I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Friday morning, the 11th of August, 2023, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. 

We start in the Gospel of Mark 2:17: 

"When Jesus heard it, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

"This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief."
1 Timothy 1:15

What do they say? It takes a thief to catch a thief. It's very important to be able to identify with the people that you are talking to. It is no use going to a group of cowboys standing around with their horses and speaking to them about motorbikes, getting invited to a sportsman's breakfast and then talking about dressmaking. It really doesn't make sense. They are not going to listen to you. If we truly want to see a person put his trust fully in our Lord Jesus, he must, first of all, trust you and me, and then when you have won his confidence, you can speak to him about the One who has changed your life, who has changed my life.

I remember visiting a maximum security prison a few years ago, and I asked the warders if I could put on an inmate's orange uniform. I saw those hardened criminals looking at me, dressed like them, thinking, "What does this clown think he is up to, being dressed like us in this prison garb?" They were sitting there with their arms all folded, some very tough men, let me tell you. They had been through a lot, but when I said to them, "The only difference between you and me is that you got caught and you are serving your sentence. I haven't got caught, and I have to rely on the grace of God. You see, Romans 3:23 says: 

"…for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God..." 

When there is acceptance by the crowd, then they are prepared and ready to hear us. Never, ever preach down to people. Always preach up to people and esteem them greatly as God's precious creation, and then you will become a true soul-winner.

Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day,
Goodbye.