1-5-2008: Opportunities

 

Colossians 4:5 "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity."

 

The second half of this verse is what really is speaking to me this morning however the first is not to be overlooked.  I know it can be hard to maintain your compassion when you must deal with someone who does not understand you and whom you do not understand, whether it be a language barrier, a culture barrier or just a personality clash...it is made more difficult when the other individual is as willing as you are to make every effort to make the situation work.  However, considering our Lord Himself told us that whatever we do to others we are likewise also doing unto God, well, that makes it a whole other ball game, right?  I guess I'm going to tie these two halve together before I can even get to my other thoughts on the second half because I want to say that we should take every opportunity to treat outsiders as though they are Jesus standing or sitting before us.  How does that change our actions?  Does it change them at all?  Briefly I do want to add that when God closes one door He will open another or at least a window so there is always opportunity around us to make the most of.  We need to stay open to His voice and be ready and willing to give every situation, every opportunity our full passion, strength and love.  Let's pray together:

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for making each of us unique, different and special and we thank You for giving us opportunities to celebrate each other's strengths, ideas and cultures.  Please help us, Lord, to always treat everyone around us, especially "outsiders," as if it were You standing before us since in a way it truly is.  Please also assist us in making the most every opportunity You allow us to receive.  Father, we continue to be in awe of Your merciful healing hand in those who are ill, injured or hurting in other ways.  We especially thank You for the healing that You have already worked in Summer, Sharon and all others we individually name here, healing that we can see and healing that only You know about.  Please continue to grant Your healing to each of them as we all keep our hope and faith in You.  We continue to be thankful for the men and women who serve us by laying their life on the line day after day to protect us, all branches of Military, Police, Firemen and Paramedics.  May You please grant them Your divine protection and also comfort and peace as many of their jobs take them far from their families and loved ones.  Be also Lord with their families and loved ones granting them Your peace, comfort and strength.  Lastly Father, I ask that You may please bless all who may read these words, grant them Your favor, protection, peace and grace each and every day of their lives.  We ask that all these things may be done according not as we want but as is Your will, in Jesus name.  Amen.

Have a blessed weekend and week ahead!!

Love Through Christ,

Niki