How to Evangelize the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Many people ask me how I know how to Evangelize. Here's my reply...

I begin each day by prayerfully, reading and searching God's will through His Word. For as long as it takes, I ABIDE IN GOD THROUGH HIS SON JESUS CHRIST BY HIS SPIRIT OF TRUTH."

By doing so, God continually reminds me to STOP LOVING THE WORLD & MYSELF. (Starting out with the world takes my eyes off of God and my heart away from Him-causing my heart to focus on something other than His will for me).

Afterward, I go out into the world TO CARRY OUT HIS WILL & DEMONSTRATE HIS GREAT LOVE FOR THE LOST & HURTING. (God uses specific instructions from His Word to show me how to complete my next task. Then, His Spirit leads me to a particular person in need).

PLEASE NOTE THAT...When we try to fabricate a reason to share the Gospel, the desire comes from our own flesh! Our efforts are meaningless to the other person and to God! But, when we abide in Christ and Christ in us first, God will stir up our souls with an earnest yearning to see lost souls saved."

Excerpt Taken from-Lamp and Light, The Society for Distributing Hebrew Scriptures

Apologies From a Repentant Christian Audio Version ~Testimony~

August 25, 2012: My Personal Journal Entry: God was at the Harvest Christian Crusade-How He loves Us!

God Almighty, You are Holy and worthy to be praised! For the past two weeks, I’ve felt an overwhelming desire to attend my first Christian crusade. I first heard about the upcoming event over the radio. “I’ve never been to a crusade before, I thought to myself. What an incredible opportunity to witness others accepting the biblical message of the Gospel on such a large-scale." I thought. 

Not before long, I found myself sitting at my computer, searching online for more information about the event. My favorite Christian bands were scheduled to perform. What's more, the entire event was free and right next to our Trailer RV Park! "I'm going!" I thought.

As the hours passed, I encouraged my young son and husband to attend the crusade with me. My heart grew with excitement each time my son and I visited the Harvest Crusade website online. I couldn't wait!

Today, we all attended the event as a family. My husband, our youngest child and I packed our car with sunblock and baseball hats. We left hours before the gates were expected to open. I wanted to be certain that we would get seats.

We were right to arrive hours before the event began. Long lines of eager believers and unbelievers waited to enter the stadium. For hours, we waited patiently, sometimes impatiently in the hot sun. I passed the time imagining that we were all eagerly waiting to enter the gates of heaven. At 4:15 p.m the gates opened.

After wandering around for 15 minutes, we took our seats, off to the left of the stage and under an awning. We still had another hour and a half to wait before the event would begin. I amused myself by taking the time to look around the stadium. I noticed that the outside temperature had remained warm and comfortable, even as the sunshine turned to starlight. I also prayed silently. Then, my husband and I enjoyed eating polish sausage dogs while Travis devoured two regular hot dogs.

In the moments just before the event started, I shared my personal testimony with the couple sitting to my left. It was her first time at a crusade too. Even more amazing, only one week prior, she had surrendered her heart to Your Son, Jesus Christ. Time passed quickly as we excitedly spoke about our love for our Savior!

Soon, the first Christian artist began to play. I had never heard of this band. I tried to sing along to the worship lyrics that appeared on the stadium-sized television screen. Then, after three or four songs, the next band began to perform. Once again, several unfamiliar songs! Some people sitting around my seat tried to sing along, while others stood in silence, arms raised to heaven. Could they have been waiting for just one familiar worship song too?

Suddenly, a third and more well-known band took the stage. "Certainly, I'll know these songs." I thought. Then, I reminded myself that I wasn't there just for the music. I was ultimately there to worship You. So, once again, I sang along to the notes of the songs the best I could.

Within the first few notes of the third song, I felt my heart leap with joy. A familiar melody! Others must have recognized the song too, because soon and in almost in complete unison, the stadium echoed with thousands of voices singing praise to You. Such perfect harmony!

That same warm wind now carried the sound of our voices singing the words, "Oh, how He loves us so. Oh, how He loves us. How He loves us so." The melody flowing through me, welling my eyes with tears. Simultaneously, the giant sized Angel's Stadium sign caught my eye. As I sang, I started to wonder if real angels in heaven could be singing along too." Overwhelmed, the tears rolled down my cheeks. Wiping tears, many tears, I turned to my right to look at my young son's face. I noticed that Travis was also sharing an intimate moment of worship with You. Quickly, I grabbed my camera and did the best I could to capture the moment on film.

            During the drive home, my heart marinated in the entire event. Surprisingly, I realized that my favorite moment of the entire night wasn't the moment that I had expected. I had thought that witnessing thousands of lost and hurting people accepting Jesus Christ into their hearts would leave a lasting impression. But instead, my favorite moment occurred during that sweet song when thousands of hearts joined together to worship to You, our Father in Heaven! Oh How You deserve to hear such joyful praise! Thank You LORD, for loving me so!

He is jealous for me, loves like a hurricane, I am a treeBending beneath the weight of His wind and mercyWhen all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictionsEclipsed by glory and I realize just how beautiful You areAnd how great Your affections are for meAnd oh, how He loves us, ohOh, how He loves us, how He loves us all

He is jealous for me, loves like a hurricane, I am a treeBending beneath the weight of His wind and mercyWhen all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictionsEclipsed by glory and I realize just how beautiful You areAnd how great Your affections are for meOh, how He loves us, oh, how He loves usOh, how He loves

And we are His portion and He is our prizeDrawn to redemption by the grace in His eyesIf His grace is an ocean, we're all sinkingAnd heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kissAnd my heart turns violently inside of my chestI don't have time to maintain these regretsWhen I think about the wayOh, how He loves us, ohOh, how He loves us, how He loves allHow He loves

Yeah, He loves us, oh, how He loves usOh, how He loves us, oh how He loves
Oh, I love
Yeah, He loves us, yeah, He loves us
How He loves us, oh, how He loves us all

David Crowder - How He Loves Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

February 4, 2012 God answers my prayer and makes it snow in Texas

Wonderful, Glorious God, Immediately when I woke up this morning, I glanced at my prayer board. Underneath the puffy cloud shaped “John 3:16,” I noticed my biological dad’s name. I smiled. Another reason to praise Your name.

 As You know, a little under two years ago, You reunited me with the man I called “Dad” as a child. Today, I find myself pondering how rapidly and effortlessly we connected after not having spoken one word to each other for 23 years. And, I am convinced that it was You Who orchestrated that treasured moment.

One day, a thought popped into my head. “Your dad is probably on Facebook.” Then, all I had to do was type his name on the computer screen before I found myself staring at my estranged biological dad’s picture online. The ease of finding him after all the failed attempts throughout the years leaves me feeling baffled.

In that very moment, I reached out to him. Over the computer, I wrote a few lines at best. He immediately responded. Soon, we were on the phone, chit chatting and making up lost time. I was amazed to hear that he had experienced a heart attack just a few months prior. I wonder, “Was I sent to proclaim the Gospel to him?” What perfect timing!

Like all the other hurting souls You had led me to before, my biological dad did not know You. Perhaps that is why You seemed to waste no time in displaying Your power and might.

 I remember one particular moment well. It arose from a light banter email. I had inquired about the weather conditions in my dad’s home state.  I asked, “How are you doing? Any snow?” He replied with a quipping remark, “Snow?  Right now, it’s 88 degrees and sunshine.  The coldest we have had is two days under freezing around 5 AM in the morning.  I think the last time we had any measurable snow was last year, so we are good for another 29 years.” 

I laughed at his sarcasm. Then I thought, “What if I prayed for snow? Surely, then he’d believe in You.”  So, I prayed, “Loving Father and loyal friend, my dad doesn’t seem to know You. Could You please make it snow in his hometown? I do not pray this for my glory, but so that he may come to know You as I have, powerful and mighty to save. Through Jesus, I pray. Amen.”

A few days later, I received another email from my biological dad which said, “Well, I guess that He is making His presence known in a way that can't be ignored. The forecast was for a light dusting of snow, but as you can see in the pictures, it’s not that light.  Haven't seen something like this in Texas in the last 20 years, and from what I understand from the weather reports, we are due for more of the same next week.  I realize that I am stubborn about some things, but I don't believe He needed to go to this extreme to make His presence known in my life. In view of what has happened over the last few months, the many changes, our connection, and the uncertain future, I can believe that I cannot do anything alone anymore.”

I began to cry. Could his heart be yielding to You?  My soul responded to the moment causing me to fall to my knees. I bowed to You in humble adoration, and began to weep. “You are a mighty Father! What a glorious God I serve!” I prayed.

December 19, 2011 Journal Entry. How God led me to write

Precious Savior, the stories of my life have become so incredible that I fear no one will ever believe me. Yet, through Your Word, You repeatedly remind me to write about all the good You have done. Each time my Bible continually falls open to the book of Job and I read, “Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were printed in a book!”  Job 19:23 KJV  I feel compelled to write. Perhaps no one but me will ever read about the events of my life. Even so, I will have done what I felt You instructed me to do. And, I'll have a record of my journey with You and a reminder of Your constant, unfailing and faithful guidance!

Today, I find myself writing about the events of this past week, that have once again, filled my heart with joy.  It all started one day when our now seven-year-old son, Travis blurted out, "I miss my friend." I knew right away that he was speaking about a teenage foster girl who used to live down the street from us. Each day, the beautiful thirteen-year-old girl walked up the street to our home and brought with her all the squealing excitement of any typical teenager. Within a few visits, she had become family.

For hours, the young girl and my son would sit right next to one another while playing video games and watching television shows. After several visits, we began to anticipate her arrival after school. Each day the same routine. She’d enter our home, offer hugs and kisses, open the refrigerator, get a snack and plop down on the couch, remote in hand. Her laugh was contagious! Travis and I couldn’t help but giggle too!

            Sadly one day, the young girl said she was moving to a new foster home. Troubles had mounted at her current home. Then without notice, she was gone without even a chance to say, “Goodbye.” We had lost a good friend. Months passed since we had seen the sweet young girl. Although I had heard that she moved north. But, I wasn’t told where. So, I prayed her where, hoping that one day, we’d meet again. This week, Travis mentioned how he had grown lonesome for his friend.

Simultaneously, my husband called home to announce his next weekend visit. During our conversation, LeeRoy described a longing of his own. Our rescued Chihuahua, Grace, had been spending long hours alone in our new trailer. The demands of his workload had mounted.  “Perhaps we should consider rescuing another dog as a companion for Grace.” I thought as I began to search online for possibilities. Sticker shock! Maybe this was a bad idea after all.

Unsure of Your will, I said a prayer asking for guidance. “LORD, could You be leading us to adopt another dog?" Soon, my mind occupied with thoughts of bringing another homeless puppy into our lives. I had almost completely forgotten about how my young son’s heart was missing that sweet foster child.

A few more days of searching online and soon I had found a puppy in our price range. When I called the number and spoke with the owner of the dog, I immediately felt at ease. She said, "We provide foster care to dogs. My husband and I work with a program called 'Heaven Help Us.' You can see the dogs we have up for adoption if you want. Our home is easily identifiable by the Nativity Scene on the front lawn. We're believers."  Happily, I made an appointment to choose a puppy.

On the day of the appointment, the woman and I shared a few laughs and some tears as I shared my personal testimony. While we spoke, a gentle small and frail puppy approached my side. I picked her up and cuddled her as I spoke to the woman. By the end of the conversation, I just knew. I didn’t have to choose a puppy. The puppy had chosen me.

            As we said our "Goodbyes,” the woman spoke about their other ministry as foster parents to children. She said, “We currently have one teenage foster child, but she will be leaving soon. She is returning home to live with her grandmother next week." I blurted out, "Is her name…?" Amazed, the woman asked, "How could you have known that?" I told her, "God brought the young girl into our lives too and lately, we’ve really missed her. I know I’ve only been walking with Jesus for a few years now, but He seems to orchestrate incredible moments just like this all the time!"

I couldn’t wait to share all that had happened with Travis.  For a couple of days, we waited in suspense to return to the foster home.  Our sweet joyful friend answered our knock upon the door. She immediately threw open her arms. Tearfully and joyfully, we reconnected with the foster child and received our new puppy. 
“You never cease to amaze me Father God! Your ways are so far above my ways! Thank You for this day! And thank You for the sweet new companion for Grace. Your concern for all of us is a very special gift indeed!

November 25, 2011 Journal Entry. Father God, even in this upside down world, Your plans are always good.

Holy and Mighty God, on this last day of our vacation, my heart fills with joyful anticipation. My husband has planned yet another surprise trip for our family.  Oh, how I love when You place a desire on my husband’s heart! 

Early this morning, LeeRoy told me that even before we arrived, he had asked his co-workers if they knew of a nearby site that Christians must see. One of his coworkers suggested a climbing trip to a local monument where another believer had spent much of his life creating a tribute to You.  Without hesitation, LeeRoy began to coordinate a day trip for our family.  I practically jumped out of his moving truck to witness the mighty Words of the Bible painted upon the mountainside.  

The Lord's Prayer

 I was still feeling bewildered by my husband’s sweet attempt to please me when he joyfully grabbed my hand and walked by my side as we slowly climbed the mountain and read scripture together.  I captured the moment on film as we enjoyed “Salvation Mountain,” as it is called. In my heart, I couldn’t help but offer You thanks yet again. I softly prayed, “Father God, even in this upside down world, Your plans are always good. You seem to know just how to demonstrate Your majesty. Thank You for all the activities You planned for us as a family this week. I know now, that Your love is what has sustained my marriage. And, I pray that this love will always be painted upon my heart. Amen.” 

November 23, 2011 Journal entry. God's Plans are Always Perfect!

Dear God, You are essential, absolutely and exceptionally good! What a day it has been!  While my husband and I bathed like ancient kings and queens in the park’s free heated natural springs, our youngest son, Travis played for hours in his own warm 90-degree pool. Doves, many doves, perched and cooed in the palm trees above where we bathed. Such a sweet sound to my ears! I lost count as to how many of my favorite feathered friends had drawn near.  At one point, my heart became so overwhelmed with Your goodness, I thought it might burst. Under my breath, I quietly whispered, “It’s too much Father. Your love is too much for me to handle! I can barely soak it all in.”  

Then, as if to lavish even more love, You had my husband offer to take Travis and me for a ride in a dune-buggy. “You’ll have to visit the natural caves nearby.” The dune-buggy owner exclaimed as we signed the rental agreement.

Soon, we arrived at the caves the man had spoken about. My imagination began to run wild as biblical stories seemed to come alive. As I stood before the large natural rock dotted with shallow caves, I just knew that You were offering me an unforgettable experience!

In that moment, I shared with LeeRoy and Travis that Your only Son Jesus was more likely born in a cave rather than in a wooden manger. To my surprise, the two of them swiftly ran to one of the caves and curiously began exploring together, while I remained by the buggy staring at a series of caves along a cliff face. Swept up by the moment, I began to envision wondrous bible stories where dens and caves served as dwellings places of refuge and as ancient tombs. I shook my head, as I realized I could never have planned a moment such as this. All of our hearts stirred up for You simultaneously? Truly You have plans for our lives together. Plans to bring us closer together as we try our best to follow You.  I love You Lord! Thank You for this day! 

July 25, 2011 Journal Entry. Who am I that You should count me worthy to serve You?

Father God, as I sit here today, Your Word resting in my hands, I begin to wonder, “Who am I that You should count me worthy to serve You?” Your holiness is beyond comprehension.  When I compare myself to the character of Your Son Jesus, I feel unfit for service. I know that Your Word says that Your Spirit dwells within me. And, therefore, I can do all things. But, sometimes, insecurity plagues my heart. I am reminded of my life before You and suddenly, my heart fills with sadness. Sovereign LORD, You are my strength, my joy, and my heart. Please, Father; give me the courage to face my doubts and fears today. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 

Dusting off my Journal!

On October 20, 2008, I found myself at life’s great crossroad. To the left, a wide and familiar path filled with the hustle and bustle of many travelers. To the right, a narrow road less traveled that would lead me to places beyond my greatest imagination. 

In the flash of a second, I'd make a decision. I'd leave the life I was comfortable with to take the road less traveled. With every step, I would walk on the heels of my new Savior, Jesus Christ. And, even though I'd soon discover just how difficult the Christian walk is, I'd also find the peace that comes from knowing that the Author of Creation was always with me. 

For over eight years, God has written stories on my heart. I pray that each of these journal entries demonstrates His guidance, intervention, and power in the life of a lowly believer. Thank you for taking this journey with me. I'll be praying for you!

Goodbye Hypocritical Christian! Hello True Believer in the only Jewish Jesus Christ

To read how I first surrendered my heart to Christ, please click here: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Merry Christmas- With Love, The Young's

The Joy of Christmas Lasts All Year!

To read this author's personal testimony please go to:

http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Palm Sunday to a New Believer

Jesus Weeps

Today, while in church, our Pastor read an account of Palm Sunday found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 19 verses 28-48. The pastor's message was clear. Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah and He had come to fulfill prophesy and save the lost.

Since I accepted Jesus Christ back in 2008, I had heard this message several times before. Still, I tried my best to pay attention. I had hoped to hear Luke's account in a new and fresh way. But, as the pastor spoke about the lowly colt and how Christ willingly laid down His life, my eyes were drawn to one particular verse, Luke 19:41. Soon tears were steadily rolling down my cheeks as I read, "Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it." (Luke 19:41 NKJV). My Lord and Savior was weeping and I was shedding tears with Him.

Many hours later, I opened my bible to spend some quiet time with my Lord. As I read, I felt God open the eyes of my heart a little wider. The pages had settled on 2 Chronicles chapter 7. I began to read,

"When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house. 3 When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying:

"For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever."

I began to think about all that this chapter implied. Approximately, one thousand years prior, Solomon had built a house for God. God chosen people were rightfully worshipping and praising Him. Now, His children were so blinded by their sin they couldn't even recognize His holy presence walking among them. For a moment, I was filled with judgment. Then, suddenly, I was reminded of my own past rebellion. For many years, I too had run from the presence of God. And, I had chosen to walk in the darkness of my own pride and arrogance.

I bowed my head and began to pray. "Thank You Father God for the second chance You gave me through Your Son, Jesus Christ." Once again, I was wet with tears as I questioned, "My Savior, Jesus Christ, where would I be without You?"

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

To read this author's personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Oh, How God loves us!

Recently, I felt an overwhelming desire to attend a crusade. "What an incredible opportunity! How often can a believer witness others accepting the biblical message of the Gospel on such a large-scale?" I thought as my Pastor spoke about the upcoming event during one Sunday service." I strongly recommend that you attend at least one crusade during your life." He urged. Then, he proceeded to recount memories from his first Christian crusade. "Perhaps, I should attend." I thought. "After all, I have been calling myself an Evangelist lately."

Soon after returning home from church, I sat at my computer and searched online for more information about the event. Right away, I noticed that my favorite Christian bands were scheduled to perform. What's more, the entire event was free! "I'm going!" I thought.

As the next few months passed, I encouraged my young son and husband to attend the crusade with me. My heart grew with excitement each time my son and I visited the Harvest Crusade website  http://www.harvest.org/. I couldn't wait!

On the day of the event, my husband, our youngest child and I packed our car with sunblock and baseball hats. We left hours before the gates were expected to open. I wanted to be certain that we would get seats.

Harvest Crusade 2012

We were right to arrive hours before the event began. Long lines of eager believers and unbelievers waited to enter the stadium. For hours, we waited patiently, sometimes impatiently in the hot sun. I passed the time imagining that we were all eagerly waiting to enter the gates of heaven. At 4:15p.m the gates opened.

After wandering around for 15 minutes, we took our seats, off to the left of the stage and under an awning. We still had another hour and a half to wait before the event would begin. To pass the time, I looked around the stadium. I noticed that the outside temperature had remained warm and comfortable, even as the sunshine turned to starlight. I also prayed silently. Next, my husband and I enjoyed eating polish sausage dogs while our young son devoured two regular hot dogs.  Then, in the moments just before the event started, I shared my personal testimony with the couple sitting to my left. Time passed quickly!

Soon, the first Christian artist began to play. I had never heard of this band. Yet, I tried to sing along as the worship lyrics appeared on the stadium sized television screen. Then, after three or four songs, the next band began to perform. Once again, several unfamiliar songs! Some people sitting around my seat tried to sing along, while others stood in silence, arms raised to heaven. Could they have been waiting for just one familiar worship song too?

Suddenly, a third and more well-known band took the stage. "Certainly, I'll know their songs." I thought. But, the first two songs were unfamiliar to me. By now, I figured that I was ultimately there to worship God. So, once again, I sang along to the notes of the song the best I could.

Suddenly, a new song began to play. Within the first few notes of this song, I felt my heart leap with joy. A familiar melody! Others must have recognized the song too, because soon and in almost in complete unison, the stadium echoed with thousands of voices singing praise to God. Such perfect harmony!

Then, that same warm wind carried the sound of our voices singing the words, "Oh, how He loves us so. Oh, how He loves us. How He loves us so." The melody flowed through me as my eyes welled with tears. Simultaneously, the giant sized Angel's Stadium sign caught my eye. As I sang, I started to wonder if real angels in heaven could be singing along too." Overwhelmed, the tears rolled down my cheeks. I wiped the tears from my cheeks and turned to my right to look at our young son. I noticed that he too was sharing an intimate moment of worship with God. Quickly, I grabbed for my camera and did the best I could to capture the moment on film. Wow!

A few days later, I found myself reminiscing over the entire event.  Surprisingly, I realized that my favorite moment of the entire night wasn't the moment that I had expected. I had thought that witnessing thousands of lost and hurting people accepting Jesus Christ into their hearts would forever refine my heart. But instead, my favorite moment occurred the second I first heard thousands of voices singing a song of worship to my Father in Heaven! Oh How He deserved to hear such praise! And Oh, how He loves us so!

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! To read this author's personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html