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Unlike the Darkside, WE have cookies! in the Upper Room #XVI
15 years ago
General
From One for All
Read James 2:1-5
If we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
-1 John 4:12 (NIV)
ON the Sunday before Easter, a stranger appeared at Sunday school reeking of alcohol after heavy drinking at a local festival. The Sunday school class invited him to stay for the Palm Sunday service, which began with the congregation joyfully waving palms. Walking with uncertain step, the visitor caught on and waved his palm heartily.
Before the sermon, the congregation greeted one another. The visitor seemed genuinely blessed as each person took his hands, looked into his eyes, and said, "The peace of God be with you." But then he restlessly ambled around the edge of the sanctuary. No one knew what to do.
After several minutes, a woman went to the imposing visitor, took his hand, and asked, "Would you like to come sit with me?" He responded to her gentleness and sat attentively through the service. Only weeks before, that kind woman had told the pastor of her inordinate fear of strangers. They prayed that God would help her to overcome her phobia. Fears are real, but the kind of love God gives can nudge out, expel, and conquer fear.
Ron Barham* (Mississippi, USA)
Prayer
O God, help us to welcome strangers with your love. Amen.
Thought for the Day
When has your congregation welcomed a stranger?
Prayer Focus
Families of those who drink too much
*Mr. Barham died while this issue was in production.
Read James 2:1-5
If we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
-1 John 4:12 (NIV)
ON the Sunday before Easter, a stranger appeared at Sunday school reeking of alcohol after heavy drinking at a local festival. The Sunday school class invited him to stay for the Palm Sunday service, which began with the congregation joyfully waving palms. Walking with uncertain step, the visitor caught on and waved his palm heartily.
Before the sermon, the congregation greeted one another. The visitor seemed genuinely blessed as each person took his hands, looked into his eyes, and said, "The peace of God be with you." But then he restlessly ambled around the edge of the sanctuary. No one knew what to do.
After several minutes, a woman went to the imposing visitor, took his hand, and asked, "Would you like to come sit with me?" He responded to her gentleness and sat attentively through the service. Only weeks before, that kind woman had told the pastor of her inordinate fear of strangers. They prayed that God would help her to overcome her phobia. Fears are real, but the kind of love God gives can nudge out, expel, and conquer fear.
Ron Barham* (Mississippi, USA)
Prayer
O God, help us to welcome strangers with your love. Amen.
Thought for the Day
When has your congregation welcomed a stranger?
Prayer Focus
Families of those who drink too much
*Mr. Barham died while this issue was in production.
Many Christians I know would be repulsed to talk to that drunken man, unfortunately.
I have an aunt who's over the top with alcohol. There's no trust anymore with her husband, who's a firm believer, as she's gone to court thrice, jail once, and pulled over an excessive amount of times. She needs so much help, because she doesn't want to quit, but always trying to find ways of sneaking in alcohol.
~Wally Bear
~Wally Bear
God in the Foxhole - http://www.charlessasser.com/BookDisplay.cfm?isbn=9781416541370&f=d - Tells stories of miracles on the battlefield to just plain luck or divine intervention.
I do tend to stay away from people and or not want to be seen near them(in public) if I have an association.
~Wally Bear
But no, they are not friends. Just happened to have them a few classes in a row over the past two school years.
I do acknowledge them and say hi and respond to quick questions, but I do not hangout with them because of personalities etc. Plus, most of those people are Atheist or believe in something else, so I don't think I'd see them in church. - A lot of Atheists in my school apparently.
~Wally Bear
~Wally Bear