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Relational. Communicate. Open the Door. :: Wednesday E-Devotion

NOTE: our internet service has been down all week.  That means e-devotions have to be sent in special ways.  Hope all will be back to normal by the end of the week or first of next week.

Last week I share with you some notes from Rick Warren and an article he wrote about members and guests feeling special.  Today I am going to use the big ideas and tie some scripture to them to help us see and hear from God as to how we are to fit into God's family and create ways for other people to become part of the family at church.  Did that make sense?

God has big things in store FOR THE PEOPLE who choose to follow His lead!

Be intentional on building NEW relationships...

"For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God.  And other people will approve of you, too.  So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up."   Romans 14:17-19 (NLT)

How do you start new relationships?  When new folks come in the church, do we try to strike up relationships and get to know people?  I am not talking about being superficial.  What I am talking about is building people to know who they are in Christ.

Be intentional about communicating...

"So let it be clearly known by everyone in Israel that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified to be both Lord and Messiah!"  Acts 2:36 (NLT)

We have to be clear.  Some people say that I am clear as mud.  It is true at times, but what I strive for is to be understand and better yet for God's word through me to be understood by those who need Him.  We need to communicate everything in a way where people will hear.  LISTEN UP!  We are called by God to find ways to be heard.  IT IS NOT the lost world's responsibility to change the way they listen.  It is our RESPONSIBILITY to change the way we speak.

Be intentional about opening the door to make people feel welcome...

"Since the One who saves and those who are saved have a common origin, Jesus doesn't hesitate to treat them as family, saying, "I'll tell my good friends, my brothers and sisters, all I know about you; I'll join them in worship and praise to you."  Hebrews 2:11-12 (MSG)

I pray we will find ways to make people feel welcome more often than ever before.  That may be by being a greeter out in the parking lot before church, it may be in making a call to a prospect, it may be by inviting a friend to church or just to talk about God.  Find ways to open the door so people will see and hear our great God!

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