Friday

I will bless you as long as I live;

in your name I will lift up my hands.”

~Pslam 63:4, ESV

Please continue to pray for Mr. Kenneth Felker and Mr. “Cete” Dillon.  They are not feeling their best.

Pray for the missionaries who were commissioned this week in Lake Charles.  Pray for them as they move and adjust to their new environment and for the extended family members who will remain stateside.  Most importantly, pray for those whose lives will be touched and changed because of the missionaries’ efforts around the world.

There have been a number of deaths recently.  Pray for the families as they go through the grieving process on their own time schedule.

Go out of your way today to encourage someone.  You might spend some time listening to them, pick up in their yard, cook a meal, invite them to church, or any number of other things that are appropriate to the family’s needs.  You’ll be blessed as much as they will be.

Thought for the Day: Not enough chairs

The new preacher loaded his car with his large family and visited an old deacon on the farm. After the introductions there was an awkward pause as the unexpected guests looked for chairs upon which to sit. The parlor had only two chairs.

“Brother, I don’t believe you have enough chairs,” suggested the preacher.

“That ain’t it,” muttered the old man. “I got plenty of chairs — just too much company!”

Some Christians make it clear they don’t want to spend too much time with other Christians, but how important is our fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ! Living in a hostile environment, we need the encouragement that comes from those who share the same hopes and goals that we do.

God knew that we would need each other, that the Christian life would be difficult if not impossible to live in isolation. That’s what the church is all about. The early Christians certainly recognized the value of being together:

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” (Acts 2:46, NIV)

Take time today to spend a few moments with a fellow Christian, encouraging and being encouraged. Just be sure to have plenty of chairs ready!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Boone Church of Christ
Boone, NC

Thanks for praying!

Anna Lee