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Week 4 -
October 1st thru October 7th
Serving Our Neighbor - Evangelism
Devotional 4.1
Hospital Visits/Ministry
“It
was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be
evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” Ephesians 4:11
One
area of our church ministry is hospital visitation. When we receive a call
that a member, one of their family, a prospect or just someone who has
requested the need, it is our responsibility to see to it that they are
contacted. In making a visit, it should be to meet the spiritual needs of
the patient. We must understand that the person needs to know that someone
has taken time to come by. Sometimes we think, “Why bother, somebody else
can do it”, but what if that person did not know the Lord? What if the
doctor said, “I can’t do anything else, it’s in God’s hands”? What if you
were the one who made that visit that might make a difference?
Our prayer challenge should be that the Lord will give us the compassion to
minister to others in their time of special needs.
***
Serving Our Neighbor -
Evangelism
Devotional 4.2
Barriers
“I
am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the
salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the
Gentile.” Romans 1:16 (NIV)
On
September 8, 1900, a hurricane sent an 8-foot high wave crashing into the
city of Galveston, Texas. This hurricane killed 6,000-8,000 people and is
considered to be the worst natural disaster in U.S. history. A seawall,
seven miles long and seventeen feet high, was built to protect the city.
This is a “good” barrier. When it comes to sharing the gospel with the
unsaved, many of us have “bad” barriers that must be overcome. Jesus said
“make disciples of ALL nations.” He did not say, “make disciples of those
you like,” or “those of the same race as you,” or “those who can help you
socially or financially.” We naturally possess barriers or prejudices that
prevent us from reaching out to the needy. We must rise above these
barriers. Nothing is more important than spreading God’s message of
salvation through Jesus Christ.
What
barriers prevent you from following “The Great Commission” to reach and
teach all people everywhere?
Practice sharing the gospel and then ask God to put someone in your life who
needs to hear His special message.
***
Serving Our
Neighbor - Evangelism
Devotional 4.3
A Living Outreach
“May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing in your
sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
My husband and I recently spent several months in a hospital. We witnessed
many displays of kindness, concern, and deep religious beliefs; as well as
despair, anger and violence. All of us at some point in our lives will be
in situations where we are under a great deal of stress. As always, we have
choices to make. Do we display pure panic, use profanity or place blame on
others for the situation? Or do we turn the situation over to God and accept
His guidance for our lives? One thing we can count on is that someone is
watching how we react to this situation and is influenced in someway by our
response. We most likely will never know how others really see us. But as
Christians we are called upon to show our love of Christ and our trust in
His control over the outcome of the events in our lives.
1. Have you ever heard someone say, “If that person is a Christian then I
don’t want any part of Christianity”?
2.
Do you ever lose your patience?
3. Do you participate in gossip?
4.
What can you do to improve your life witness?
Heavenly Father, may my words and my actions allow others to see my love and
dependence upon You and Your Word. Thank You Lord for Your loving guidance.
***
Serving Our
Neighbor - Evangelism
Devotional
4.4
God’s Fruit
“Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:20
As
Christians, we are challenged by God to be responsible for the lost--family,
friends and neighbors. Some are equipped with the right words, whereas some
just can’t seem to put it together.
Knowing
this, God gives us all different talents--or methods (“fruits” as Matthew
said) with which to serve Him, along with His promise that “I can do all
things through Him”. (Philippians 4:13)
Being
one of the “cant’s”, as a young girl I memorized a poem by Edgar A. Guest
that stated (in part):
I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear.
I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in actions, but your tongue too fast may run.
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
Because we have such a loving and understanding God, we are all challenged
to offer up a different bowl of “fruit”. What kind of “fruit” are you
using? They’re all “tasty” to Him.
Pray to be used by God according to your abilities in helping to reach the
neighbors in our area so that we might be fruitful in His Kingdom. Ask Him
to help you show His love by your actions, not just by your words.
***
Serving Our
Neighbor - Evangelism
Devotional
4.5
Willing Workers
“Be
shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not
because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be.”
I Peter 5:2
When I
joined Sadie’s Willing Workers Class I became involved with a wonderful
group of caring ladies with many class projects. My favorites are the senior
projects, such as Over 90 flower/birthday gifts delivered to our seniors,
and the homebound/nursing home visits. In addition to these and other class
projects, we funded, made and delivered decorations to the Cosper Unit and
the VA Nursing Home - what better way to serve our Lord? We have “adopted”
older church members who bring as much pleasure and joy to us as we do to
them.
Pray
for people who are homebound or are in nursing homes. Some have no friends
or family nearby. Ask God how you or your group may serve one or more of
these neighbors. |
