Devotions from heart
At our last Bible Study here at Northern Lakes, we studied the familiar story of Jesus at the well with the Samaritan woman. The woman was quite surprised when Jesus asked her for a drink because Jews didn’t associate with Samaritans. But Jesus went on to tell her He could offer her living water and she would never be thirsty again. In their conversation He unfolded before her the life she was living, having 5 husbands and living with a man who was not her husband etc. Her eyes were suddenly opened to recognize that Jesus was the Christ; she left her water jar and went quickly home to tell her friends. She didn’t waste any time, but wanted them to know Jesus too.
Is that our heart’s desire also, to share Jesus with all those we come in contact with each day?
In our Bible Study, Al encouraged us to share ways we can witness to others of our faith, whether it be on the job or in our family relationships. We need to be sensitive and not come off as preachy and prideful but humble and loving. One man said we need to give others sips of water and not dump the whole bucket on them!
Sharing the Lord can start out as simply having coffee with a friend or two and casually find out where they are at. We look for common ground like if they are interested in art, we can make a comment about the beauty of God’s creation. Or if they are interested in sports, a comment about the character quality of a player.
We can show concern by listening to them and bringing encouragement and we may not even mention Jesus at first. Instead, we wait for the Holy Spirit to create an opening and it may be that we just say we will pray for them or offer to help in some situation they are in.
It is God’s work to draw people to Him and Jesus said in John 6:44a (ESV), “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws Him.” The Holy Spirit prepares hearts and He may have been at work getting them ripe for just that very time that we are in contact with them; we must be sensitive to the Spirit with our antennae up and not miss the opportunities before us. But let us not use spiritual jargon that makes no sense to them or show shock if they confess something they are sorry for now.
We are wise when we say only what the Holy Spirit tells us and leave the person wanting more.
All of us are called to share Jesus with others, and let us back it up with a life of faith and love. Like St. Francis said, “Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.”
Challenge for today: Listen to the Holy Spirit and share the Lord in some way today. 
Blessings on your day and prayers and knowledge of  how much you are loved, Judy