Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Friday, January 11, 2013

Today's Scripture
"And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:4-6 NLT

Thoughts for Today
As God teaches each of us patience and encourages us, helping us live in harmony with one another, let's find practical steps we can take as a church or group to build visible togetherness among one another. Here are just a few ideas to consider . . .

• Create a way for members to share common experiences one with another. Volunteer to facilitate a Living Free group. Or perhaps an informal fellowship time at lunch or dinner (maybe even a breakfast group!). A campus group or a home Bible study. Provide a safe atmosphere for people to discuss their challenges, fears, needs, what they are learning, praises, and more.
   
• Create a mechanism for knowing one another's needs and concrete ways of meeting those needs. One possibility would be a phone chain in which each member calls another member to "check in" and see how he or she is doing. If a need is expressed, the caller can notify other group members to help meet the need.
  
• Create opportunities for group members to spend time with one another both in worship and fellowship - perhaps a small group fellowship time or telephone conference prayer time once a month.

Possibilities are endless.

Consider this
Don't just wait for someone else to develop ways to help build unity and support in a group of believers. Pray about what God wants you to do. As your church or ministry group follows the example of the early church, growing in unity and loving support, you can experience the same results they did: souls added to the Kingdom.

Our world is in chaos. Many people are frightened. Multitudes are suffering financially. Around the world believers are being persecuted. From day to day we wonder what horrific headlines we will read in the news. But as we band together in unity, sharing Christ's love with one another, troubled people will be drawn to the love and peace they sense in us - and will find the unconditional love and saving power of Jesus.

Prayer
Father, show me what you want me to do. What action I should take. I truly want to make a difference - an eternal difference. Help me grow in love and step out in faith. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

One Nation Under God: Toward Race Reconciliation by Donna Saunders, Ph.D. and Jean Leak, MS, RN. This study discusses barriers between people and shows how to make Christ visible through love in action. This guide also offers the way to strengthen and bond relationships. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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