Devotionals

Three Possible Reasons

Why Bad Things Happen To Good People

I.    "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; THAT Imight learn thy statutes" (Psalm 9:7).
        Why am I afflicted?  THAT I might learn thy statutes. There may be things we need to learn by our experience. Instead of asking WHY?, let's ask, "What would You have me to learn?"
II.    "Blessed by God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, THAT we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God" (II Corinthians :3,4).
        Why am I going through all this?  THAT I may be able to help others who go through similar
circumstances. Let's ask, "Who would you have me to help?"
III.    "For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, THAT we shoulld not trust in ourselves, but in God which raised the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; " (II Corinthians 1:8-10).
What am I going to do? Realize and learn to trust in God more, realizing He can take care of all our needs.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO OFFER GOD?

I.    WHO YOU ARE, A LIGHT, YOUR TESTIMONY. (Visual- A lamp or candle)
       "Ye are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:4). "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:6).
        Oil in your lamp - Salvation and the Holy Spirit
        Clean life    - Your conversation and manner of life
        Consistency - Your testimony should be the same, day after day, in a changing world.
II.    WHAT DO YOU DO, BEAR FRUIT, YOUR LIFE (VISUAL, Wheat or fruit)
        The Christian is often identified by the good he/she does.   "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good;" (Luke 6:45).
        You bear fruit to show the results of your Christian activity.
        You do good help others and to give glory to God.
III.   WHO YOU ASSOCIATION WITH, UNITED EFFORT (Visual - world globe or map)
        One can do something, many more can do much more.
        United in church capacity, one person offers strength, resources, talents, etc. Working together much can be accomplished for the Lord.
        We join hands with our friends in this church, reach out to other churches, and reach into the state, nation, and world.

        In conclusion let us join together to:
        Resist Satan's efforts to win our children, neighbors, others
        Snatch those who are in Satan's clutches from him with our love and concern for them
        Extend the love of Christ as it is ours to share
        Teach and train those who are won - to win others
        Love one another, strengthen one another, and rejoice together when battles are won.

LET'S GET PERSONAL

(An enlistment plan)

    "One of the two who heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother, Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus . . ." (John 1: 40-42).

        It is said that most people attend church because someone was friendly with them and invited them. Let's try this and see if it really works.
        Enlistment plans are made to "enlist" or get others to come into our midst, to help with the Lord's work, and to enjoy fellowship. Hopefully those who are "enlisted" will get the most benefit.
        Let's get personal this way:
                Each active member may choose a lady (prayerfully) to invite to WMA.  You may choose a church member or an acquaintance who is not in church. There have been occasions when a lady became interested in the work the ladies were doing and became a Christian and began working for the Lord because of her involvement.
                Now you do not just invite - but follow up - by becoming a friend and investing time, effort, and love into the relationship. There should be a time set aside, perhaps a month, to get to know and develop a personal relationship with the lady you have chosen.

                You will:

Make every effort to be a friend
Talk with the lady at every opportunity, sharing information about your church and opportunities for service.
If she is not a believer, share Christ with her.
Invite her to accompany you to visit a shut-in or hospital patient
Take her out to eat or have her over for coffee
Get to know her family situation (pray with her for lost family members)
Offer assistance if it is needed
Invite her to church services
Invite her to a WMA meeting
Offer transportation to the meetings
Introduce your guest, sit by her, and make her feel welcome
Continue to be a friend

Now the stage is set for a friendly relationship that should touch every area of your lives. If your "new friend" does not respond immediately, continue to pursue the relationship. If there is a need you can fill, do it cheerfully and generously. If there is a reason not to pursue, use wisdom. Do not "push" but gently lead.
Getting personal is what Christ did during His "personal" ministry, and He is our example to be loving, encouraging, and helpful.

Missions Nuggets

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