Sunday, October 9, 2011

Have You Encouraged Someone Today?


PM#0467
Heb 3:13

Many of us often think by telling a person what to do, we are encouraging them.  That can be helpful, but many times that directive approach does not really come along side of the person we are trying to encourage.  What we often forget that is Christ came along side of us, drawing us gently with His Love and listens to us where we are.

People are crying—come alongside of me.  Don’t preach at me.  Just listen, and help me consider Christ.

That may be putting it simplist, but it is true.  Let’s be honest with ourselves.  When is the last time that you actually came along side of someone and really reached out to help them?

Perhaps the Lord is telling us to come alongside and consider praying a prayer like this:

'Father, help me learn to come along side and help others, because of your Love for them.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.'

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Clearing Offenses

PM#0466
John 1:9, Matthew 5:23-24

Have you heard the best defense is an offense?

You have done something that has offended or hurt someone.  If you don’t go to the other person to clear the offense, that offense dims the light affecting our vision.  When light is dim, we can’t see.

In the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the Light of the world.  (John 1:9).  If our eyes are full of darkness then we do not have the help of the light of Jesus.  If we wait for the person whom we hurt to come to us—it may not happen.  Correcting the offense is to go in humility to the other person.  (Matthew 5:23-24).  The action of going to the other person will remove an offense or hurt that has been blocking the light of Jesus to us.

Consider this prayer:  ‘Lord search me, and help me take the step to go to the brother whom I have offended or hurt, and ask forgiveness.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.’