Vol. 16 No. 10
October, 3 2017
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.
E. Stanley Ott
