Devotionals by Stuart and Jill Briscoe
The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” - John 4:9
How can we start a conversation about God? Start talking about things the other person understands. Jesus started with a bucket! Next, make sure you show interest in people as people. Jesus cared about the Samaritan woman’s personal problems, and she knew it. Don’t be sidetracked. The woman wanted to start arguing about which church to go to, but Jesus reminded her that it was the Person she worshiped that was important, not the place of worship.
Don’t be shocked. Know your world and what’s going on out there; there is a difference between isolation and separation. Jesus was never isolated from sinners, but he was separate from sin. Next, realize that sin is a symptom of the real problem—a soul-thirst only God can quench. Tell people that Jesus is the answer to their thirsty quest. Don’t be afraid to talk about salvation, souls, and sin; Jesus did.
Talk naturally. You should be able to talk about your faith as freely as you do about your family. Jesus made spiritual talk easy and comfortable for others, because it was easy and comfortable for him. Be sure not to put on a special voice when you talk about God—use your usual one!
And, finally, don’t run after your prospective converts; Jesus didn’t. When they’ve had enough, let them go—but pray for them. And then watch them come back with their friends. What joy! Talking of truth satisfies as nothing else can. You may even conquer your appetite the way Jesus did, just with the fullness of it all!
For Further Study: John 4:9-15
Excerpted from The One Year Devotions for Women, Copyright ©2000 by Jill Briscoe. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.
For more from Jill Briscoe, please visit TellingtheTruth.org.
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About Telling the Truth
Telling the Truth is an international broadcast and internet ministry that brings God's Word into the lives of people all over the world. Stuart and Jill Briscoe are the featured Bible teachers, encouraging and challenging listeners to study the Word of God and be drawn closer to Christ. Gifted with wisdom, discernment, and a bit of English humor, the Briscoe's bring God's Word to life. With distinctly different teaching styles, you'll be moved by the emotional appeal of Jill and the compelling logic of Stuart, as they boldly proclaim God's sovereignty, grace, and love.
About Stuart and Jill Briscoe
Jill Briscoe was born in England and found Christ when she was 18 years old. She never looked back. Upon graduating from Cambridge University, she began working as a teacher by day and had a vigorous street ministry to the youths of Liverpool by night.
She met Stuart at a youth conference and they married in 1958. In the 50 years since, Jill has become a highly sought-after Bible teacher and author who travels around the world ministering to under-resourced churches and speaking at international seminars and conferences. Since 2000, she and Stuart, who was formerly senior pastor of Elmbrook Church for 30 years, have had the joy of equipping and encouraging believers across the globe in their roles as ministers-at-large for Elmbrook.
Jill has authored more than 40 books including devotionals, study guides, poetry and children's books. Her vivid, relational teaching style touches the emotions and stirs the heart. She serves as Executive Editor of Just Between Us, a magazine of encouragement for ministry wives and women in leadership, and served on the board of World Relief and Christianity Today, Inc., for over 20 years.
Jill and Stuart call suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin their home. When they are not traveling, they spend time with their three children, David, Judy and Peter, and thirteen grandchildren.
Contact Telling the Truth with Stuart and Jill Briscoe
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