devotional brochure - Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

{ }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