July 9, 2008 A Church That Cares
ODB RADIO: Listen Now <http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2008/07/09/devotion.aspx ##> | Download <http://rbcorg.httpsvc.vitalstreamcdn.com/rbcorg_vitalstream_com/odb/200 8/07/odb-07-09-08.mp3> READ: Philippians 2:1-11 <http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?language=english&passage=Philippians+2 :1-11> Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. -Philippians 2:4 While traveling together, my wife and I started talking with a delightful young woman we met. The time passed quickly as we chatted about lighthearted topics. But when she heard that I was a minister, the conversation took a heart-wrenching turn. She began to share with us that when her husband left her only a few months earlier, she had struggled with the pain of that abandonment. Then she smiled and said, "I can't tell you how much my church has meant to me these past months." Her mood and countenance changed dramatically as she recounted the ways her church family had wrapped their loving arms around her in her season of heartache. It was refreshing to hear how that local assembly had surrounded her with the love of Christ. Far too often, it seems, we limit the significance of church to what happens on Sunday. But the church is to be so much more. It is to be a safe haven, a rescue station, a training center for spiritual service. It is particularly to be an expression of the concerned heart of the Lord for hurting, broken people, such as our young friend. We are to "love one another," John the disciple reminded us, "for love is of God" (1 John 4:7). - Bill Crowder <http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/Bill-Crowder.aspx> It was only a brief little note, Or a word that was prayerfully spoken, Yet not in vain, for it soothed the pain Of a heart that was nearly broken. -Anon. Hope can be ignited by a spark of encouragement. ________________________________ "This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended solely for the addressee and could contain information that is confidential; If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, disclosure, copying or dissemination of this e-mail and any attachment is strictly prohibited and you should immediately delete it. This message does not necessarily reflect the views of Bank Indonesia. Although this e-mail has been checked for computer viruses, Bank Indonesia accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus and any malicious code transmitted by this e-mail. Therefore, the recipient should check again for the risk of viruses, malicious codes, etc as a result of e-mail transmission through Internet" ________________________________ * “This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended solely for the addressee and could contain information that is confidential; If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, disclosure, copying or dissemination of this e-mail and any attachment is strictly prohibited and you should immediately delete it. This message does not necessarily reflect the views of Bank Indonesia. Although this e-mail has been checked for computer viruses, Bank Indonesia accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus and any malicious code transmitted by this e-mail. Therefore, the recipient should check again for the risk of viruses, malicious codes, etc as a result of e-mail transmission through Internet”
