A Daily Dose of Godly Encouragement: Medicine for Tough Days: Book 1: Winter is now available on Amazon. Below is a sample of what you’ll get each day in the book! Click here to buy on Amazon
Colossians 3:1-17
Mell and I often visit church bazaars. We enjoy the atmosphere as well as meeting people at various churches. I also buy enough homemade cakes and pies to add inches to my waistline. Bazaars also offer unique opportunities to be the church in action.
A visitor wandered into a church bazaar with a lost expression on her face. Immediately someone greeted her and showed her around. In a few minutes she was being introduced to the others. Before long, she was sampling Brunswick stew and talking.
At another bazaar, people were met at the door and offered a tour. I noticed a worker talking quietly to a young man. Within minutes, she gently led the person to her pastor and left the room, I found out later, the young man was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Yes, the Bazaar is a fund raiser, but bazaars and churches can be so much more. George Barna reminds us that being the church is not just on Sunday but every day of the week. Growing churches also possess a deep commitment to building a life-changing community. There are often spontaneous demonstrations of selfless compassion toward those in need. They sharing their faith in natural and unforced ways based on relationships and they project an image of love, care and compassion
Paul writes: “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” (Colossians. 3:12-15)
Would you like something more specific? Here are a few things you could do right now: Host a small group in your home. Donate a few Saturdays, to fix up houses. Participate in a church feeding meals to the needy. Be a new member mentor and help new people feel welcome and find their niche. Become a children or youth Volunteer. Serve on building and grounds and help your church look more welcoming.
At church bazaars, I found many examples of the church in action. Every day we are given opportunities to be a representative for God. Now, if I can only find someone to help me eat these cakes and pies.
Prayer Challenge: How can you represent the church in action?
