Ordinary Attempt #4 -- Bring Up Something Spiritual

Well, here we are, the final element that we are adding to our ordinary attempts -- looking for opportunities to add something spiritual to the conversations that you have with people.

What does that look like? Here's a simple example: You ask someone how they are doing, and as you listen they tell you that they are going through something hard. And so, you tell them you will pray for them. Maybe the next time you see them you ask them about their circumstance and tell them that you have been praying for them. In my experience people not only will not say no to your offer to pray for them. In fact, regardless of their faith background, people most often are blessed when you tell the that you are going to pray for them -- and even more blessed when you tell them you have done so.

That's just one example of how you might introduce something spiritual into your conversation with somebody. There are lots of other ways to do this -- it's Christmas time, use your imagination. Don't forget to have fun in the process, and don't forget that God is at work in all the places you where you engage people (before, during and after you get there).

I look forward to reading about your ordinary attempts to expose people to the reality that the Kingdom of God has come near to them.

Ordinary Attempt #3 -- Ask Somebody How They Are Doing (and listen as they tell you)

Maybe this one seems a little harder to you -- maybe it doesn't. Either way, I think this one is really important, and I think you will really enjoy it if you give it a try. Basically, all you need to do is ask somebody how they are doing. Not in a simple greeting thing, but in a way where you look them in the eye, ask them how they are doing, and then wait; wait until they have a chance to tell you how they are really doing.

Remember, God wants us to be apprenticed to him, to be his disciples, growing in intimacy with him so that we can know him in such a way that we can sense his leading and do things that demonstrate him to a world full of people whom he created in his image, who he loves, and who he wants to be in relationship with.

That’s why we are doing the ordinary attempts – noticing people God notices, praying to God for people who he created, asking someone how they are doing – and listening as they tell us, letting them know that someone is interested in them – in a busy world, it’s like offering them a cold cup of water – a little bit of the kingdom of God coming near them.

And that’s why it’s so important -- for the people you ask and for you to participate, to experience what God will do as you partner with him for the sake of the people he loves. It’s really about the love and the intimacy and the peace and hope that Jesus offers -- and allowing yourself to be a part of being a piece of that for people. Here's something to remember thought, as you step out into what might be some fear in doing this, Jesus will be with you with all power and authority, bringing to you a large chunk of that love, intimacy, peace and hope that you are bringing to others -- JUST BY ASKING THEM HOW THEY ARE?

That's cool. I look forward to reading your comments.