SHOTGUN OR RIFLE?
 
Two desperate pioneer hunters were attempting to kill as much game as possible to feed their hungry families. One cold morning, as they approached a clearing, they spotted several deer. Each man carried a gun - one had a Winchester repeating rifle; the other a Browning 12-gauge shotgun. Knowing from experience that they would have only one shot before the deer would bolt, the question arose - "Which gun should we use?"
 
The man carrying the shotgun whispered, "I’ll use my shotgun. That way we can easily hit three or four deer!"
 
The other men replied, "Yes, we might hit several, but we probably won't bring any down, and they will likely escape in the woods. We’d better use my rifle to get one!"
 
"We may drop one if we use your rifle” replied the first man, “but think of all the food that will get away!"
 
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Which gun should they use? Experienced hunters know - THE RIFLE. After all, what good is it to hit several deer if you cannot bring down a single one to eat? One is infinitely better than none. And hopefully there will be another day to hunt the remaining deer.
 
This story helps us to understand the most effective way to win souls to Christ. Far too many use the “shotgun” approach - vague remarks about the Bible, non-specific invitations and an occasional, “God bless you.” While their intentions are noble, they rarely bring other to Jesus.
 
Conversely, those that are the most successful in leading others to Christ focus on one soul at a time. They select a relative, friend or associate, begin praying for them, and regularly invite them to Bible School, worship services or fellowships. And that’s just the beginning. They also look for openings to talk to them about salvation.
 
So put down your shotgun, and pick up your rifle. Select one person and devote time, energy, and prayers for him or her. Don't stop until they submit to Jesus or move “out of range”. God may use your determined, persistent efforts to win more souls to Christ than you imagine!
 
"…there will be more joy in heaven over ONE sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis

LOOK AHEAD!
 
A man who was losing his memory went to a specialist for tests. Following the tests, his doctor said, "I have a tough choice for you. We can bring back your memory, but at the risk of destroying your eyesight. So which is more important – your memory or vision?" After thinking it over, the man replied, "I prefer my eyesight because I'd rather see where I’m going rather than remember where I have been!"
 
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All of us have memories of personal sin and regret. Moreover, the sheer number of our transgressions may seem overwhelming. Some, incessantly haunted by memories of past misdeeds, believe that their future will be no better. That, however, is a lie perpetrated by the devil.
 
Consider the apostle Paul. Didn’t he have “skeletons” for which he could have been perpetually ashamed? He’d assisted those who stoned Stephen to death – Act 7:58. He’d threatened murder and traveled to distant cities to arrest Christians – Act 9:1ff. He’d persecuted the church beyond measure – Gal. 1:13. It was only after bringing untold suffering to the Lord’s disciples that he saw the “Light” on a trip to Damascus, and subsequently turned to the Lord – Act 9:3ff.
 
Paul could have easily sulked for the remainder of his life, overcome with intense guilt induced by the suffering he had caused. Fortunately, he chose to focus on something else. “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, FORGETTING those things which are BEHIND and reaching FORWARD to those things which are AHEAD, I press toward the GOAL for the PRIZE of the UPWARD CALL of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13-14)
 
Though his past was riddled with crimes against the Lord, he understood that no sin is so indelible that the blood of Christ cannot erase it. No life is so ruined that Jesus cannot heal and make it useful. Thus, by the grace of God Christians can leave their past alone and instead focus on what lies ahead.
 
Dear Christian, regardless of your past, press on. Leave behind all that induces guilt, sorrow and remorse. Reach forward for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis

BE CAREFUL LITTLE TONGUE WHAT YOU SAY…
 
The wise man wrote, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs18:21)  He meant that our words possess the power to heal hearts or destroy lives.
 
The apostle Paul stressed that we should use our tongues to help or encourage others – “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Eph. 4:29)
 
Conversely, James repeatedly warned us against using our tongues to hurt, demean or disgrace others -  “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law.” (James 4:11)
 
It will help immensely if we avoid beginning a sentence with any of the following:

• “I just heard that so & so…”
• “I was told by trustworthy sources that so & so…”
• “I think it’s terrible that so & so…”
• “Just between us, so & so…”
  
• “Don’t tell anyone else, but so & so…”
• “This may not be true, but I understand that so & so…”
• “I probably shouldn’t be saying this, but so & so…”
• “Rumor has it that so & so…”
• “I would never have dreamed that so & so…”

 "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matt. 12:37)
 
Jesus, always Jesus!



Dennis