Sunday Words of Encouragement May 29, 2016

The associate pastor began by observing that some people have weak memories. But he reminded us that tomorrow, Memorial Day, is a day Americans need to remember and give thanks for all those who fought and won our freedoms.

This led into the sermon titled Bridging the Gap. Just as the soldiers stand in the gap to protect the rights of our nation, so too are Christians to stand in the gap for one another. Ezekiel shared the word of the Lord saying: “"I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.” Ezekiel 22:33 NASB. (Reading the full chapter is rather chilling.) Israel fell short; her leaders fell short but the people fell short too. As individuals we each have a responsibility to stand in the gap. We may not be standing in the gap for our nation but we can stand in the gap for our family, our friends and even our community.

We need to be ready to share our faith and hope.  We must continue to seek to do the right thing even when others are doing wrong around us. 1 Peter 3:15-17. We need to stand in the gap for one another and share Jesus’ love with people around us.

This song fits this morning’s message. 

Standing in the Gap by Babbie Mason.

Verses for Today
1 Peter 3:15-17 (NIV)
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

I thank you Lord Jesus for bridging the gap between our righteous Father and sinful man. Help me to stand in the gap to encourage others to know You in a personal way.