Monday Mentionings - Keep Watch Over Yourselves - Acts 20:25-31

Today, I left the assembly with a great anticipation of the future! I am looking forward to what the future holds for us. I now have a new type of freedom, free from responsibilities that the shepherds will shoulder, that I haven’t had in the past.

As we looked at the charge to our shepherds, John & Gary, from Acts 20:25-31, I think we can apply these things to our own lives, as well. Here are some applications to take with you this week…

1. When you are in the world, there are times you must be out front showing people how to be Christ-like. What would Jesus be like if he was at the market and didn’t receive the fastest service? Would he raise a fuss or try to be compassionate?
2. Everyone falls. How will you be an aid in helping people get back up when they fall? Use those times when people fall to gently teach them not to fall the next time. Your sincerity of care will be appreciated.
3. Relationships are the purest way to “bring people to Christ”. When you develop a relationship with people, they will be more attracted to Jesus/Christianity than if we just try to coerce them into having a bible study. Sometimes we are not inclined to venture into the unknown and develop a relationship with someone new. Here’s the challenge, who can you try talking to that you don’t normally talk to? Someone at work or at a restaurant or wherever? I am not just saying that you simply say “Hi”, but that you try to make several attempts to get to know more about them – name, family, where they work, what they like to do, etc. Get in the middle of people’s lives! You might surprise yourself about how enjoyable it is. Now that you know how easy it is, don’t stop there!
4. Know any “loners” or “wanderers”? Could be in or out of the church. Send them a card, buy a soda/coffee, invite to lunch, etc. Maybe they just need a listening ear. How will you go about “rescuing the perishing”?

This next week involves a couple of things that I am looking forward to: One, being outside next weekend and collectively worshiping God amongst what He built (nature), when we go to Dolan; Two, officially starting my office as President of the Hamilton County Ministerial Alliance – I look forward to seeing some new faces as we begin meeting again.

Have a week filled with surprises!

Filled with anticipation ~