NIV 365-Day Devotional Plan (2017)Sample

Sharing Your Story

Peter and John are "unschooled, ordinary men." Both are fishermen—a lower-class vocation. Some of the Pharisees who arrest the two for healing a crippled beggar are particularly puzzled by the men's ability to speak articulately and effect healing. The only possible explanation is that these men have spent time with Jesus.

Jesus' forgiveness and grace together comprised the only reason Peter and John had a chance to succeed in life. The same holds true for Ken Freeman, who emerged from homelessness to become a lifelong evangelist.

His mother was an alcoholic, and his father didn't care enough to stick around. In a seemingly unending succession, Ken called nine different men his stepfather, but not one of them proved to be a worthy father figure. His home life brought only continuing abuse and neglect. As a young teen, Ken decided that he was better off on the streets than living the continuing nightmare at home.

When he was 16, Ken heard about a local church revival. He didn't care about the revival as such, but he was lured by the free pizza being offered. Although he attended with the goal of filling his belly, God had other plans.

That night Ken met Jesus for the first time, and the encounter transformed him completely. He developed a growing passion for teenagers and their families, and at age 19, he began traveling and speaking at youth camps and church revivals across the country. Ken did not attend seminary to learn how to tell people about Jesus. He simply told his story. And people listened.

More than 200,000 people have come to know Jesus through Ken's ministry. Despite having grown up in a broken home, he and his wife have been married for almost 40 years. Ken credits Jesus for the miraculous changes and incredible ministry that have blessed his life.

• How do you think Ken Freeman can maintain such a positive outlook on life despite his difficult childhood? Explain.
• Do you regularly share with others the story of your relationship with Jesus? Why or why not?

Taken from NIV College Devotional Bible