September 27 2015 Game On: It's Time To Change Our World

Game On: It's Time To Change Our World

“Jesus prayed to the Father: ‘In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.’” - John 17:18 

The Story of the Good Samaritan:

“Jesus replied with a story: ‘A Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. By chance a  priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?' Jesus asked. The man replied, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Then Jesus said, ‘Yes, now go and do the same.’” - Luke 10:30-37 

HOW DO I OPEN MY HEART TO THOSE IN NEED?

  • ENCOURAGE WHEN SOMEONE IS  HURTING. 

    
“With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.’’” - Isaiah 35:3-4

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” - Hebrews 3:13 

  • GUIDE WHEN SOMEONE NEEDS WISDOM. 

“Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do!” - Proverbs 4:7

“Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding.” -  Proverbs 3:13

“The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings.” - Proverbs 1:2 

(Jesus) “Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him…” - Luke 17:3

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” - 1 Peter 3:15
 

  • GIVE WHEN SOMEONE NEEDS HELP.

“It's criminal to ignore a neighbor in need…” - Proverbs 14:21

“The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” - Proverbs 11:25

“Never abandon a friend, either yours or your father's. Then in your time of need, you won't have to ask your relatives for assistance.  It is better to go to a neighbor than to a relative who lives far away.”  - Proverbs 27:10

Memory Verse: (Jesus) “Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.” - 1 John 3:18

November 9 2014 Fully Engaged In Friends

Fully Engaged in My Friends

The eyes of the Lord search to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose hearts are completely His.– 2 Chronicles 16:9

““Never abandon a friend—either yours or your father's.  Then in your time of need, you won't have to ask your relatives for assistance.  It is better to go to a neighbor than to a relative who lives far away.” – Proverbs 27:10

FOUR ACTIONS TO ENGAGE MY FRIENDS THIS WEEK

1. Provide Encouragement

“For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means ‘Son of Encouragement’).” – Acts 4:26

  • Through my words (see Matthew 12:36-37)
  • Acts of kindness.
  • Just listening.         

2. Play together.

“So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people to do in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them.” – Ecclesiastes 8:15

3. Pray specifically for my friends.

“God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God.” – Romans 1:9

(See other of Paul’s prayers for friends in Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:4;

4. Pursue an opportunity to talk about God.

“If you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way.” – 1 Peter 3:15-16

Memory Verse: “I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here is how to measure it – the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.” – John 15:12-13