Discipleship

what is evangelism and how to share Jesus with an un-believer

What is Evangelism? + How to Share Jesus when it’s Uncomfortable

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If, as a Christian, you wonder, “What is evangelism?” or how to tell others about Jesus, how to share Jesus with a non-believer or someone different from you, how to share Jesus when it’s uncomfortable, or by door-to-door evangelism, you’re not alone. We’ve asked all those questions, too. In this blog post, we’ll share stories from personal experience in evangelism, including how to share Jesus when it’s uncomfortable, to help answer your questions. href=”https://leannahollis.com/seven-evangelism-truths-every-christian-needs-to-know/”>/> What is evangelism?  Merriam Webster Dictionary defines evangelism as “the winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ.” Simply stated, evangelism is nothing more than sharing the good news of Jesus. How do we share Jesus with non-believers? Some people describe the process of sharing Jesus with others as “one beggar telling another beggar where to get bread,” specifically the bread of life. If we accept the dictionary definition of evangelism, we may assume our efforts have failed if those with whom we share Jesus do not make a commitment to Christ. Scripture, however, tells us some sow seeds, others water, and some harvest but all are a part of the evangelism effort which results in a believer’s commitment to Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:6-9)  Many people prefer to use a tract or an app to help them share the story of Jesus to a non-believer, and both can be very effective. They can be particularly helpful in situations where sharing Jesus is uncomfortable. In the early church, however, neither was an option. Instead, people practiced the kind of evangelism Jesus recommended in John 13:34-35. What is Evangelism? The Evangelism of Love “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 We prepare to share Jesus with a non-believer long before the first conversation with them. To practice John 13 evangelism, we begin with a choice to love our fellow believers in the same way Jesus loved us. This is not romantic or “good friend” love, but unconditional, agape love. Jesus loved us regardless of our flaws and differences and willingly died to save us from our sins, therefore we should do the same. We are to care for our fellow believers as if we were caring for ourselves or our family members and sacrifice when needed. In the years after Jesus’ returned to heaven, the disciples’ willingly died to defend His name. Their love for each other was so evident, people recognized them as Christians and would ask, “What does this mean?” The believers took every opportunity to share Jesus with non-believers, even when it was uncomfortable or dangerous. Despite the threat of arrest and imprisonment, they continued to share Jesus when it was difficult. It was hard to argue with such obvious love and, as a result, many people believed in Jesus and followed His ways. The love Jesus expected is deep and rare. The love Jesus intended His followers to demonstrate is deep, rare, and often stunning in a world consumed with self. If we want to know how to share Jesus with someone, especially with a non-believer who is different from us, or how to share Jesus when it’s uncomfortable, we can make a good start by involvement in a church, love for our fellow Christians, and prayer for those who don’t know our Savior. When someone asks, we simply tell them about Jesus and how He changed our lives. Truth, not a formula of special words, is the only requirement. The Evangelism of Prayer In Nottingham, England we partnered with a sister church for community-wide evangelism outreach. A woman there introduced me to a family friend who didn’t speak English. He attended their church often, drawn by the love and welcome he received, but he wasn’t a believer. Since the first step in any effort to share Jesus with a non-believer, especially if it is uncomfortable, Is always prayer, we stepped away and prayed for him immediately. We asked God to draw the man to Him, help him see the love of the church and their willingness to welcome him, and soften his heart to Jesus. We prayed he’d want the faith he saw in the church members. The Starting Point Why is prayer so important as a starting point before we share Jesus with a non-believer? Jesus said no one could come to Him unless the Father drew them.  We can’t interest someone in Jesus and we certainly can’t make them trust Him unless God is already at work in them. Our job in evangelism is not conviction over sin or to drag unwilling people to God. Our job is to pray for God to move and say what God gives us to say to the non-believer when He gives us an opportunity. The work of conviction and drawing belongs only to the Holy Spirit. A well-timed testimony of God’s faithfulness, an explanation of how we came to Christ, and an introduction to Scripture can all help as we share our faith with an unbeliever, including one who is different from us, or when it’s uncomfortable. We prepare through Bible study and understanding what we believe so we can answer questions from those who seek the truth of Jesus. When he/she asks, we take the time to answer, but love and pray first. Door to Door Evangelism: Our England team began each day with prayers for the community, specifically the housing complexes we intended to visit, and the non-believers we would meet. We prayed for grace to help us share Jesus even when it was uncomfortable. Afterward, we divided into teams for door-to-door evangelism. My job was to greet those who opened their door to us and make a quick acquaintance. My partner, a university student on holiday, used a Christian booklet to go deeper. He talked with them about the church and gained permission to ask a few questions about faith and belief. People didn’t hesitate to

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What Does it Mean to Be a Disciple of Jesus

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Have you ever wondered what does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus or how to follow Jesus as a disciple? Keep reading to find out what a disciple is and what a disciple does and doesn’t do, and the characteristics of a disciple of Jesus. One night at church, we gathered in small groups to pray. A woman in our group prayed the most striking, and oddly beautiful, prayer I’d heard in a while: “Thank you for putting up with our ridiculousness.” The prayer resonated in my heart at the time and it still does. “Ridiculous” is not a term of flattery. Unfortunately, I fear there’s more of it in all of us than we’d like to believe, especially when it comes to living as a disciple of Christ. As much as I hate to admit it, I know there’s far too much ridiculousness in me. What is a disciple? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a disciple is a follower of a teacher or leader and is one who assists in spreading and promoting the doctrines of the leader. A disciple spends time with the teacher and listens with rapt attention and the intention of learning what is taught. He (or she) makes an effort to be more like the teacher and to live out the way of life they are taught. The longer they are with Him, the more they develop the characteristics of a disciple of Jesus. What are the characteristics of a disciple of Jesus? Disciples are Learners: First, disciples learn how their teacher lives and the lifestyle He recommends, then they put what they’ve learned into action in their own lives. Disciples do what their masters do and teach. Jesus fasted, spent hours in quiet prayer and meditation with His Father, and loved sinners like us. He embraced the lost and the prodigals and called them to come home to their Heavenly Father. Jesus spent time with thieves, drunkards, and people trapped in all kinds of sexual sin. He loved them and when He told them to stop their sin they did. Many of these lost people had no “church” experience at all before they joined Him as a disciple. Instead, they figured out how to be a disciple of Jesus as they listened, watched Him, and did what He did. Loved as He loved. Forgave as fast as He forgave. Served with abandon and humility. First-century believers understood how to be a disciple of Jesus. They left their old lives behind and embraced the new lives Jesus offered. They tried to be like Him in every area. Theirs was not always an overnight, 100% perfect metamorphosis but there was an immediate change and progress over time. Why did they change? Because they knew they could trust Him. They knew He loved them as they were but wanted more for them. Jesus invited them to know their Heavenly Father, inspired them to choose a different life, and helped them to change. He had both the power to forgive sin and the willingness to forgive it. No matter how vile the sin. He still does. How to follow Jesus as a disciple? Say yes, not no. The people who were a part of the religious establishment heard Jesus’ words and said, “I’m not doing that. I like my life the way it is.” They did the “religious” things people could see – fast, go to church, make public donations – but they didn’t love the lost, embrace the unlovely or spend time with people trapped in a lifestyle of sin. They didn’t want to do any of those loving acts, so they didn’t. The Pharisees (the most religious people in the country) were hopelessly trapped in a lifestyle of prejudice, hate, and unrepentance. Worst of all, they wanted to stay trapped. I do not want to be a Pharisee, do you? I want to be the follower who says, “I’ll do whatever you do, Jesus,” but I wasn’t always that kind of person. There was a time when I was trapped in a sinful lifestyle. I was miserable but I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t happy. People probably didn’t want to spend much time with me for fear my sin would rub off on them. I thank God for the people who cared enough to point me to Jesus. They kept on pointing me to Him until I saw my sin as He saw it, repented, and asked Jesus to save me. I shudder to think where I’d be if a few followers of Jesus had not loved sinners like me. Love big and love all. Our world is full of people trapped in darkness, trudging through life with a crushing burden of sin. They need someone to love them out of the darkness and into the light but most of them don’t even know a life of light and love is possible. Unfortunately, many have experienced the judgmental, critical spirit so prevalent in the first century Pharisees. That same ugly spirit is alive and well in our day, too. It does not point them to Jesus, the Father, or His love. Instead, it offers only condemnation and rejection. In a world filled with darkness and hopelessness, we can be the light-bearers. The way-leaders. The hope-givers. If we follow Jesus as a disciple, we not only can be light-bearers, way-leaders, and hope-givers, we must be. It’s not optional. “Love your neighbor as yourself” means we love, even if our neighbor does things we don’t like. It means we love our neighbors even if we don’t like them. (Mark 12:31) “Take up your cross and follow Me” means we follow, even if we don’t like where Jesus wants us to go. (Luke 9:23) How to follow Jesus as a disciple? First, we must understand one basic principle: thehe life of a disciple is not about what we want or what the world offers. It’s about Jesus and what He wants. “Christian” and “disciple” should be

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how to have a blessed year and a blessed life

How to Have a Blessed New Year and How to Have a Blessed Life

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Have you wondered how to have a blessed life or how to have a blessed new year in an ever-changing, stress-filled world? Scripture offers ample guidance in how to have a blessed life, how to have a blessed year, and choose blessings through our actions and lifestyle. 1. Obedience Always Brings Blessings:  “It shall come about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul, that He will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late rain, that you may gather in your grain and your new wine and your oil. He will give grass in your fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied. Deuteronomy 11:13-15 In our society, the one who works hard and does the most gets the greatest blessings, or so we assume. According to Scripture, however, it’s the one who loves and obeys God the most who receives the greatest blessing, not the one who does the most or works the longest hours. Let’s take a closer look at the blessings promised in the verses above. Israel was an agrarian society. They grew the fruits and vegetables they ate and raised the livestock from which their dairy and meat came. Sufficient food (produce, dairy, and meat) depended on the early and late rains to grow and develop. Those life-giving rains would only come IF the people listened obediently (i.e. listened with the intent to obey), loved the Lord, and served Him with all their heart and all their soul. Obedience brings blessing. Disobedience does not. Ample rain was only the beginning of the blessing God had in store for those who loved and obeyed Him. Crops and livestock would not only survive but thrive. Harvests would be ample. The people would be satisfied with more than they needed. Imagine being satisfied with exactly what you have…no craving for more, better, different, newer. Satisfied. Content. Sounds good, right? Jesus confirmed the connection between obedience and blessing in his famous Sermon on the Mount. We choose blessings when we live the way God wants us to live. “For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?… Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all the things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:25, 32, 33 Again, if we focus on God’s kingdom and His righteousness (being right in God’s eyes), He will provide the food, drink, clothes, and everything else we need. How do we become right in God’s eyes? Know what He wants and do what He says. Listen obediently. Love and serve Him. It’s that simple. It’s that hard. The path to blessing is clear. Love and obey God in every area. 2. Right Words Matter: “To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:8-12 Speaking your mind may be celebrated in our society but in the Kingdom of God, restraint and care with words are both expected and required. Give a blessing to the person who insults you. Keep your tongue (words) from evil. Seek peace and pursue it. We can choose blessings with our words if we chose the right wor James 3:6 describes our tongue as a fire from hell, able to defile our entire life. If you’ve ever said something and wished you hadn’t, you know. If we want the blessing of “right” words, we must shun harsh, hurtful words. Instead, we must choose the right words and use them carefully. Peter’s words (above) suggest we are called to give a blessing of right words so that we can receive blessing in return. What blessing comes from “right” words? “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and His ears attend to their prayer.” God pays attention to us and listens to our prayers. Words matter. When we choose them well, a blessing is sure to follow. 3. The Blessing of Wisdom and Understanding: How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast. Proverbs 3:13-18 There’s no specific blessing for the person who knows the most facts or has the highest IQ. Instead, the blessing goes to the one who gains both wisdom and understanding. We gain godly wisdom and understanding by studying God’s Word in-depth and planting His Word in our hearts. (Bible study and Scripture memory) As a result, we learn to see ourselves, others, and society through the lens of God’s perspective. Blessings accompany wisdom and understanding in the form of long life, honor, peace, and contentment. This passage doesn’t promise great riches but the wealth of a life well-lived. Seeing things as God sees them brings the blessings money

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how to bless your clergy

How to Bless Your Pastor During Clergy Appreciation Month

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Are you wondering how to bless your pastor or other clergies during Clergy Appreciation Month?  We have suggestions for how to bless the ministers in your life. Read here to learn three (spiritual) things clergy members wish for and seven easy, tangible ways to bless your pastor or other clergies. Four Spiritual things Clergy Members Want  1. How to bless your pastor: Commit to discipleship We talked to a variety of ministers, from lead pastors to missionaries in the field. When asked what they’d like for Clergy Appreciation Month, every person said the same thing: surrender your life completely to the Lordship of Jesus. They want to see fruit from their labors in the form of repentant hearts, dedicated lives, and surrendered disciples. One pastor recently mentioned the more than fifty baptisms of all ages in his church in the last few months. Did he want more baptisms? No. He wants the changed lives and obedient hearts those baptisms represent. Although only God can draw a heart to Him, our job is to surrender to His call. Pastors wish more of us would be all-in. Jesus wants all-in disciples and pastors do, too. 2. How to bless your clergy: Respect their family time A pastor’s wife we spoke with wanted something every happily married wife wants: More quality time with her husband. She feels called to the role of pastor’s wife and she completely understands (and encourages) emergency calls at night and on days off but she wishes there were fewer routine calls after hours. If it can wait until the morning, let it. 3. How to bless your pastor and clergy: Choose words wisely One local church has a “no-gossip, no-murmuring” policy with which every new member must agree. Why? Gossip, grumbling, and backbiting will destroy the unity of a church faster than the enemy can say, “Gotcha.” Ministers and their families wish people would think before they speak and choose words designed to build unity and love. One grandmother said it best, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” Choose loving words, not harsh ones. 4. How to bless your ministers: Pray for them daily Those in ministry value the power of prayer and they pray regularly for those they serve. What they seldom say is they need your prayers as much (or more than) you need theirs. Pray for wisdom, faithfulness, discernment, and for love to abound. Bless your pastor (and your church) with God-sized prayers. Want ideas on how to pray? Check out this free printable Clergy Appreciation Month prayer calendar. Seven Easy, Tangible Ways to Bless Your Pastor during Clergy Appreciation Month: Not even one pastor wished for “stuff,” so we asked ministerial spouses for suggestions. Here’s their list of most-wanted items: Hand-written notes of encouragement. Bonus points if you include ways you’re praying for him/her. Hand-written notes/cards from your children. Invite them to your home with no expectations and use the time to get to know each other better, not to vent or complain about issues in the church. A gift card to a favorite restaurant with enough on the card for the entire family. Taking the children along gets expensive fast. Money or gift cards for books so they can buy the books/reference materials they need (not the ones you wish they’d read). Suggestions here include www.lifeway.com, www.christianbook.com, thriftbooks.com, or www.goodwillbooks.com/religion. Offer to babysit the children for a date night. Bonus points if you include a gift card to a nice restaurant. Bless their spouse and children in a way they might not be able to afford. Share your swimming pool for an afternoon or a bonfire for an evening. Flowers for the ladies. A gift card to an upscale clothing store. How to bless your pastor during Clergy Appreciation Month: The Things No One Mentioned Not one of the ministers or spouses suggested a trip to the Holy Land but, if your church can afford this, it’s a life-changing, ministry-expanding experience. You will bless your church as much as your pastor if you completely fund a trip for the ministry couple. Consider this gift (with a reputable trip leader) for a major anniversary. (10 years in service? 20 years?) You’ll be glad you did. Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages, lists five major areas in which people “feel” loved. They vary from words of affirmation to quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and receiving gifts. It’s important to remember you and your minister may not have the same love language. If his/her love language is words of affirmation, a hug may not do it, but a hand-written note could be balm to a weary soul. Take time to know and love the one who takes the time to know, serve, and love you. Pastors, ministers, clergy—no matter what you call them, these servants of God make sacrifices about which most of us will never know.  What Scripture Says about Blessing Your Clergy: Clergy appreciation is not just for October. It’s something we should do all year long. Here are a few verses to remember as you consider how to bless your ministers: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Isaiah 52:7 One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. Galatians 6:6 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 1 Timothy 5:17  Let’s chat: How do you or your church bless your pastor/clergy/ministers during Clergy Appreciation Month? We’d love to hear your stories, so feel free to

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how to have freedom in Christ

What does freedom in Christ mean+How to Be Set Free From Sin

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If you wonder what does freedom in Christ mean, how to live in the freedom of Christ, or how to be set free from sin, we can help you find answers here. The images of those liberated from WWII concentrations camps came to mind as we read Romans 6 recently. “But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” Romans 6:17,18 nasb The word translated as “freed” literally means “liberated” and indicates the kind of freedom granted to those enslaved in concentration camps. Trapped and incapable of escape, they faced certain torment and death. When the liberating army arrived, they were set free. A decade or more before most of us were born, Soviet soldiers marched toward Auschwitz, a Nazi German concentration camp in which more than a million people were imprisoned. The Nazis forced most of the prisoners to march to another facility before the liberators arrived, not because they cared about the safety of their prisoners but because they wanted to continue their torment. They shot thousands of those who couldn’t keep up and left their bodies where they fell. By the time the Soviets arrived, only 7,000 of the prisoners remained in the camp, most of whom were so infirm the Soviets didn’t bother to evacuate them. The photos taken on liberation day revealed the bodies of the dead heaped in piles and mass graves. The survivors’ bodies were starved and skeletal, their eyes haunted. Those former prisoners knew they’d been trapped in a kind of hell from which there was virtually no escape. The unexpected arrival of their liberators set them free. Once they were set free, they wanted to stay free. Would those tormented people ever choose to return to the bondage of Auschwitz and their Nazi tormentors? Of course not. We, too, were hopeless prisoners before Christ. Completely enslaved to sin, our future was certain eternal death and torment but Jesus came to set us free. What does freedom in Christ mean? Jesus invaded our prison, shattered the strong bonds with which we were held, and liberated us from our cruel master. We have been set free from the power of sin in our lives. Why, then, do we live as those who are still enslaved? No Nazi prisoner willingly returned to the torment of a concentration camp. They never returned to hunger, fear, pain, forced labor, or physical and sexual abuse because they had a choice. Why don’t we live as if we’re free? For what reason do we continue in the sin that binds us? Why would we, who have been freed by Christ, return to the enemy’s hold on our hearts and lives? Two possibilities come to mind. Either we don’t understand our abuser or we don’t know the gracious kindness and love of our Liberator yet. Jesus described our enemy well when He said, “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy…” Just as those in Nazi concentration camps learned, their enemy’s objective was to steal that which was most valuable, both in terms of possessions and human dignity, kill their sense of self and identity, and destroy their lives and body. The enemy of our soul works with the same intensity and purpose. His desire is to steal our freedom and enslave us to the things of this world, keep us from Jesus, kill our witness and destroy our relationships. Temptation comes wrapped in an attractive package and promises everything from pleasure, temporary escape and pain relief to freedom, prestige, power, and love. It’s all a lie. Drugs and alcohol may give temporary relief but they compound life’s problems in too many ways to list and can never give lasting peace. Materialism and entitlement may give us a beautiful house but they don’t turn a mansion into a home and fill it with love. What does Freedom in Christ Mean? Jesus spoke powerful words that left no doubt about his mission for change in the lives of His followers. “I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” The NLT translates the abundant life as “a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 nlt Ponder this truth for a moment: Jesus didn’t come to enslave us. He came to set us free from sin so we could live a rich and satisfying, abundant, joy-and-peace-filled life.  Do we live abundantly? When we come to Christ, we turn from our former lives and leave that which enslaved us behind, not continue to dabble in it. To follow Jesus is not a 180-degree turn-and-stop journey, but a lifetime of discipleship. We follow Him by studying His Word and obeying His directions. We cannot experience the abundant life if we merely turn and stop. The Christian life is a keep-moving, ever-growing, constantly-advancing adventure. “Stagnant” and “enslaved to sin” are not parts of the process.  Which do we want? Freedom or bondage. The abundance of peace, joy, love, and the other fruit of the spirit reveal the choice we’ve made. Body of Christ, what do our lives reveal to the world? What does freedom of Christ mean in our daily lives? Do others see the freedom of Christ in us or do we still reveal the sin that so easily entangles us? Freedom is ours because of Jesus. We can live free, and we should. How to Be Set Free From Sin If we’ve made the 180-degree turn from sin to the freedom in Christ He offers, there should be no reunions with our old sinful life. Freedom in Christ means we continue the path of discipleship (Bible study, obedience, faith) so we can experience abundant life. A perishing world looks to us to show the way. Study the Bible and do what it says. It’s that simple. When we do, we’ll find the life Jesus intended

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tools to become more like Jesus

What does He must increase and I must decrease mean?

8 Comments / Discipleship, Faith /

What does He must increase and I must decrease mean for a website? Does He must increase and I must decrease impact a revamped website or mpact your life? Does More Jesus, Less me really matter? Yes to all three questions. An explanation follows but first, a little history… Eight years ago, a restless longing in my spirit directed me to 1 Chronicles 4:10. You probably know this verse as the Prayer of Jabez in which he asked God to expand his territory. In an unexpected turnaround, God said to me, “I’m going to expand your reach.” It wasn’t clear at the time, but an expansion of “my” reach included more of Jesus and less of me. The idea of “expanded reach” didn’t generate great enthusiasm. “What does this mean?” “Is further expansion possible?” The questions were met with one still, small Whisper: “start a blog.”  Google answered the “What is a blog?” and “How to make a blog” questions and, in less than an hour, the Faith Lived Out Loud blog was born. Nearly five years, more than 2,000 blog posts, and over 700,000 views later, the blog moved to this website. Professional writers need a “real” website to promote their blog, or so the experts said. Soon, we had a lovely, author-named website. It was all about Leanna. Photos of Leanna. What Leanna was doing. Too much Leanna. Needless to say, God didn’t bless the new website. I’m ashamed to admit it took nearly three years to ask why not. The answer was simple and found in John 3:30.  “Too much Leanna. Not enough Jesus.” What did He must increase and I must decrease mean in terms of the website? Massive change. We needed more Jesus, less Leanna. Our team worked diligently the last few months to correct this problem He must increase and I must decrease defines our focus. The basic problem was the focus. He must increase and I must decrease means the focus can’t be on any single person. Instead, it must be directed toward Him. There was also another problem. Experts say you need to write for your audience but what if you don’t know your audience?  After many struggles, one thing was obvious. You were there all the time. Thank you. Another Important truth also became obvious: We provide resources for the body of Christ to help them live the life of a real disciple of Jesus. Sometimes those resources are stories about everyday events in which we can see Jesus and learn from Him and sometimes they’re Bible studies, prayer guides, or how-to instructions. If you want to dig deep with Jesus, we can help. If your idea of the Christian life is to attend a church service now and then but make no changes in your life, you may not find what you’re looking for here…unless you’re ready for a challenge and change. Are you ready to ask what does He must increase and I must decrease” for yourself? We’d love to help. So…this newly designed website is a (still flawed) attempt at obedience. You won’t “see” as much Leanna but we pray you will see lots more of Jesus here. How to use the new “More Jesus, Less Me” website: 1. The Faith Lived Out Loud section This is the blog location. This is the only “new” blog post for today, but you can expect more to come. Will there be stories again? Yes. Definitely. Storytelling is one of my core values so there are definitely more stories in the future. 2. The Resources Section This section provides an organized structure for lots of resources in the areas of community outreach, discipleship, and prayer. The Women’s Ministry resources take you to our Whisper Gathering website for now. We’ve included quite a few resources, including some to help you embrace what it means for Him to increase and you to decrease, but there are more to come in the next few weeks. If you don’t see something you need or the answer to a question, use the Contact form to let us know. It may take a bit to get it done, but we want to provide the resources you need. 3. The Freebie page. We offer a free printable resource every month and it’s usually theme-based. Since we celebrated Labor Day this month, our free resource is how to pray for co-workers. We’ll also offer new one-day-only freebies this week, so be sure to check back regularly. Subscribers to the devotional newsletter (Faith Lived Out Loud newsletter) will receive all the freebies in their email so be sure to subscribe. 4. The About section This includes introductory information about many of the areas of outreach in our ministry. We’d love it if you’d decide to get involved. There’s plenty of work to be done. 5. The Get Involved tab This tab has multiple sections so you’ll need to use the drop-down menu to navigate. You’ll find the Contact form and all the newsletters from our Global Outreach ministry. If you’ve prayed, participated, or given in any way, these newsletters tell the story of your work so take a few minutes to read about what God’s doing through you. You can also sign up for the devotional newsletter too. (Please note: This is not the sign-up for the “paper” ministry newsletter but you can sign up to receive the snail-mail ministry newsletter version via the contact form.) What does He must increase and I must decrease mean for your life? The life of a Christian, a disciple of Jesus Christ, must be focused on Him and not on ourselves. The more we know Him and experience His love, mercy, and grace, the more we want to please Him by ridding ourselves of sinful actions, thoughts, or attitudes. We want to rid ourselves of the “deeds of the flesh” listed in Galatians 5:16-21 and allow Him to fill us with the fruit of the Spirit, found in Galatians 5:22-23. How does more

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Do Miracles Still Happen

Miracles Still Happen: The $100 Miracle

1 Comment / Discipleship, Miracles /

Have you ever wondered if miracles still happen? I was right there with you but one surprising experience changed my doubts. Several years ago, worn out and burned out, I took a much-needed break from practicing medicine to write. The plan was a return to medicine after the turn of the year, just two months later. As it turned out, I never went back, and the two-month break turned into a divinely-orchestrated training-in-faith school. The money I’d saved was enough to carry me through the short, planned break. It wasn’t quite enough for the much longer breaker. Before too long, money was in short supply. As a frugal woman, I tightened my belt and trusted God to provide. He did. Money got tighter and my belt did, too. Once again, God provided. Every time. There came a day, however, when my bank account was down to $37.00. An automatic draft was scheduled for the next day. Someone owed me enough money to more than cover the expense but, on the day they’d agreed to pay, they could only give me a small portion of what they owed. My heart sank and I struggled not to cry as she counted the partial payment into my hand. I hoped miracles still happen… The money she paid wasn’t enough to cover my draft and I had no idea what to do. A sense of foreboding quickly turned into fear and threatened to overwhelm me. I believed miracles still happen, or maybe I hoped they did, so I searched my house in anticipation of an unexpected stash of cash. I looked between the chair and sofa cushions, in jacket pockets, and in old purses where I found spare change and a few dollars, but not enough.  The money spread out before me on the kitchen table, I sat down, head in hands, and wept. Tears streamed down my face as I prayed, “Lord, you have never let me down before. What’s up with this? What am I supposed to do?” Have you had one of those moments when the still, small voice of God was maddening and incomprehensible? This was one of them. “Take it to the bank.” Miracles still happen but obedience isn’t optional The money wasn’t enough. Why take it to the bank before God provided the full amount in some way? I wanted to wait for the rest of the money, but the still, small voice in my heart was relentless. “Take it to the bank.”  I counted the money over and over. I was nearly $60 short. Finally, since I didn’t know what else to do, I gathered up the money and headed to town.  The drive-through furthest away from the window allowed me to avoid looking at the teller’s face. Shame rushed through me at the idea of seeing her look at me, with my previous big bank account, now down to only $37. I slipped my tiny deposit into the vacuum tube, hit the send button, and prayed as I waited for the teller to send back the deposit slip. Miracles still happen, but I didn’t expect one to happen for me that day. The first hint of a miracle… After a few minutes, she buzzed with a question. “What do you want to do with this extra money?” “What extra money?” “There’s another $100 in here you didn’t add to the total.” My breath caught in my throat. $100 would make the deposit more than enough. My heart pounded as I replied. “Are you sure? I counted that money several times.” “Yes, ma’am. I’ve counted it three times. There’s definitely an extra $100.”  It’s true: Miracles Still Happen I sat in stunned silence, unable to answer, as tears ran down my face.  “Dr. Hollis. What did you want me to do with this extra money?” “If God added $100 to my deposit, please put it in my account.” I laughed, cried, praised, and shouted hallelujah as I waited for the deposit slip. That day, God did something big–both in me and for me. The $100 wasn’t the biggest miracle I’ve ever seen, but it was the most desperately needed. It showed me, in the most compelling way imaginable, that I could trust God on my journey of faith. It was fun in a roller-coaster-ride kind of way and left me wanting more: more God, more miracles, more evidence of His favor and love.  Money has never been in quite that short supply again, but, even when it’s tight, I’m no longer frightened. At the deepest part of my being, I know God will supply all my needs. Every single one of them. Life After a Miracle… Several years have passed since that exciting day and I now work full-time as a peer-to-peer funded missionary doing community outreach and intercessory prayer. My former patients still ask if I’ll ever “go back” to medicine. It’s not hard to decide. I miss my doctor-salary and the ease of certain income but they don’t compare to the joy of knowing God will provide. As long as I’m doing what He calls me to do, in His way, God will fund His projects and provide for me.  What about you? If you’re in one of those only-God-can-help situations now, take courage. We serve an on-time God who is more than able to provide. He’s not only able to provide; He’s also willing. Have you faced a situation in which only a miracle could carry you through? I’d love to hear your story, so please comment below. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God… And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6, 19 nasb Want to read more like Miracles Still Happen?  Thanks for stopping by and sharing your time with us today! If you enjoyed this content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, sign up for the twice-monthly mailing list to

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Homelessness in America: up close and personal

Homelessness in America: Up Close and Personal

1 Comment / community outreach, Culture, Discipleship, Resources /

Leannahollis.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. This blog post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on the link to make a purchase, I may make a small amount of money (usually a few cents) from your purchase. It will not increase the price you pay in any way. How to Effectively Impact Homelessness in America The glamour of a vintage evening gown, a coveted award, and a luxury hotel faded in the rearview mirror as the blinding rain slowed my progress toward home. My snail’s pace through the storm left far too little time to swap suitcases, snuggle dogs, and nap before boarding a plane for Los Angeles, land of Hollywood and movie stars, and a heartbreaking example of homelessness in America. From Rodeo Drive to Skid Row Maseratis lined the streets of Rodeo Drive. Both men and women in designer clothing spent thousands to purchase baubles they’ll soon discard. This trip, however, wasn’t filled with glamour, but the exact opposite. We headed to Skid Row where homelessness abounds, and hunger, need, and lack of basic hygiene are part of everyday existence. Fifty-four city blocks of tragedy and poverty are lined by tents on the sidewalks, pallets of cardboard, and discarded humans whose hope is gone. On Skid Row, mere miles from the mansions of the rich and famous, pregnant women sleep on bare concrete and shuffle down the streets in worn-out, discarded clothing hoping for a handout. Men, plagued by addiction, loss, and both mental and physical illness, wander as if in a fog. No job. Pockets empty. Hope long gone. One of the most affluent neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area is Hidden Hills, where the median income is $250,000+/year. In stark contrast, the median income in downtown LA (in which Skid Row is located) is only $19,887/year. A one-bedroom apartment in LA costs, on average, $2,437/month. ($29,244 annual cost) Two-bedroom apartments, on average, rent for $3,309/month. Imagine paying $39,708 per year in rent alone, before childcare, groceries, clothing, school supplies, health insurance, or transportation to and from work. It’s no wonder the “under-employed,” especially minimum-wage-earners, end up on the streets. This is Homelessness in America? Yes. it is. The images in my head from my two-week whirlwind of travel and service are not from the posh hotel or the glitter of a Gala. Instead, my memories are full of porta-potties, worn-out clothing, men smoking joints on the sidewalk, the smells of marijuana, urine, and unwashed bodies thick as smoke. Acrid odors hung in my nostrils for days. The faces of homelessness in America are still there and, I suspect, always will be. Before we went into Skid Row for the first time, a young man named Taylor gave us wise advice. “Clothe yourselves with compassion,” he said. I did, but I had to surrender my expectations, pride, and judgmental, critical spirit to do it. In the first tent, we visited on Skid Row a mother, stoned out of her mind, slept on a makeshift cot. Her two-year-old daughter sat on the cot beside her. A man in a chair at the entrance to the tent guarded her,  I suppose, as he talked with a friend from the streets. Porta-Potty Prostitution A few steps away, beautiful young women in skimpy clothing and heavy makeup entertained their customers in four porta-potties at the park entrance. They’d posted schedules on the doors and had a steady business. Prostitution in the most unsanitary place imaginable. What kind of man treats women with such disrespect? What kind of woman allows it? My indignant questions soon found an answer — hopeless men and women who don’t know the love of Jesus. A young mother, obviously pregnant, pushed a double-stroller in which two young children sat as she made her way down Skid Row in the dark. A man, also shabbily dressed, staggered along beside her. We gave them socks, t-shirts, and bags of cookies, but they needed so much more. The Tiniest of  Beginnings It was long past dark and my hand-out bag was nearly empty when Travis,* a gray-haired man with a grizzled beard and rotted teeth, approached me. “I’m cold,” he said and stared at my bag. “All I have are short-sleeved t-shirts, but it’s warm at the Dream Center,” I told him. “Yeah?” “There’s food there, too. You ever think about coming off the street?” “They wouldn’t take me,” he said. “I have a dishonorable discharge. 240 kills on patrol.” It took me a minute to understand what he meant. Finally, recognition dawned. Vietnam vet. He’d been the first in line on patrol. He hadn’t gunned down everyone he’d seen, but he’d killed a lot. Fear will do that to you. Fear combined with drugs will do even worse, and they did. He returned home with a dishonorable discharge at a time when all Vietnam veterans, even the heroes, were scorned and rejected. He couldn’t find a job and drifted from one place to another. The drugs he’d first used in Southeast Asia became his constant companion and he did whatever it took to get them. Not Too Late He’s an old man now and off drugs, but he’s been on the street for too many years, yet another shattered life trapped in the depths of homelessness in America. “I think they would take you, Travis. If you really want to come off the street, you can have a fresh start. Jesus can change everything.” I connected him to someone from the Dream Center and we made a plan. I rested a hand on his shoulder and prayed the biggest prayer I could for Travis. He shuffled off with a t-shirt and a bag of chips in hand. I turned to the DC worker. “You think he’ll show up?” He shook his head. “Probably not this time, but maybe eventually. When it

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transformed

Transformed by Christ: Up Close and Personal

9 Comments / Discipleship, Scripture Truth /

Are you praying for someone you love to be transformed by Christ? What about someone who’s trapped in bondage to drugs or alcohol? If so, this story of one woman transformed by Christ may be an encouragement to you. A stronghold of drug and alcohol addiction destroyed her life…until she found freedom in Christ. Now, her old life is completely gone. Not long ago, she gave her testimony at a Christian gathering and invited me to hear her speak. The long drive was worth every minute of the trip. We see each other fairly often for women who live more than sixty miles apart. We’re in a small group together and an online group, as well. She’s one of the most consistent, godly women I know, generous, loving, forgiving, and serving. Transformed by Christ Her life is Christ, but it wasn’t always. I’m so accustomed to the Jesus in her that I rarely consider there was a time before Christ, a time when sin ruled and she spent her days and nights partying, drinking, smoking, promiscuity, doing drugs, and selling drugs. It is easy to forget she was arrested several times for “minor” crimes, and hard to believe she was ever in prison, but she was. She shared her story of coming to Christ. In 2007, my friend entered prison for selling drugs. All she carried with her was deodorant and a Bible because that’s all they allowed. Everything was stripped away – drugs, sex, alcohol, family. The cell, a bunk bed, the Bible, and the hurt inside her were all that remained. Without the distractions, she opened her Bible and began to read. Living Scripture did its powerful work. “ For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 As she read Scripture, she soon learned the truth of Hebrews 4:12. After six months, she read Jesus’ call to those who are worn down by burdens and the Sword of the Spirit slashed straight into her heart. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 Face down on her bed, she wept into her pillow and surrendered her weariness, hurt, and burdens to the One who promised rest. She relinquished her sin and was transformed by Christ. Jesus changed everything. Jesus did exactly what Scripture says He will do. He healed her hurt and changed her desires. The Scripture became her lifeline during the remainder of her prison term, and she grew like a long-neglected plant finally given the water and nutrients it needs. Transformed by Christ: The old has gone. The new has come. Her old life is completely over, and she’s transformed. She’s clean and sober and has been for more than a decade.  My sweet friend is happily married and the leader of a women’s small group, with adult children and beautiful grandchildren. She’s active in her church, participates in mission trips often, and is a faithful prayer supporter. Did the people who knew her in the “old” days expect God to transform her so completely? Probably not. Was there someone praying? I imagine so. As I listened to my friend share her testimony, I sat in awe of the miraculous transformation God has done and prayed for the people I know who desperately need that same transformation. Hope blossomed again. God is still in the business of redemption. He still changes lives. Before she entered prison, she lived in the inescapable bondage of sin. She entered that penitentiary and found God waiting for her. Inside those walls, He set her free, and she still is. Many of us love someone whose choices have taken them from bad to worse, perhaps even to addiction, crime, and prison. My friend is living proof that there’s always hope. As long as there’s life, there’s a chance of surrender, forgiveness, and redemption. If you’re waiting for someone you love to turn around, let’s remember my friend, and keep on praying. “So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 Want to know more about how to be transformed by Christ? If you’re looking for an in-depth Bible study that will transform your life, consider the new James study, now available in an e-book format from Amazon.com. You might also like: Is it Possible to Walk the Blameless Path?  While you’re here, check out these blog posts: How to Trust God in Hard Times The Benefits of Repentance Promises of God Fulfilled What Does it Mean to Be Beloved? What Does it Mean to Be a Disciple of Jesus? Why We Should Choose Humility and Let Go of Pride Thanks for sharing your time with us today. Before you go… Sign up for our twice-a-month newsletter to receive exclusive stories, freebies, and more. Leave a comment and share this post on your social media pages or through email. Bookmark our website so you can visit us often. Take a look at Today’s Encouragement before you go. We add to this every weekday.  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest Join our Faith Lived Out Loud Facebook group to have a community of believers seeking to live the disciple life Jesus intended.

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