Building One Another
Dear Friend,
Consider all of the guests who will attend worship services over the next seven days.
Some will come because they are accompanying members of their families or good friends.
Others will come out of some inner urge.
For whatever reason they come, their presence is your opportunity for ministry.
Have the grace and courage to welcome to those who sit near you, who walk beside you.
In the “Theater Mentality” of our day, we attend movies, sporting events, and other forms of entertainment, expecting only to “receive for ourselves” something from the event. We speak only to our close friends and pay no attention to other people.
When you attend a worship service, put on a “Ministry Mentality” and allow our Lord to encourage other people’s hearts through you, knowing He will encourage your heart as well.
When a woman approached Jesus sitting by a well, he spoke to her (John 4). When Philip saw the Ethiopian in a chariot, he ran over to speak to him (Acts 8). When Paul met some women, who were praying by a river, he spoke to them (Acts 16).
Be alert to the people God places in your lives — especially this week – speak to them.
On behalf of our Lord, play the role of host and welcome those who find their way into worship services as those venturing into unknown territory.
All you have to say is, “Welcome, I am glad you are here,” and take it from there.
Joy to you –
E. Stanley Ott