Wednesday, March 14, 2012
40 Days with James ~ Day 22 ~ The Way of the Wise
Day 22 ~ The Way of the Wise
Unfortunately, for some reason, the friend was not convinced and didn't attend.
The other person went out and invited her friend over for coffee. She asked her friend about her thoughts on church and why she didn't attend. She listened intently and didn't attempt to correct or change anything her friend said. She asked her about her thoughts on Jesus and, again, simply listened. Then, after pouring more coffee, she asked her friend if she would be interested in coming to her church where they were going to be talking more about Jesus on Sunday. They could ride together and sit together. Afterwards, she would take her friend out for lunch to discuss further what was went on at church.
The friend wasn't sure but was certainly interested. The church member will call her on Saturday for an answer.
Both church members had great zeal for their neighbors, their church, and their Lord. But, whose deeds came with humility and wisdom?
Confession: Heavenly Father, forgive me for being quick to act and slow to think. Give me a heart for those who do not know you and give me wisdom to speak faithfully with them about you. Grant this for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord. AMEN!
Challenge: Have coffee with someone who doesn't attend church or doesn't believe and ask them about their thoughts on God, Jesus, and the church. Simply listen.
Pastor Bob
James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.One Sunday a pastor encourages the congregation to invite people to join them at church the next Sunday. Two members go out that week intent on bringing their neighbors to church. The first goes out with his friend and boasts about how wonderful the church is. He boasts about how everyone gets along and no one ever fights. He talks about how every sermon is life changing and the pastor is practically flawless. He waxes on about all the programs and events they have taking place and how everyone involved really has gotten their lives put together. He even begins to talk about how a lot of his problems have gone away. His life has become wonderful because of this church. He tells his friend that he should come next week.
Unfortunately, for some reason, the friend was not convinced and didn't attend.
The other person went out and invited her friend over for coffee. She asked her friend about her thoughts on church and why she didn't attend. She listened intently and didn't attempt to correct or change anything her friend said. She asked her about her thoughts on Jesus and, again, simply listened. Then, after pouring more coffee, she asked her friend if she would be interested in coming to her church where they were going to be talking more about Jesus on Sunday. They could ride together and sit together. Afterwards, she would take her friend out for lunch to discuss further what was went on at church.
The friend wasn't sure but was certainly interested. The church member will call her on Saturday for an answer.
Both church members had great zeal for their neighbors, their church, and their Lord. But, whose deeds came with humility and wisdom?
Confession: Heavenly Father, forgive me for being quick to act and slow to think. Give me a heart for those who do not know you and give me wisdom to speak faithfully with them about you. Grant this for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord. AMEN!
Challenge: Have coffee with someone who doesn't attend church or doesn't believe and ask them about their thoughts on God, Jesus, and the church. Simply listen.
Pastor Bob
Labels: 40-days-with-james, lent
posted by Faith Moorpark
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