Building Bridges
Scripture – John 15:22-27: If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) First of all, my daughter’s surgery went very well yesterday. She should recover with a much healthier knee. Thank you for your prayers.
Now on to today’s reading: “Hate” is a powerful word. It’s really far worse that those other infamous four-letter words we all know. I don’t know anyone who would admit they hate Jesus. Yet I do know many people who stand apart from Him and even feel some resentment toward Him. Only it’s not “without reason.” They have their own reasons. One thing I can do is invite them to talk about those reasons and listen to them without arguing or getting defensive. I can share my own experience of Christ, but I cannot force it on someone else. Through listening, I can earn the right to speak.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As I have opportunity to share my personal faith, I will first listen to other people. I will accept their stories for what they are. I’ll trust Christ to do His work through mine.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me a loving and open heart today as I encounter different people. Help me build bridges and overcome barriers between them and you.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) First of all, my daughter’s surgery went very well yesterday. She should recover with a much healthier knee. Thank you for your prayers.
Now on to today’s reading: “Hate” is a powerful word. It’s really far worse that those other infamous four-letter words we all know. I don’t know anyone who would admit they hate Jesus. Yet I do know many people who stand apart from Him and even feel some resentment toward Him. Only it’s not “without reason.” They have their own reasons. One thing I can do is invite them to talk about those reasons and listen to them without arguing or getting defensive. I can share my own experience of Christ, but I cannot force it on someone else. Through listening, I can earn the right to speak.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As I have opportunity to share my personal faith, I will first listen to other people. I will accept their stories for what they are. I’ll trust Christ to do His work through mine.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me a loving and open heart today as I encounter different people. Help me build bridges and overcome barriers between them and you.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home