Interestingly, last night at a Fire Leaders Meeting we discussed this concept of being transparent with one another so that in that way we are aware of our brothers/sisters needs. Being able to come along side of them and mentor them, listen to them, pray for them, assist their needs, and even recommend an outer source. We discussed the truth that service is a product of of faith. I began to think about this idea because many times people are in different places in their walk and that service may be instrumental in their growth. However, my thoughts concluded with when the key element of personal prayer, and scriptural read lack that our service can't stem from the flowing waters of Christ because we shut off those waters when we neglect the main source the Word of God.
Last summer while I was a leader at teen camp the speaker was talking about being saturated in the Word of God, and how all of our strength comes from praying, reading, and listening to the Lord... he mentioned that if he is not in the Word of the Lord with in his first 50-100 steps that there is a GREAT chance that he will not have personal quiet time that day. I thought deeply about this.... and when I returned home I found out that my step limit is about 20. If im not in the Word directly after I arise in the morning I may never take that peaceful, daily frame setting time. We are a scheduled society... we need to schedule in God! Because all else will fade but He will remain.
Think about it this way... we would never neglect food! Why? Because we need it to sustain life and really unless you are fasting a person cant make it though the day. I believe that we need to take in the Word of God like food because it really does edify our bodies, with in that the memorizing of scripture helps us get though those times during the day that we get frustrated, discouraged, or even in those times when a friend may need to be spurred on. I am convicted by this issue this morning. You know there are many HUGE points to the prayer we were taught to pray... when the people came near and asked how to pray... the instructions were clear in Matthew 6: 9-13
"Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.[a]
10
your will be done,[b]
on earth as it is in heaven.
11
12
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
In verse 11 it talks about supplying our "daily bread" well we can look at that and say surely food and nourishment to sustain us... but also here is the concept of "daily bread" being the Word of God. How can we forgive others if we are not in the Word, how can we support others burdens if we are not in the Word, how can we be lights of the kingdom if our hearts are so far from the Lord...
Get in the WORD!
I was talking with a friend last night about the idea of mentoring, and coming along each other and our responsibility in the believers life. We should feel downcast when we see a brother stumble, but with in that we need to take the steps to aid, encourage, pray, and reach out to them sharing our spiritual wells and the love of Christ.
James 5:19 says...
19My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
Galatians 6: 1-10 which is my reading for the morning says....
1Brothers,[a] if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5For each will have to bear his own load.
6One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. 7Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
I love how it says when a brother is caught in transgressions restore him with GENTLENESS! How easy it is to judge or speak harshly... but how shameful of us to think we are better than our brothers... We need to come bearing with one another... taking on the burden as well... sharing in those times... I believe that will product strength.
My prayer is like that of verse 9. Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up. I encourage you all to share in the burdens of others, to mentor, and to remember that this race we are set out on is no more personal than it is corporate with in the local church....
Joyfully in prayer
Sarah
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