don't deserve it, but need it [+] Thursday E-Devotion

1 Thessalonians 3:2 (nlt) --- and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God's co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith,

Case Study 1 "yesterday". A phone call. Riding down the road with a friend and having a conversation. An e-mail checking on me. Another e-mail with good news.

Those were not just sweet things but so needed. God gives us what we need when we need it. But I am perplexed. I don't deserve it at all. Not because I am bad or wretched or one of the dregs of the earth. But I am nothing compared to Jesus. Jesus took my place. Died for my sins. Loves me in spite of myself. And so much more.

Case Study 2 "last week". A card in the mail. A visit from a friend. A call from someone in need.

I like to feel needed, but that is not what it is about. Life is about focusing on God, helping others to focus on God and following Him. I find that along the road those times of encouragement, when I interact with other people, God shows up and God shows off.

How are you encouraging others? Do I do this on a regular, daily basis? Am I living more for my self or for my Savior? Tough thoughts. Though I don't deserve it, but I need to be encouraged. So does everyone else that we see each day. We either tear down or build up. Be honest with yourself. Listen to God.

Build up and encourage others. No telling how many lives will be touched when we reach out to someone else.

A phone call. A kind word or hug. A card to someone far off. A prayer no one knows about. Going out of your way to show someone what Jesus would do...what will you do.

Romans 15:2 (nlt) --- We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

Philippians 2:5 (nlt) --- You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

1 Peter 3:8 (nlt) --- Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

1 Corinthians 10:24 (nlt) --- Don't be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.

Philippians 2:1-4 (the message) --- If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

[+] Please Pray

Keep praying for Sharon Hubbard's aunt having a health problem. 2 friends have health issues that need healing and answers. Pray for the salvation of a young lady at The Community. Ginny Wood and Jonathan Dixon will be getting married next weekend. Pray for their marriage and growth. Ginny's sister in law, Lisa Wood, is still in Iraq.

[+] E-DEVOTIONS: authored by Michael Harrison, lead Pastor, The Community Fellowship; reason to encourage you to follow Jesus; archived at Michael's blog, http://michael.thecommunityfellowship.org/; subscribe, unsubscribe or contact mharrison@thecommunityfellowship.org.

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why is it Good Friday?

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