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A smiling Face...A broken Life |
Dreamhost
| A Smiling Face...A Broken Life You stroll into the church foyer on a beautiful Sunday morning.The coffey center is bustling.The sound of multiple conversations, occasional laughter, and background music fill the air.This is a scene common in many churches across America.Have you ever thought that behind the smiles and upbeat conversation is a past OR present life of depression, strife, and struggle?Have you ever projected your self as exceedingly happy when you were not?Each soul; once, or in the present time has gone through challenging times.If you find yourself forcing a smile perhaps it?s time to let someone know of your struggle.You see, the Christian walk is not all smiles and laughter.The Christians life is a battlefield littered with carnage and debris from past battles and the horrendous noise and scenes of the battle in the present times.You do not have to fight alone!We were not created to fight alone!There are several verses in the bible that address the importance of fellowship and sharing our trials and problems with others.I will post a few!Matthew, chapter: 18, verse 18 to 20.18"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.Hebrews 10:24 (Today?s New International Version) 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one anotherand all the more as you see the Day approaching.1 Thessalonians 5:11 (Today?s New International Version) (11.( Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.(14.)Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.Colossians 3:16 (Today?s New International Version) 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.We are never meant to be lone Christians!I liken a lone Christian as to an injured antelope.The enemy lion licks his chops in anticipation of the meal.The lion circles, eyes not diverting, nose to the wind, dashing of occasionally as the antelope weakly tries to gore the enemy with its horns.It is no use; alone he can?t stave off the advances any longer. |
| It is no use; alone he can?t stave off the advances any longer.The antelope?s injuries did not allow him to keep up with the safety of the heard.More lions show up, it is devoured by them.Like the antelope we sustain injuries and hurts in our walk.If the one struggling doesn?t ask for help the rest of the fellowship will not know to be in prayer and in spiritual support.The struggling person has to make it known so that the evil one can be staved off effectively!If we do not ask for help the painful things will injure us!We will become crippled, we will fall away from fellowship, and then enemy will devour us.Ephesians 6:12 (New International Version) 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.Instead of the fake grin and the automated "I?m fine" and "blessed" response let?s be honest!Well, I feel pretty good and I know I?m blessed and going to heaven, but..I am struggling a little with..I?m ok, but be in prayer for.If someone approaches you and says he is struggling a little let them know you are struggling with a few things too!Ask them to be in prayer for you as well.This lets the person know that even though they are struggling they are just as important as the other person in the fight against the enemy!When you engage someone in new conversation let them know you are having a bit of difficulty in a few areas and ask for prayer.This may initiate them to relate their struggles to you too!If it is a matter of privacy just let them know that you have some things going on that you can?t mention, but please be in prayer for me, God knows what they are!We are made to worship.We were made to fellowship in agreement with each other.We were meant to help each other with our struggles!It is in God?s economy that we hold each other up.He moves much more effectively when we are in prayer for each other in agreement with his word.It?s just the way it is! It?s us showing GOD that we depend on him when we pray to him about each others struggles!Believe me he loves to show his love when we agree and pray for each other!There is no one alive that has no struggles and a perfect life.Quit pretending! |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 17 July 2008 )
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