This is a hard thing to say

[childlike2002]

Thank-you all, and I will check out "the way of the master". Funny, I have always considered myself a "christian" but in the last few years GOD has been pulling me to him. My life has been changing, example: after smoking for 20 years and trying to quit so many times I cant count, I begin praying that GOD would give me grace over it before the rapture. Well today is day 34 without a cig, totally by the grace of GOD! Other temptations I would normally give into- he is giving me strength over. So I praise my LORD JESUS!

[Pioneer Woman]

The Way of the Master is definitely a good place to check out.

I think we all have missed opportunities to tell someone of Jesus and salvation. I know I have. When that has happened, I just asked God to forgive me, and ask for another chance. If I knew I won't see that person again, then I just prayed God would send someone else.

You'll get more opportunties to talk to others, just wait and see! :)

[Dorie]

I feel led to tell you that when we are talking to an unbeliever, or someone who's in a cult, there can be a spirit of confusion there. So, I hope you will forgive yourself.
Also, the devil is the accuser of the brethren & will try to put guilt on you. But, God knows the intent of our hearts. There could also have been an argumentative spirit there & that person would have just tried to argue with you. Just remember, All things work together for good to them that love God!

[CountryBumpkin]

Thank-you all, and I will check out "the way of the master". Funny, I have always considered myself a "christian" but in the last few years GOD has been pulling me to him. My life has been changing, example: after smoking for 20 years and trying to quit so many times I cant count, I begin praying that GOD would give me grace over it before the rapture. Well today is day 34 without a cig, totally by the grace of GOD! Other temptations I would normally give into- he is giving me strength over. So I praise my LORD JESUS!

childlike2002, that is wonderful. Many of us feel like God is drawing us, changing us as He conforms us - more so now than ever. Yes, let us praise Him!!

[blitzkreig]

I had a chance to wittness to a person today but instead all I did was listen to his predijuce and then confirm it by not confronting it, but feeding into it. I feel horrible. I dont have a chance anymore to talk to this person untill next fall and I dont know what to do other than pray for forgiveness. I have never really spread GOD'S word before. Any suggestions???
To "witness" does not mean what about 99.99% of Christians today think it means. A witness is one who "attests". By your life and behaviours. It is an affirmation. The "testimony" is evidence by your being you.

It is the Holy Spirit who convicts a unsaved person's conscience ... and will use the simple Christian witness of you as the means ...

When it comes right down to it Scripture calls preaching to the unsaved listener "foolishness" to their ears ... which really has no power in and of itself ... but that God the Holy Spirit uses that "foolishness" if it pleases God.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
(1Co 1:18-21)

The point being that you needn't get down on yourself as you didn't sound like Billy Graham or something. If God is going to convict that person then and there ... you could be making armpit music and God will make it effective.

Now all this said ... yes it does make a person more comfortable when they are forearmed with information such as "The Way of the Master" material.

.

[Teacup]

Wow Blitz, it is so good to see your posts again! I agree, we water and plant, but its God who gives the increase. We witness with our lives by walking in the Spirit.

Dlee

[blitzkreig]

I agree, we water and plant, but its God who gives the increase. We witness with our lives by walking in the Spirit.

DleeAmen.

We by living in the light can't help but shed light into the dark.

We need to keep in mind that the very very most powerful thing you can do is to pray for a friend.

Fact of the matter is that is what "we" are called to do in Scripture. Pray for them.

I believe that you can talk yourself hoarse ... or leave it to God. Leave it within His will ... with your prayer of intersession.

There are folk who are those who are called to be in various parts of a ministry. So it is a mistake to think we are all called to do the same things.

FWIW ... there is nothing stronger than prayer. I am glad that I am called to this instead of some other calling.

.

[funmudder]

How are you doing?

Congradulations on the nicotine free days! :yay

[Widowsmyte]

Child-like:

Another thought on the matter.

If you are in a "drive-by" situation you might actually make things worse.

With the wonderful suggestions already given here -- you WILL be better prepared [and] I would like to use this thread to point out the "other thought on the matter"...

If you will notice - you were undoubtedly touched & comforted NOT necessarily by the Scriptural Evidences sited (all very important --- don't misunderstand or minimize) BUT BY THEIR TESTIMONIES!!! You WILL surprise your listener (even if they don't let on right away) that you are so frank about your inabilities or failures but how Christ & the leadership of the Holy Spirit brought through them anyways!

Just as your fellow Brothers & Sisters told you how they came up short many times even recently they "educated" you to the True Way rather than "lecture" you or "bring you up short [as to] where you are needing to do this Christian Thing (how an unbeliever will hear you regardless of you well intentioned well documented words).

People can only hear so much in small doses. As much as your are thrilled with your personal decision and you want it badly for them too -- it will take a bit of time for them to reach the same life altering decision. Your personal testimony will have the benefit of personalization AND will be a surprise way to let them know WE'VE ALL BEEN THERE TOO!

Keep your caring heart craving for others' spiritual well-being... you will be a "good & faithful servant"!

In-Christ... widowsmyte

[childlike2002]

Thank-you all! They were all great replies and suggestions! Iam still smoke free, I cannot begin to tell you how great that is! I still fall in other area's but I pray that GOD will give me grace over those sins as well. I am learning and I want to share, especially the blessings and lessons that I have learned, most importantly the love and forgiveness that my LORD JESUS has given to me. I travel alot on my job so I have started leaving tracts- mostly in restrooms at gas stations. My favortie is The Second Coming tract. Anyway thank-you all for suggestions.