Sunday Words of Encouragement May 31, 2020

Our church opened this morning with some members in person and some of us still online. I am still keeping my public associations limited to help protect myself and my husband.

Pastor continued his series “Better Together”. He noted that many people are introverts and mostly happy alone but others find energy when more people are around. Both of these types of people have been impacted by the Coronavirus stay at home orders.

We are all seeing the heart-wrenching events happening in Minnesota and other cities. Our people differences can be and should be beautiful. No one should be judged by the color of their skin. What can we do?

The Church has to lead where we live. Do our neighbors, everywhere, understand we are with them? There is injustice. That is a realty. The answer is found in Jesus. He cancels out the noise. Jesus says that we are to ‘love God and love our neighbor’. Mark 12:28-29, Matthew 22-37-40.

Loving God means loving people too. And even more, Jesus says love your enemies. Matthew 5:43-45.

What can you do to show loving better? Perception is reality.

1.  Listen better.
2.  Change the win. Loving people is the win.
3.  Don't just act differently. Be different.
4.  Pray for God to move in our nation.

Show love.

I found this video which I think fits the message and this week.

Verses for Today:
Matthew 5:43-45
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Lord, I pray that you bring peace among the rioters. Keep the innocent protestors and protectors safe. Help Your people to show Your love to all. 

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 9, 2015

We attended an early service with our daughter, son-in-law and the grandkids. The pastor shared a good message praising and acknowledging the need for all gifts within the body of believers: preaching, music, teaching, missions and prayer warriors. The Spirit gives us discernment to become a Gospel team. 1 Corinthians 12. We are called to relationship - with God through Christ and with other Christians. We are called to acceptance - to welcome each others strengths without a power struggle. We are called to unity - to be cordial, congenial, cooperative and compromise when appropriate; always working together as a team to give God the glory We are called to action - we are each to impact our surroundings. God called and equipped us to do His work. God gives us the work and, while we rely on His guidance, He tells us “do it yourself”. We are to share the Hope we learn in His word. What are we waiting for?

I went to my song list and saw this song that I thought would fit so well with this message.

Do Something!

Verses for Today:
Romans 12:4-8 NIV
4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Lord please guide me to use whatever gifts and whatever blessings You have given me to share Your hope with others.