Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

November 30
Sunday


LEND A HAND

READ:
______________________________________________________

Rejoice with those who
rejoice, and weep with
those who weep.
__Romans 12:15
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The next month will be very difficult for many people who are still reeling from a loss this past year. The crippling hurt caused by the absence of a loved one can cloud holiday gatherings and even dim the desire to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

````````````````````Poet Ann Weems has written:````````````````

Some of us walk into Advent
tethered to our unresolved yesterdays,
the pain still stabbing,
the hurt still throbbing.
It's not that we don't know better;
it's just that we can't stand up
anymore by ourselves.
On the way to Bethlehem,
will you give us a hand?


In Romans 12:9-21, Paul gives ways to express practical Christianity in our relationships. One seems especially needed at this time of year: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" (v.15). We can "give a hand" to grieving friends and family by understanding their sorrow and not expecting them to "get over it" in time to celebrate the holidays. We can freely mention the name of the person whose death has brought such desolation and then share a fond memory. We can be quiet, listen, and pray for God's help.

Only God can heal the deep wounds of the heart, but we can lend a hand. __David McCasland
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``````````````````If I can help some wounded heart,``````````````
``````````````````````If I can by my love impart`````````````````
`````````````````Some blessing that will help more now__``````````
``````````````````Lord, just show me how. __ Brandt`````````````
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No one is strong enough to bear his burdens alone.

**************Today's Bible Reading __ Romans 12:9-21***********

9 Let love be without
hypocrisy. Abhor what is
evil. Cling to what is good.

10 Be kindly affectionate to
one another with brotherly
love, in honor giving
preference to one another;

11 not lagging in diligence,
fervent in spirit, serving the
Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope,
patient in tribulation,
continuing steadfastly in
prayer; 13 distributing to the
needs of the saints, given to
hospitality.

14 Bless those who
persecute you; bless and do
not curse. 15 Rejoice with
those who rejoice, and
weep with those who weep.

16 Be of the same mind
toward one another. Do not
set your mind on high
things, but associate with
the humble. Do not be wise
in your own opinion.

17 Repay no one evil for
evil. Have regard for good
things n the sight of all
men. 18 If it is possible, as
much as depends on you,
live peaceably with all men.

19 Beloved, do not avenge
yourselves, but rather give
place to wrath; for it is
written, "Vengeance is
Mine, I will repay," says the
Lord. 20 Therefore "If your
enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him a
drink; for in so doing you
will heap coals of fire in
his head." 21 Do not be
overcome by evil, but
overcome evil with good.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Because it was dangerous to travel, and resthouses were equally
dangerous or not readily available, believers were encouraged
to be hospitable (v.13). Literally, it means "to pursue friendliness
to strangers" or "to entertain strangers (Heb.13:2). Hospitality
(Titus 1:8) was made a qualification and an imperative for all elders
and overseers of the church (see also 1 Tim. 3:2, underscoring its
importance. __Sim Kay Tee

[momof3]

aww, amen cimi

The Holidays can be a tough time for so many...even if the one we are missing has been gone for years. That empty spot can only be filled with Jesus. Someone told me one time, the first Christmas after my mom passed, to find an elderly lady at church who was by herself..and adopt her. To my surprise, she and I were both blessed through the friendship and love we still share. She doesnt take my mom's place, but the love and peace of Jesus is ever-present.

Thanks for all of your posts, cimi...praise the Lord!

in Jesus,
momo

[cimi]

thanx. I appreciate it:)