Subject: Devotional - Diamond in the Rough – Ken Barnes

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Today's Devotional

A Diamond in the Rough – Ken Barnes

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 NIV)

The pressure applied to us as Christians will make us into a crown jewel in God’s royal collection.

I grew up in a small coal mining town in Western Pennsylvania. Though not perceived as such by those of us who grew up there, others in the area viewed it as a rough little town. I got a teaching job in an adjacent county. Once, my Principal, when speaking about my hometown, referred to me as a diamond in the rough. I am unsure if I ever lived up to that description, but hearing those words was nice.

Coal and diamonds are both formed from different forms of carbon. Diamonds have been subjected to extreme heat and pressure—1200 degrees Fahrenheit and 720,000 pounds per square inch. Diamonds become pure carbon, whereas coal has many impurities, and this beautiful gem becomes the hardest material known to man and one of the most valuable.

The Bible reminds us that we should not be caught off guard when we face many 'fiery trials' (1 Peter 4:12 NKJV). These trials can come from external circumstances or from within us. We live in a fallen and rough world. Accusations, misunderstanding, and rejection are all too common and can sometimes intensify the heat and pressure to almost unbearable levels. But remember, the same sun that nourishes plants can also scorch the soil. Our trials can either embitter us or empower us, and the deciding factor is our perspective. They can be the catalyst for our growth and spiritual maturity.

Take heart, my dear brothers, and sisters in Christ; when it seems least likely and you appear to be struggling the most, God is at work in you. Struggle is the name of the game. God may not have created your circumstances now, but he uses them to remove the impurities and conform you to his Image. He is making you into a diamond in the rough in a sick and dying world, reflecting the grace and glory of God, recreating you into one of his crown jewels.
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The steps to share your faith without fear – no confrontation. Pray and then get them alone.
Ask these five questions to help discover their personal spiritual condition.

Do you have any kind of spiritual belief?
To you, who is Jesus?
Do you think there is a heaven and a hell?
If you died right now, where would you go?
If what you believe were not true, would you want to know it?

Listen to their answers in a calm and open way. You are asking their permission to share Christ with the last question. If they say no, you can drop it – no confrontation. You have still done the work of Christ and offered the truth.

Here are a series of five Bible verses to ask the lost person to read aloud if you have their permission. Let them read them and remain silent. After each verse they read, ask them what it says to them. If they misunderstand, ask them to read it again until they admit the truth in the verse.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 ESV

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

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 ESV

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 ESV

if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.… Romans 10:9-10 BSB

Then ask them a series of five questions that summarizes the truth of the verses and lead the lost person to the point of decision.

Are you a sinner?
Do you want forgiveness for your sins?
Do you believe Jesus died on the cross for you and rose again?
Are you willing to surrender yourself to Christ?
Are you ready to invite Jesus into your heart and into your life?

Lead them in the Sinner's Prayer if they are ready to make a decision. Stay in touch and get them discipled or connect them with a local fellowship or small group for future growth.

Use the Good Person Test to share your faith. It is very powerful. Go HERE.
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