Our church is beginning an 8 week adventure based off the book "Barefoot Church Serving The Least In a Consumer Culture" by author Brandon Hatmaker. I just finished reading chapter 1 and can see that I definitely need to look long and hard at how I perceive the people around me. Not only the people I'm in everyday contact with but neighbors and those less fortunate than myself. How often do I just walk past those that are hungry or suffering? How many times do I not take time to find out what causes people to behave the way they do? This first chapter has really opened my eyes.
In order for me to be effective in this adventure, I must look within my heart at what I already know. Not what I feel comfortable doing, but reaching out of my comfort zone and helping those in need.
"Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is in your midst." Luke 17:20-21 (NIV)
This verse is telling us that the kingdom of God is not a place that we can find on a map, but we need to look at what God is doing within peoples hearts. That is where the kingdom of God is. When we take the time to find out what is going on in people's lives we will be able to minister more to their actual needs.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
"You can't light another's path without casting light on your own." John Maxwell
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