In synagogues and on beaches

Ever felt discouraged at the massive problems in this world in light of how little we can do to help them? I certainly do sometimes- but I'm getting over it. Here are a few thoughts... Everyone has a voice...That means I have a voice...Can they hear my little voice over the traffic of life in this crazy world?...Maybe my voice is heard even when I'm silent...If not proclaiming the name of Jesus with my little voice then what am I proclaiming? These are thoughts that have been coasting through and even stalling for a while in my cranium lately. At the center of all of these thoughts is one word- INFLUENCE. We all have it. Sometimes we use it well, sometimes we botch it up, and sometimes we trick ourselves into believing that we don't have it. I think that little voice I have in this world is really influence that has been given to me. I think everyone has it , but it's different. In the New Testament we read about Paul going into the synagogues and laying the metaphorical "smack down" on the smart dudes of the day. He was a Roman citizen AND a devout Jew and he was well schooled. That changed the degree of influence he had and the arena where he had it. My synagogue this week has been on beaches, boats, and on the dance floor. I am in Lake Tahoe California. I just performed a wedding ceremony (my first) for a friend. Those here in attendance are not believers and most have had a very judgemental, crusty, and impersonal look at Christ's bride, the Church. I have been given influence this week to speak and to live as a pastor and a firm believer that Christ is the only way to freedom. People seem quite surprised that I like to have fun, that I hit the dance floor after the wedding, and that I was able to talk about REAL things with them. Conversations have been great this week around the lake and it has been a huge honor to be the spiritual presence for George and Lindsay. I challenge you to this; find the places where you have influence and use that arena to proclaim the greatness and grace of God. You might not be Switchfoot, Billy Graham, or Mel Gibson, but take your little voice and speak the name of Jesus where you can. I take that back, LIVE the name of Jesus.