Living the Journey

As I came away from this Journey to the Heart, I was a little worried. I didn’t feel a whole lot different than when I had gone.  Had I just wasted a week and a half of my life?  Was I really too far gone to be responsive to the Lord?  Sure, I had asked for anointing, but was that because everyone else was doing it?  But now, two days after coming home, I do indeed see what God has done in me.

First, God healed my thought life.  I hadn’t noticed the change, because I simply wasn’t thinking the thoughts I had been struggling with.  They had disappeared so completely that I forgot that they even existed in the first place.

Second, a desire to meditate and study came over me, and a sense of the futility of the pleasures of this world.  The company I work for hosts a picnic with all sorts of games every July.  But this year, as I wandered around, I felt the emptiness of it all.  I felt extremely bored and wished I had brought my Bible so I could study it.

Third, I am really excited about the work of God and His people.  I want to get involved in an even deeper way than before.  I want to have good Christian fellowship every day.  I enjoy discussing God’s Word and His Work with fellow believers.

I wish that all of my friends would go on a Journey.  I am eager to go again and see how much deeper I can dive into God’s Word.  But in the mean while, I will keep meditating.  This Journey was a springboard for me, and I intend to keep growing.

~ Allen
July 2008 Guys’ Journey

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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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