpont is now the Senior Pastor. Enjoy listening to this passionate, Scripture-filled message on prayer. Then go to your knees and spend some quality time entering into the presence of our awesome God!

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Asking sincere questions to learn more about a person expresses esteem and respect. It says, “You are important to me, and I want to become better acquainted with you.” Questions should be well thought out and tactfully asked. They should never be perceived as nosy or inappropriate. Here are a few suggestions.

“What is Your Name?”

The door to a person’s life is knowing his name and using it with respect and enthusiasm. Names are important to learn and remember. When someone gives you his name, find a way to remember it. Make a mental association, ask for a business card, or if necessary, write it out. Then use it in conversation and say it with delight the next time you meet him.

“Do You Know the Meaning of Your Name?”

Names have cultural meanings that can be given character applications. For example, Wayne comes from an Old English word that means “wagon.” The purpose of a wagon is to carry a load or lift a heavy burden. Therefore, we can attach this functional meaning to the name by telling Wayne that his name means “a lifter of burdens.” Books that provide this information are available. Get one and use it!

“If You Had a Five-Minute Interview With God and Could Ask Him Anything, What Would You Ask?”

This question really causes people to think. It puts them in a position of talking to God and thinking in terms of what God could do for them. It is actually based on Solomon’s experience. Often, a person will answer this by revealing his innermost concerns, questions, or desires. This may give you an opportunity to meet special needs in his life.

“How Can I Pray for You?”

Even an atheist may appreciate your desire to pray for him. Often, he will have health problems or loved ones that need God’s healing hand. You could explain that you have a group of friends who delight in praying for specific needs and watching God answer them. Most people are very open to someone who will pray for their specific needs, especially if he has obvious power to get requests answered.

“What Are You Saving Money For?”

This is a very effective question to ask store clerks, waiters, etc. They will often tell you about their family or their college plans and give you an opportunity to ask more questions If God directs you, give them some money for their “fund” along with a booklet such as The World’s Greatest Question.

“Could I Tell You About My Greatest Experience in Life?”

Prepare a one-minute testimony of how you came into a relationship with God. Use a four-point outline:

1. Your problem
2. Your attempts to solve it
3. God’s solution
4. The Results

The above was taken from the book “Anointed for Greater Works” by Bill Gothard, Ph.D., and is used with permission.

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