devotional brochure - Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

{ } { } { }A Soft AnswerScripture Focus:“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir upanger.” — Proverbs 15:1When I worked at the center for special needs children inBaton Rouge, our CEO had been a leading figure in the field,but as the years passed she did not keep up with progress in thefield. She grew more and more intense and tended to get upsetduring our weekly staff meetings. Most of the staff was fairlyyoung at the time and were easily intimidated by her antics.We were blessed to have a very experienced, soft-spoken socialworker as part of our team. Janice always found the right wordsand the right manner to soothe her. Janice was patience itself.She never took offence at our boss’s outbursts. She simplyassured her that she understood and that the problem wouldbe handled. Janice taught the rest of us a great lesson. Welearned that to answer back or respond in a negative way onlymade the situation worse. We often sought her out for herwise counsel. I learned two great lessons from the situation. Ittakes two to fight and I learned how not to treat my colleagues.Years later on those occasions when I was the CEO and becamefrustrated by some irritation and on the verge of losing my coolthe image of my former boss would quickly warm me to take adeep breath and wait before handling the situation.Prayer Focus:Dear God, thank you for mentors like Janice who show us abetter way and thank you for being patient with us when weforget the lessons you have taught us.Our TurnScripture Focus:“Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what isuseful for building up, as there is need, so that your words maygive grace to those who hear.” — Ephesians 4:29 (NRSV)I had taken my graduate class dealing with the non-profitsector of our economy to Synagogue Beth Elohein, thehome of reformed Judaism in America. We had just visited aChristian church that had experienced a very public schismin its membership. One of the students asked Rabbi TonyHoltz what he thought about the problems in that church.Rabbi Holtz answered, “It’s just their turn. Let me tell youabout our turn.”With his delicate handling of the question and his answer,he earned my deep gratitude. Here was an open invitationfor him to take a swipe at Christianity, but this gracious mantook the opportunity to teach a greater lesson. He was thereto talk about his faith traditions and how his communityhandles its business affairs not to belittle another tradition.I had taken my students there to learn about how large andhow important the not-for-profit world is, but thanks toRabbi Holtz they learned a far more vital lesson. It is so easyto criticize another group and so hard to build up. When Iam faced with similar temptations to denigrate other groupswhose traditions are different from mine, I try to rememberthe example of Rabbi Holtz and emulate it. My studentsweren’t the only ones who learned that day.Prayer Focus:Dear God, keep my heart focused on building others up andresisting the sinfulness of hurtful speech.In Times of TroubleScripture Focus:“It was good of you to share in my troubles.”— Philippians 4:14 (NIV)After Hurricane Hugo struck in late 1989, I had a gigantic pinetree down in my backyard. Its roots were suspended severalfeet in the air with part of my back fence perched on top. It wasan unusual sight as well as a daunting problem that neededimmediate attention.My friend and Sunday school class member came over withhis chainsaw to cut the tree into small pieces for easy removal.I don’t know whether I was more worried about getting thetree removed or my friend who is a dentist. One false movewith that chainsaw and his career would be finished. WhenI expressed my concern to him he assured me that he wouldbe very careful. Several hours later the tree was successfullyremoved and my friend was safe as well. He is a friend whoshared in my trouble. My wife had died unexpectedly justbefore Hugo and he realized that my plate was already fullwithout worrying about a pine tree. There were thousands ofpeople around with greater tree problems that I experienced,but God in his mercy sent him to me. God knew that Ineeded more than a tree removed. I was in great need of hisreassurance and comfort. Twenty years have passed, but thememory of my friend’s unselfish act is fresh in my mind andhis thoughtfulness still warms me.Prayer Focus:Dear God, thank you for friends who share in your moments ofjoy and in your moments of sorrow.

{ }On Being Humble and GentleScripture Focus:“Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing withone another in love.” — Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)Mrs. Lois was an invalid for as long as I knew her. I mether when her family moved next door when I was in theeighth grade. I enjoyed long visits with her and she seemedgenuinely interested in my ramblings about everything andnothing. She was a devoted Christian and never hesitatedto talk about her love for Jesus and His love for her. I wasfascinated by how someone in her condition could be sothankful. Her faith never wavered. She kept her Bible besideher bed as well as an adult Sunday school quarterly althoughit had been years since she was able to attend church.I have thought of her often as the years have passed. I neverheard her complain or gossip. I never heard her criticizeanyone. She was quick to offer an encouraging word or to lifta prayer. I feel a little guilty sometimes when I realize thatsome of my visits were because I had nothing better to do onsome of those long hot summer days, but then I rememberhow much I enjoyed them and appreciated having someonewho would really listen to a teenager. I have come to realizethat God brings people into our lives when we most haveneed for them. I have no doubt that Mrs. Lois was in my lifefor a reason.Prayer Focus:Dear God, thank you for the Mrs. Loises of this world and forthe positive influence they have on those around them.{ }Why Have a Say Something Nice Sunday?The simple answer is that words are powerful. Words have the powerto build or destroy. Words have the power to heal or wound. Withour words we have the power to build up a Christian community orto destroy it.Nowhere are words more powerful than within the church. “TheWord became flesh and dwelt among us.” Words take on a life untothemselves. Once they are given life they are on their way for goodor evil.This special day is an opportunity to build the community offaith, strengthen relationships and heal old wounds. Our nationaldiscourse has become so strident and even in religious circles therhetoric is often far from Christ-like. In Philippians 1:27 we read, “Letyour conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.”This is a day to say thank you to those who make our lives betterjust by being a part of them. This is a day to recognize those whocontribute to our lives in specific ways. This is a day to apologize forwords spoken in frustration, anger or disappointment.One day is one day, but perhaps we can stretch it to two days andthen just maybe if we encourage one another and ask for God’s help,we might change the world!June Is Effective Communications MonthIn coordination with Say Something Nice Sunday, First Baptistmember Mitch Carnell has written devotions for each week duringthe month of June. Although Effective Communications Month isa secular observation, these devotions will help apply a Christianworldview to ways we can communicate with Christ-like character.What can we do today?Help spread a word of kindness by giving out a symbol of gentlenessand friendship — daisies! First Baptist will provide flowers in the foyerfollowing the morning worship services. We encourage membersand guests to take a flower and pass it along with a positive messageto someone you don’t know (i.e. a waiter or waitress), a neighbor orfriend, or someone with whom you wish to mend a relationship. If youpersonally wish to take part in promoting positive dialogue, log onto www.fbcharleston.org: (click “ministires” tab, then the “ministryreources” tab to find the link to Say Something Nice Sunday).June 2, 2013{ }weekly devotionals written byMitch Carnell