Reaping What You Sow through ARCM

“For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.”

 – Luke 1: 37 Amp

No word of God shall be without power or impossible to be fulfilled! God’s words are powerful. With just a few words God spoke the universe and our world into being. We reap the bounty of and the enjoyment of the beautiful world that God created with His words. But God did not stop with just His powerful words of creation. For, God has given us a legacy of words within the pages of the Bible to guide us and reassure us of His love. Even God’s written words are full of power. His words, read from the Bible, meditated upon and instilled in our hearts, can heal and restore the heart of the spiritually dying.

True Christians can use God’s words to help themselves and each other.

For, it is also through God’s words within the pages of the Bible that all people are offered instruction, wisdom, guidance and love, if they search for knowledge and understanding. Furthermore, God’s words reassure us that He is always there for us and that He has a plan for our Salvation and eternity, if we will just repent of our sins and turn to His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Bible also contains words about discipline. For just like any loving father, God tells us ahead of time, i.e. before we are disobedient or decide to do something wrong or bad, what the consequences are for our disobedience. He tells us what will happen if we choose to lead lives that are focused on selfishness, greed, jealousy and evil. Most of the time the discipline comes from our own hands, because we reap the repercussions of our chosen actions. For example, if a person steals something, she knows she is taking a chance that she will be caught and punished by the secular courts. But, even if she got away with stealing, God knows what she did and His discipline will be administered now through the consequences of her actions or discipline will come sometime in the future when she least expects it. For, secrets are not forever. In other words, God tells us in His Word that we will reap what we sow in all aspects of life. In fact, sowing and reaping are part of every day life and are not just part of the agricultural world or farming.

The most well-known occurrence of reaping what was sown is found in the book of Genesis with the story of Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve reaped sorrow and pain not only for themselves, but for all of humanity when they sowed disobedience through their pridefulness, and unbelief in God’s words. Because they disobeyed God, we live in a fallen world that is a mere shadow of the perfection that was originally created by God. Because of their disobedience our bodies wear out and die. Moreover, because of their disobedience we will experience eternal death unless we repent of our sins, believe on Christ and accept God's free gift of Salvation.

To emphasize the importance of understanding "reaping and sowing", Christ told several parables on this subject. In fact, Christ succinctly illuminated what happens in different situations, including what happens when seeds are sown on different types of soil. For, the outcome or harvest can be considerably less when sowing seeds on dry or thorny ground. (See the chapters of Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8). But why should Christians be concerned about sowing on dry or thorny ground? Well, Christ applied sowing and reaping to not only our lives, but to the sharing of the Gospel message with others. We know that when we share the Gospel message that the message may fall on either dry or fertile ground. Additionally in our lives, we find that if we sow good things, we will reap good things and conversely, if we sow bad things we will reap bad things.

As Christians and active mentors we can fall into the worldly traps of sowing indifference, unkindness and hypocrisy, as well as loveless and hateful attitudes toward others. That is why so many people today have a bad taste in their mouths about Christians. For, besides those people who do not live like Christians and who set bad examples, sometimes Christians can also begin to feel a little superior to others. Why do they feel superior? Usually it is because they believe they have their ticket to heaven, and really don’t care about those who are lost. This is so wrong! For Christ said, “… the Kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you.].” – Luke 17:21. 

If you are truly “Saved” you should love other people and want them to experience the joy of knowing Christ and being part of the Kingdom of God. So, as “born-again” Christians who have the Kingdom of God within our hearts, we should be sowing the love of Christ in all aspect of our lives. Our lives should be a reflection of Christ’s love for others. Unfortunately, many Christians think that our attitudes, behaviors, and words aren't important, but they are very important indeed. For, our words can heal or harm others. Christians should focus on the healing aspect of our words and avoid harming others with hurtful words. In fact, our words should be kind and loving and able to direct a spiritually lost person to eternal life through Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul emphasized the importance of our attitudes, behaviors and words when he wrote, “Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, distained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside. [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.]. For whatever a man sows that and that only is what he will reap.” – Galatians 6: 7.

I don’t know about you, but I do not want to disappoint God. That is why I want to be a light for Christ in this ever darkening world. Without Christians stepping up to actively mentor both fellow Christians and non-Christians as well, many will struggle through life hurting and feeling alone. We can do something to lift both up through ARCM. We can be the light at the end of a tunnel for those who are lost, so they can find their way to Christ and Salvation. We can befriend, help, support, and empower another woman by planting the seeds of Christian love and the Gospel message. We can also provide godly knowledge and wisdom to those who are lost and spiritually alone.

Unfortunately, just as in the “parable of the seeds” told by Christ, some of our seeds will fall on dry or thorny ground. In other words, the person may not hear or take in the Good News that they have heard. Like in the parable, still other seeds will be blown away by the wind or be eaten by birds. This means the world will destroy the message of Salvation before it can sink in and be understood. But, it isn't our job to focus on the negatives or to focus on the possible disillusionment that can come when someone does not want to allow the Gospel seed to grow in her heart. For, just like the farmer who sows, praying that the seeds will take hold, sprout, and grow, we, too, must put our trust in God, as we mentor others and share the Gospel message. Once the message seeds have been planted, then it is up to the individual as to whether the seeds will begin to grow. But if the seeds don’t get planted, or the farmer fails to till the soil and pull weeds, there will be no harvest or the harvest will not be large. So, too, if Christians fail to actively mentor other Christians or fail to nourish and water those Gospel seeds, or if we fail to share the Gospel message seeds with the non-Christians, we will not have a harvest of believers or a harvest of empowered Christians who can help others along the way.

In his letter to the Galatians the Apostle Paul said, “And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we will reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.” – (Galatians 6:9. Amplified). Yes, it takes courage to actively mentor others today, especially in a world that has lost its foundational principles. But, we can be that beacon of light and hope to those who are struggling. Through active relational Christian mentoring (ARCM) you can reach out and help both the non-Christian and Christian.

I will end with more of the Apostle Paul’s God-inspired words to the Galatians, as these words apply to all Christians who live their lives for Christ. Paul said, “So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God’s family with you, the believers].  – (Galatians 6: 10. Amplified).

Remember, as a true born-again Christian, “… the Kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you].” So let God’s Kingdom flourish by sowing the Gospel message wherever you go.  Also sow love, hope, faith, knowledge and gratitude as you care for other people. Remember, too, people are watching you!

You can do it! You can mentor for the Lord! Just go out and let the Holy Spirit direct you.  God’s words will not come back void. His words are powerful! Live by God’s Word and share His words with your mentees.

If you do not know Christ personally, take a moment and talk to Him. Christ will hear and listen to you. Repent of your sins and then ask Christ to forgive you. He will! There is nothing more wonderful than knowing that you have been truly forgiven and are now a child of God’s.

“Your Salvation is a free gift, made possible only because God planned it … Christ paid for it… and the Holy Spirit assures you of it.”

 – Billy Graham in Quotes

Mentoring Those Who Do Not Know Christ

“I am not ashamed of the Gospel … for it is God’s power working unto salvation … to everyone who believes with a personal trust and confident surrender.”

– Romans 1: 16. AMP

Mentoring the Gospel is different than direct witnessing, although the goal of sharing Christ with non-believers is always the same. In mentoring, the mentor and mentee develop a relationship based on sharing information, skills, resources, etc. and on caring about each other. The mentoring relationship should give the mentee a certain amount of comfort in knowing that she is in a truthful, honest and sincere relationship that has her best interest at heart. Consequently, the mentor will have many opportunities to speak into the life of the mentee. Or, the mentee will feel comfortable enough to ask some hard or uncomfortable questions of her mentor. At other times, God will direct the conversation by providing opportunities for the mentor to share Jesus with the un-“Saved” mentee. Although direct witnessing for Christ can occur without the Christian even knowing the other person’s name, in active relational Christian mentoring (ARCM) the mentor gets to know the mentee and gets a feel for the needs of her mentee. The mentor can then find the best moments to share Christ with her mentee.

The mentoring relationship allows the mentor to learn more about the mentee and to understand her background and why things in her life have developed the way they have. Moreover, it is within the mentoring relationship that the mentee can see that her mentor really lives for Christ. The mentee can see the mentor’s devotion to Christ, as it shows through her attitude, behaviors and words. Only in seeing the mentor’s true relationship with Christ will the mentee begin to see the difference between someone who really believes in Christ and someone who says they believe, but has no truth or actions to exemplify what they profess.

Our Christian lives are a representation of what we believe or don’t believe. In active relational Christian mentoring (ARCM), those who are lost (do not know Christ as their Savior) become aware or learn of Christ through Christians’ lives. Then as we mentor them, no matter the topic, skill, resource or information shared, our mentees will begin to ask questions or become open to the mentor sharing her faith. With a positive and caring relationship and through God-given opportunities mentors can share the Good News with our un-“Saved” mentees. The sharing can occur early in the mentoring relationship or much later as the mentee begins to ask questions or as opportunities arise. But whenever it occurs, mentors need to be prepared to share Christ with their mentee.

Using the book of Romans as the mentor’s road map (often called the Roman Road), the mentor can share the Gospel message of our risen Savior with the mentee. Have these Scriptures handy in your purse or car so that when the moment arrives you can share them with your mentee. There is a book, though, that every Christian should read. It is entitled: Share Jesus Without Fear by William Fay and Linda Evans Shepherd. These authors have explained how to use those and other Scriptures to reach the lost without being intimidating or fearful. Christians can use Scriptures from the books of Romans, John, II Corinthians and Revelation to share the Good News. These verses can be used in direct witnessing or in ARCM. In both situations, however, the believer allows the Bible to speak to the heart of the unbeliever. God’s Word does all the work for us.

Below are Scriptures you can use to share Christ with your mentee. Just be sure to have your mentee read them in this order.

Romans 3: 23. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 6: 23.  “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

John 3: 3.  “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God.’”

John 14:6.  “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me.’”

Romans 10: 9-11. “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.’”

II Corinthians 5: 15.  “and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.”

Revelation 3: 20. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me.”

I would add this last verse, as well:

II Corinthians 5: 17. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

Christ changes a person. We become new beings who have hope, joy, internal peace and the assurance of an eternity spent with God.

Whether you use these Scriptures for direct witnessing or during your mentoring of another woman, you should encourage the woman to read the Scriptures aloud. The authors of Share Jesus without Fear suggest that after the person reads a verse, that you ask her to explain what the verse said to her. If she struggles with understanding the verse, just ask her to read it aloud again more slowly. Why is it important that the mentee reads the verse aloud? Well, the Bible says in Romans 10: 17 that “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” It is when we read something aloud that understanding happens. We not only comprehend what we have read, but its meaning sinks into our hearts when it is read aloud. That is why Christians should read the Bible aloud every chance they get, even when we are alone. 

I suggest that all Christians carry a Bible, or at least the Newer Covenant/ Testament in their car. Women can carry a small New Testament in their purse so they can have it handy when someone asks a question or when an opportunity arises. I was riding in the car with one of my mentees when out of the blue we started talking about Christ and Salvation. At the time, I did not have a New Testament in my purse, and I was riding in her car. She was not a Christian, so she did not have a Bible in her car. Fortunately, we were heading back to my house where I could show her the verses. (I had not yet learned, though, that the mentee should read the verses aloud.). Although, she did become a Christian at a later date, I had lost the momentum of the moment, because I did not have a Bible handy. So, please consider carrying a Bible with you as the Holy Spirit may decide the moment is right when you least expect it.

Finally, once you have helped the mentee through all the above verses, give her an opportunity to pray the sinner’s prayer and ask Christ into her heart. You may have to explain the sinner’s prayer. But, in whatever words she chooses to use, she simply asks for forgiveness of her sins and states that she believes in Christ as the virgin born Son of God who died on the cross for her sins but arose three days later overcoming eternal death for us all. The mentee can then ask Christ to come into her heart. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing another person accept Christ as her Savior. I hope each Christian woman gets the chance to experience sharing Christ with another person. Salvation is when faith and hope come together in certainty. We know that we know that we know that our eternal life will be spent with God. We know that we are SAVED!

“Let Your mercies come … O Lord –

Your Salvation according to Your Word.”

 – Psalm 119: 41 NKJV

“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly …

with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

– Colossians 3: 16 ESV

Using Our Life Experiences in Active Relational Christian Mentoring

“Lord, where would I be without encouragers in my life?

They lift my spirits and point me toward You!

Thank You for these special people. And please, Father,

gift me with encouragement, that I may offer

the same hope to others. Amen”

– Janis Hanna

When we think about mentors and mentoring the first thing that often comes to mind is someone who mentors another in a career, academic area, or even a trade. But ARCM is so much more. As Christians we have the responsibility to mentor both Christian and non-Christian women in whatever area they may need help, support, encouragement, or knowledge. Moreover, each Christian woman has been given not only unique gifts or talents she can share with another, but she may have that special knowledge or even life experience that can help someone.

You may think that you don’t have anything that anyone would want to learn from you. I can assure you that each of our lives is just as unique as the individuals that we all are. In fact, it is our daily lives that have contributed to who we have become thus far. The pages in our life story are filled with incidents of joy, sadness, beauty and pain. Although some of our life experiences or pages within our story may have been hard to deal with, they, nevertheless, are now part of who we are. For instance, that woman who survived an abusive relationship has a great deal to contribute to the mentoring of a woman that is presently being abused. Or, as in my case, the life experience of being struck by a car while in a crosswalk has made me the woman that I am today. Although, I wouldn't want any woman to have to go through what I went through, I can now mentor other women on faith in God, on dealing with constant pain, on knowledge of the Bible, on hope, on blessings, on the Gospel message and so much more. Although I don’t always get out and about the way many working women do, God has placed many mentoring opportunities in front of me. I just have to be observant and listen to God when He presents a mentee to me.

Many things, both good and bad, that happen in our lives give us wisdom, greater faith, greater strength and endurance, as well as empathy for others who may experience a similar situation. Drawing upon our life experiences, we can encourage and give mentoring support to those who are going through a similar hard time.

Although God does not cause terrible things to happen to us, He does use those earthly situations and their pain to grow us and refine us so that we can become strong individuals who love God with all our heart and soul.  We have a choice, though, of how we react to what this earthly life throws at us. We can lean upon God and grow from the experience, or we can refuse to lean on God and become bitter and hateful for what has happened to us.

I saw firsthand how refusing to trust in and lean upon God can lead to bitterness and a failure to see the possibilities in life and the potential blessings. After six months in the hospital, I had gone through yet another surgery when one of my nurses told me about a young lady on my floor who had been in a terrible car accident. She, like me, had broken legs and a broken pelvis. The nurse asked if I could write an encouraging note to the young lady, as she was constantly whining and complaining. She was only sixteen, but I was only eighteen, so we should have had more things in common than not. Unfortunately, our similarities stopped with our similar medical situation.

This was my first encounter with mentoring another person sight unseen. But, I wrote a note and introduced myself saying that I would like to be her friend. I explained how I was in a similar situation. I explained that life throws us unexpected curves, but that we can face each situation head on and try to do the best that we can. With God’s help we can overcome our problems and lead a life that can be even greater than we ever dreamed. I also asked if we could be pen pals to encourage and support each other.

I never heard back from her, and the nurse told me she threw my notes away. For days, we could all hear her strident voice of complaints up and down the hospital corridor. As she continued to complain, she grew ever bitterer. She believed that her life had been taken from her with the accident, even though she would heal and walk again. Although, I never found out how her life turned out, I knew that if she didn't change her attitude of self-pity and victimization that she was going to have a rough time throughout life. I hope someone was able to speak into her life and mentor her.

This situation was where I learned that the things that happen to us in life can be used to help, encourage and support other people. Although this young lady did not take my help, I knew that I had done the right thing. I also knew that I could not let the rejection from one person keep me from trying to help others when I could. So, I continued to use my life to help others deal with both physical and emotional pain, to gain knowledge from the Bible, and to deal with problems in life. As Christians our lives are to be lived for Christ. Christ helped many people in all walks of life with all kinds of problems. As His followers we are to do the same. We can help other women through Active Relational Christian Mentoring (ARCM).

It means nothing if we just say that we have faith in Christ, but then we do not show our faith by adhering to Christ’s teachings. James, the brother of Jesus, said that it is through our Christian works that we show that we have faith in Christ. James says, “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. …I will show you my faith by my works.”  -- (James 2: 14-18).

Certainly we have to first have faith in Christ to believe and receive Salvation. But, as Christians we have to use our faith to engage in works that show our faith and help others. Although James gave us the example of giving food and clothing, there are many other ways that we can show our faith through our works. ARCM is a way that Christian women can be there for other women; showing our faith and trust in Christ as we mentor. Whether her need is emotional, physical as in needing food and clothing, or simply the need to acquire a skill or develop a talent, we can be there to help, encourage or empower her. We can also be there for her spiritual need. We can be there to help a non-Christian understand the Gospel message or to help a Christian develop even greater faith in and understanding of God.

God places each Christian woman in the path of other women: some who may need help with a problem, whether emotional, spiritual or physical; some who may need help in learning a skill; or some who need help or support in learning to use their gifting. Other women may need just a kind word or listening ear. Still others may need to hear the Good News of Christ. As Christian mentors we can be there for these women, one person at a time. We can reach out with love; seeing beyond our own problems to the needs of other women. We can use our life experiences to encourage and support women who are in similar situations to what we have experienced. You can be that Christian woman who speaks into the life of another woman. You can mentor her for the Lord!

“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever;

with my mouth I will make known

thy faithfulness to all generations.”

– Psalm 89: 1 KJV

Because He Lives ...

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, … Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had be removed from the entrance. … Mary stood outside the tomb crying. … she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. … Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward Him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). … Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” 

-- John 20: 1, 11, 14, 16, 18.

This is Easter and Passover weekend. Seldom do both celebrations fall on the same week-end. As Passover commemorates the Israelites’ protection from death and their subsequent redemption from Egyptian slavery, Passover also points to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who provides redemption from our sins and saves us from eternal death.

On that first Passover night the blood of the sacrificial lamb saved the firstborn in each household from immediate death. However, the blood of the sacrificial Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, cleanses the sins from those who will believe on Christ. God’s Lamb conquered eternal death for all who will believe on Him. For Christians, Easter celebrates our Risen Savior. This is the most glorious and joyous of celebrations for true Christians.

Because He lives, anyone who wants the internal peace and joy that comes from knowing Christ as their Savior can have it. For Christ said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11: 28. NIV). Through the grace and mercy of God everyone who repents of their sins and turns to Christ can have peacefulness, comfort and joy along with the assurance of living forever with God. But Salvation is more than just the assurance of eternity.

Because Christ arose from the grave and because He lives, we can have hope, strength, comfort, blessings, and a fearless life. Because He lives, we can experience love and healing. Although we may experience the most horrendous emotional or physical pain on this earth, with Christ we can handle the pain and despair that this fallen world throws at us. Christ takes our burdens away. We can be truly free! We know, too, that one day we will get to see our new home in Heaven. Because He lives, we know our future is with God. For Christ said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” – John 5: 24. NASB).

Unfortunately, many people will never experience the assurance of knowing that they will someday see Christ and that all pain and suffering will be gone. They do not know that they can be free today from the grief of heartache and loneliness, as Christ comforts and befriends them every day. Instead, many people focus on immediate gratification as they strive for momentary happiness while always seeking the next thrill. Some of these individuals even believe that there is nothing more to this life than living and dying. Sadly, they do not believe in or have the hope of an eternal future with God. They do not realize that because He lives, their life can be focused, loved, joyous, peaceful, “Saved” and so much more.

Someone has to tell others what they are missing. Someone has to tell them the Truth. As Christians we are to do more than just live our own lives for the Lord. Christ told us to go and share the Gospel with all nations and peoples (see Matthew 28: 19-20). With Christian love and graciousness, we can tell others the reason for our happiness. We can tell them of God’s glorious plan of Salvation. We can tell them of the Risen Christ.

Although we should be sharing Christ every day, we have a golden opportunity twice a year to share Christ with others and explain how blessed their lives could be because He lives. Christmas and Easter are the two times of the year that many people, who were raised around going to church, will decide to take their children and family to church. In addition, some families will get together to have a large family meal. These celebrations and meals give us opportunities to share Christ. At Christmas we can talk about the birth of Christ, and at Easter and Passover we can speak of the sacrificial actions of Christ. We must tell them that Christ came to take upon Himself the sins of the world so that mankind would not have to spend eternity in Hell.

Yes, there is a Hell. However, many people do not want to speak of Hell.  They think “Hell” sounds like people are being punished for just living. These people do not want to believe in a God that punishes, so they refuse to believe in Hell. Sadly, there will be many people who will spend eternity in Hell, and they have only themselves to blame for going there. God did not put them there. They put themselves there by refusing to believe on Christ.

Hell is that place which separates us from love; not just from God’s love, but from everyone’s love. There is no love of any kind there. Moreover, there is constant suffering and loneliness. We can put ourselves in Hell by being so prideful and self-involved that we refuse to acknowledge the One who created us, God. Worse still, we fail to acknowledge the Son of God. God sent His Son to die for our sins, so that in believing on Christ we would not have to spend an eternity in Hell. But, can it really be that simple? Yes, for Christ said, “… I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” – (John 14: 6. NASB). Only Christ’s blood can cleanse us from all our sins! But to receive that cleaning blood we have to repent of our sins and believe on Jesus Christ as our risen Lord.

This is the week-end that we can invite our neighbors to church. This is the week-end that we can invite that friend or acquaintance over for Easter dinner. This is that week-end when we can focus on Christ our Savior and tell others of the wonderful love that God has for them. Because He lives, this is the weekend to explain Christ’s death and resurrection to others.

Although, there are fun things to do around Easter, especially for our children, we should never forget the real reason for Easter and Passover. We should never forget that Christ died and arose for our sins. We should never forget to tell our children and others that God loves them, and He sent Christ to die and conquer eternal death for them. Whether you are a dedicated Christian mentor or just a loving Christian who cares, stepping forward to share the Gospel message with a non-believer is important and rewarding. Sharing Christ is a service that all Christians are to perform for the Kingdom of God.

Time is running out for this world! We cannot just ignore the lost. What if someone had not told you of Christ? Where would you be today? What kind of relationship would you have with God? Would you have the assurance of an eternity spent with God? Please take a moment to pray and ask God to help you speak into the life of just one person this weekend or week. Then determine to invite someone to church with you now or in the next few weeks. Many people would not be “Saved” today were it not for that person who invited them to church or who was willing to share the Gospel message. Just remember that no matter how scared you are that the Holy Spirit will guide you and help you find just the right words to say.  Because He lives, You can do it! You can tell others of the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!

He is Risen!

He is Risen, Indeed!!!

The End Times and Active Relational Christian Mentoring

I try to keep up with the world news, but if I watch too much I get depressed over the status of people throughout the world. So many people are lost! To make matters worse, time is running out for this earth. But, I keep watching the news to stay informed and to find the bits of truth within the news.

My Bible study group has been studying Ezekiel, chapters 38 and 39. It seems that everything that the prophet Ezekiel prophesied about the end times is on a path toward fulfillment. Contrast Ezekiel’s prophecy with what Jesus said in Matthew 24 and Luke 17 about His return and the end times and we see that the world is rapidly heading toward its end. How do we know time is running out? Well, the Scriptures tell us that in the last days there will not only be signs but “… that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control; they will be cruel and have no interest in what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.  They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. …” – (II Timothy 3: 1-4. NLT). Does any of this ring a bell?

Although, none of us know when Christ will return, we can recognize some of the end time signs listed in the Bible as already occurring. But even up to the very end, whenever that may be, Christ has told us that we are to go out and constantly witness to others about the Good News. We also need to focus on mentoring others for the Lord, as we role-model living for Christ. We are to become a living testament and witness to the life a person can have, if they believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Unfortunately, we in America have a false sense of security. We believe that because we have always been safe in our country that nothing can happen to us. Actually, we are being destroyed from within, and this internal destruction is paving the way for our enemies to easily overcome us. How are we being destroyed from within?  Well, Christians are no longer mentoring and teaching others about God and His morals, values and ethics. Although it is not surprising that the non-believing and morally corrupt live for themselves, it is sad to see Christians living for themselves; forgetting about all those who are lost or who need guidance.

As I listen to the news programs, it is easy to see that our young people are relationally poor. They have been taught independence, but yet they need to belong and be interdependent. Young or old people feel the need for both belonging and spiritual growth. But in their search they can turn to other things to attempt to fill the God-shaped space in their souls. Some eventually turn to cults to fill this void; the greatest of which today is the cult of ISIS. ISIS understands this and deliberately recruits our young people to their cult of hate. 

Obviously, we have failed to teach the younger generations to be dependent upon God. We have also failed to teach our Christian young people to be interdependent with each other; gaining spiritual strength and greater faith from the lives of their fellow Christians. Instead, they often feel alone in their struggles. Christians have also failed to tell them that when troubles come, they should rely on God and His guidance. For God says, “… humble yourselves [demote yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you. Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.”  -- (I Peter 5: 6-7. Amplified Bible).

Christian women must step up and mentor all women, young and old. We have to start making a difference in the lives of those around us or many will never see eternity. Moreover, if we don’t stop languishing in our apathy toward Christianity and others, we will not be living in a country that allows us the freedom to worship God. For, if we do not stand for the Truth, we will fall for anything. So, we need to stop living moment by moment and for ourselves and start living for the future and for God.

ARCM is an easy and wonderful way to help many women either get to know Christ or to start living their Christianity in a way that affects not only their family’s life, but the lives of others. Please start paying attention to what is going on around you. Start praying for the people in our country, for those in the Middle East, and for those in other countries who do not know Christ as their Savior. Then, step forward and mentor someone for the Lord. You can do it!

Using Wisdom and Understanding to Mentor

“Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding.

For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding.

If you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures;

Then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God.

For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

– Proverbs 2: 2-6 NASB

One of the hardest things to deal with when it comes to ARCM is the stubbornness of the human heart. Obviously, we each have our own opinions and beliefs. We have acquired them through experience, which can be either negative or positive, or through our studies. Sometimes, though, our beliefs and opinions are actually the beliefs and opinions of our parents, friends or professors; having glibly accepted them without searching for the ultimate Truth. But wherever we get our beliefs and opinions, we each have a tendency to cling to them. ARCM, however, has only one fundamental belief against which all other beliefs must be gauged. That is the belief in God and His Son, Jesus Christ, who is our resurrected Lord and Savior. God provides the basis for all Truth. God has also given us His only Son to save us from eternal damnation; that those who would believe on Christ might have eternal life. Acquiring and accepting this Truth also gives those who repent and believe Wisdom and eternal love.

Many of those we mentor will already be Christians. But for those who are still unbelievers, we are to share the Good News with kindness and humility. However, whether we are sharing the Gospel or are sharing other information or skills, we have to do so with respect and with knowledge. Christian mentoring is not about forcing our personal beliefs and opinions down someone else’s throat, rather it is about first looking at our own life and examining it in the light of Christ. Then we must listen to the other person and help her by expressing God’s Truth without being prideful or authoritarian? For, neither of those words have any place in ARCM.

Obviously, both the mentor and mentee will have personal opinions. But, both women should be respectful of each other’s ideas. We cannot belittle someone's beliefs and ideas and expect them to automatically accept ours. We have to have the Truth to back up what we say. The mentor must be able to stand on the Word of God and God’s Truth in all conversations. Seeking and having godly wisdom is the key to good conversations. She must also mentor in kindness and respectfulness.

Sometimes, though, the mentor or mentee may not realize that they have become aggressive in how they are presenting their beliefs and opinions. When this happens, the Christian mentor has to stop and be the one to initiate praying to God for direction and insight. Then the Holy Spirit will be the One who will give them direction in how to proceed, and if the mentor is truly speaking God’s Truth, the Holy Spirit will speak into the heart of a Christian mentee. 

The success of our mentoring, though, can come down to the way that we present God’s Truth as to whether or not the mentee will listen. The Bible tells us, “Do not let kindness or truth leave you; Bind them on the tablet of your heart. … Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding….” – (Proverbs 3: 3, 5-6. NASB). If we present knowledge, information or resources as well as our counseling and coaching with kindness and truth, our mentees will be more receptive to our mentoring.

We also have to use prudence when mentoring. This means that we must exercise sound judgment, and we must be cautious and careful in our conduct and with the words we use. Mentors should also be circumspect and not rash in word or behavior. In fact, the Bible tells us that “I wisdom, dwell with prudence. And I find knowledge and discretion.” – (Proverbs 8: 12. NASB).  There are two other verses, though, that are very important in mentoring as well. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Obviously, there is no place for anger in ARCM. Using Christ’s examples’ we are to have gentle answers to those who disagree with us, which includes our mentees. To help us avoid confrontations or anger, another Bible verse tells us: “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable but the mouth of fools spouts folly.” – (Proverbs 15: 1-2. NASB).

Folly comes from a lack of understanding, and when we don’t communicate well we can have misunderstandings. My mother used to call discordant communication “quarreling”. Although it was rare, my sister and I would occasionally quarrel. Quarreling was rare, because we truly cared about each other and wanted to know what the other thought. ARCM should not have discordant communication either. Both the mentor and mentee should care about each other and care about what the other person is thinking, so they can have clarification on what needs to be addressed or understood.

ARCM is about empowering the mentee to be all that she can be in Christ. But without the mentor’s desire to communicate wisely and without godly insight and discernment, the mentee may not be empowered. Every true Christian woman should be focused on living for Christ and on sharing the Gospel with other women. We can do this through ARCM and by “… being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” – (I Peter 3: 15. NASB).  You can do it! You can wisely mentor for Christ!

Sharing Christ with your Children and Grandchildren Through ARCM

We have had our grandson, Julian, all week for Spring break. He is twelve years old and inquisitive about God, politics, and the human brain or why people act the way they do. He also loves to fish, but unfortunately the fish were not biting. The refusal of the fish to become our dinner, gave us lots of time to talk and play board games. We could have spent all the time at area amusements, or I could have spent a great deal of money on him as we shopped at the mall just to fill time. But, if all we did was spend money on entertainment or on shopping to buy things for him, we would not have been contributing to our grandson’s mental, emotional or spiritual heath.

Don’t get me wrong; we buy things for our grandchildren on their birthdays, at Christmas, or when they really need something. We have also taken them to the area amusements. But, we just don’t just drop a lot of money on them, because they are bored or because they desire something new. We also do not want to give our grandchildren the impression that they deserve gifts or the money spent on them just because they are so great. Yes, they are loved and are great. But, we want to spend time with them talking to them about the important things in life; things that can make a difference in their lives now, in the future and in eternity. So, what did we talk about during Julian’s Spring break?

Every day, we started the day by having a short Bible study. I explained the Scriptures and Jesus’ parables, and answered Julian’s questions. Then we prayed. During the day, as we fished or rode in the car, we talked about our nation, why people do things that are not right, and we even talked politics. I also took the time to explain the concept of Salvation and “re-birth” to Julian. Each day as the Holy Spirit nudged me, I gave Julian additional information that could help him make a decision for the Lord. But, I did not push Salvation down Julian’s throat, so to speak. Rather, I listened for opportunities to answer any questions he might have. Sometimes I made the opportunities as well.

I explained to Julian why every person will need to make a decision at some point in their life either to believe on Christ or not. We then talked about God giving us “free will” and that although God has offered this beautiful gift of Salvation to everyone, that not everyone will accept the gift. For, each person must believe on the gift, i.e. that Christ is the resurrected Son of God, then accept the gift by repenting of their sins and finally open the gift of Salvation by asking Christ to come into their heart.

I don’t know whether Julian will choose to ask Christ into his heart this year or at some future date. But, I do know that he has been given the right information to make a decision. My husband has also talked to him. He told Julian what a difference Christ has made in his own life. We will both continue to pray for Julian to ask Christ into his heart. In the meantime, we did not just assume that somewhere through Sunday school or through osmosis from being around Christians that Julian will hear the Gospel message. Instead, we actively and relationally mentored Julian in proper actions, behaviors, trust, truth, and ethics along with how to know Christ as His personal Savior.

I cannot stress enough that whether it is your grandchildren or your own children that you should take the time to daily speak into their lives about God’s Truth and the Gospel message. God gave us the responsibility to teach our children about God and His Son. We also have the responsibility to share the Good News with other women no matter their age. It is just a matter of becoming actively and relationally involved in mentoring them for Christ.

Part of living for Christ is to share the Good News. But if we do not do so, we are not just hurting ourselves. Our hurt comes when we miss many of the blessings from God simply because we failed to tell others of Christ. But, we also hurt those who need to hear the Good News. How will you feel when you get to Heaven if God says you missed an opportunity to share Christ with someone, because you were too into yourself to share the Gospel with them or because the example you set was not that of a Christian? God may have sent others, and one of them then helped that woman come to Christ. Or worse, you were the only person she would have listened to, but you failed to tell her. For, being a Christian, means that we are to actively and relationally reach out to others to share with them the knowledge and wisdom that God has given us to share. So, whether it is our grandchildren, our children, or a woman we just met, we have to take the opportunity to share Christ when it is presented to us. ARCM is a wonderful way to share Christ, as we share our gifts, knowledge, skills, etc. You can do it!

“But whenever a person turns [in repentance]

to the Lord, the veil is stripped off and taken away.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,

there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom.

And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we]

continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror

the glory of the Lord, are constantly being

transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing

splendor and from one degree of glory to another,

[for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.”

-- II Corinthians 3: 16- 18. Amplified Bible