Deliver The Message

Scripture:
Romans 10:14-17 (NIV)

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Devotional:

I am a firm believer that one of the best ways to witness to others is through your own life.  Let other people see Christ in you.  By being the “lighthouse” for Christ shining brightly forth for all to see.  However, it isn’t enough.  The best form of communication is through words.  The interaction of a conversation will solidify and confirm what people see in you. 

If I am angry at someone they can see that I am angry.  I can tell something is wrong and might even avoid me.  If I do not communicate my anger they will never know the what, whom, and why.  They will never understand that it was them I was angry at.  They will never know why I was angry.  But, if I go to them and tell them I am angry and why then they will know.  It is through the verbal message that communicates the truth.

If people see Jesus in you they may never realize the truth of what is different.  You have to exchange words.  In some form or fashion you have to communicate with them.  As Christians we have to tell others about Christ.  We have to deliver His message.  Sometimes it might be a letter, Paul wrote tons of letters.  It might be an email, I bet Paul would have emailed if he could have.  Just maybe you can pick up the phone and talk or speak with people face to face.  But one way or the other each and every one of us has to deliver the message.

What Is Your Level Of Compassion?

Scripture:
Matthew 9:36-38 (NIV)

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Devotional:

How much compassion do you have and share?  When someone is hurt or in need how does it affect you?  What about seeing children who are hurt, lost, or suffering in some way?  Does that pull at your heart?  Jesus had compassion on the people.  So much so that He healed them, He fed them, He cared for them and their needs.

How much compassion and care do you have for those around you?  What about the strangers you see?  Compassion and caring are a part of who Jesus is.  Not everyone has the gift of compassion but we need to have some compassion for those around us.  We need to care for those who are hurting and in need.  We can’t do it alone but with one another and through the Holy Spirit we can care for others the way Jesus did.  Through the Holy Spirit we can have compassion like Jesus.  Open your heart to the Holy Spirit.  Ask for God to give you more compassion for others. 

Love Is A Choice

Scripture:
Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Devotional:

Too often it is easy to combine the sin or sinful lifestyle with the person.  We tend to condemn the person with the sin.  Something that is so awesome and wonderful is that Jesus never does.  He always separated the person from the sin.  He loved the sinners.  Mark 2:17 (NIV), “On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”  Time after time He shared His peace, love and forgiveness.  One example is the prostitute they brought before Him.  Others were ready to cast stones at her.  Jesus showed compassion.  

How often are we ready to cast those stones?  How many times do we condemn someone because of their sinful life?  We are no better than they are.  Jesus loves them just as they are.  Why can’t we do the same?  We are supposed to love others as we love ourselves.  It isn’t a game of pick and choose.  In loving someone we do not have to accept their sins.  We just need to accept them.

If we truly love others the way Christ loves them, and us, then we will show them mercy, hospitality, compassion.  We will be slow to strike out.  It is not an easy task, but we can manage through the Holy Spirit.  Jesus will equip us with what we need to love others the way He loves.  One thing to remember is that love is not just another feeling.  It is a willful act that we do.  Love is a choice…