10 am ...Church decorating for ...help needed! Yes, Advent begins ! Come and worship!
Good Morning Valuable Servants of the Lord! Yes, that's you! PTL! Lots to discuss and God may be taking us on two tracks of thought that actually tie together. I'll let you engage with Him and your teammates to process and pray. It's time for me to get ready and get to church shortly. Check out our devos below.
The God of peace has many blessings prepared for you and everyday. Sometimes those blessings are disguised as hard times and trials. Push through as you lift praise and receive His peace as you grow in trust that comes with experiencing the faithful and good plans of God who cares and has a plan that includes you! Yes, PTL! We need each other and God has gathered us to be unified and moving together to encourage each other and build His Church. We all have a part to play! You matter! You are valuable to God and others! We get to worship and lift praise through our obedience and trust. So, gather, pray, plan and then go live and love like Jesus . Someone is being sent to you or you to someone. Ask God to fill you and use you well and just worship and adore our King of kings! Amen and shalom shalom!
Sarah Young
If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. - 1 Corinthians 12:26 (NRSVUE)
When we were newly married, my wife suffered from a painful ingrown toenail. At first, I was dismissive. Really, how much could a toe hurt? Apparently quite a lot. But after a couple of medical procedures, the issue was finally resolved.
Many years later, it was my turn to experience this malady. I can honestly say it was quite painful! With sincere humility, I apologized profusely to my wife for minimizing the pain she experienced. How could I have been so insensitive?
My lack of understanding and care also revealed that I did not recognize the value of something I deemed insignificant. I thought, It’s just a toe. But toes are important because they help the body to function well.
The apostle Paul uses this exact example to highlight the necessity of all members of the body of Christ and how we should value each one as integral to the whole. I am ashamed when I think of how often I have devalued others with my lack of awareness, care, and encouragement. From time to time I am reminded — especially when I stub my toe — that every part of the body matters.
's Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive us for our tendency to devalue members of the body of Christ. Help us care for one another in order to strengthen them and your church. Amen.
