The Word for Today
With Bob Gass

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Loving People Love one another... - John 15:12 NKJV

Loving people is only a vague concept, unless we do these five things:

1. People are insecure; give them confidence. Beneath their faade lie memories of a painful past and anxiety over what's coming their way next. Tell them God says, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). When nothing else works, God's Word does.
2. People need to feel special; compliment them. Do it when they least expect it, and it's clear you seek nothing in return. Mary Kay Ash, founder of a major cosmetics company in the USA, said, 'Everyone has an invisible sign hanging around their neck saying, "Make me feel important!"' Notice how often God's Word tells us how much He loves us, how special we are, and His plans for us.
3. People are looking for a better tomorrow; give them hope. Let them know that when you put God in the centre of your life, your future can be better than your past. 'as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper' (2 Chronicles 26:5 NKJV).
4. People need to be understood; listen to them. The trouble is this takes more time than we're willing to give. We're in too much of a hurry to hand out advice and move on, and it doesn't work. Before people can be 'fixed,' they must feel understood.
5. People need role models; be one. Paul told the Corinthians, 'Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ' (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV). Too often we're unaware of the example we set and the impression we're making. Like it or not, what you do, and don't do, influences others. When you leave this world, what you leave behind is your influence.

SoulFood Bible Readings: 2 Chron 22-24, John 13:31-38, Ps 118:1-9, Pr 27: 23-27

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This message from The Word for Today came from Rhema Broadcasting Group Incorporated in association with The Vine, New Zealand. "The Word for Today"® is copyright © Bob Gass Ministries.

Used under 'limited copy' permission by:

Some of us declare that we are Christian. But not all who claim this title truly follow the guidelines and obligations that go with it. In Matthew 6:7, (NCV) Jesus tells us, "And when you pray, don't be like those people who don't know God. They continue saying things that mean nothing, thinking that God will hear them because of their many words."

• I cannot pray "Our Father", if I do not believe that I am one of God's children.
• I cannot pray "Who Art in Heaven", if all my interests concern earthly things alone.
• I cannot pray "Hallowed Be Thy Name", if I do not believe God is supreme.
• I cannot pray "Thy Kingdom Come", if I am not willing accept the reign of God.
• I cannot pray "Thy Will Be Done", if I am resentful of having God's will my life.
• I cannot pray "On Earth as It Is in Heaven", unless I believe that God is truly the sovereign ruler of everything.
• I cannot say "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread", if I think that what I possess came by my power alone.
• I cannot pray "Forgive Us Our Sins as We Forgive Those Who Sin Against Us", if I am not truly sorry for them, and continue to harbor bad feelings against others.
 
• I cannot pray "Lead Us Not into Temptation", if I remain anywhere that I am likely to be tempted.
 
• I cannot pray "Deliver Us from Evil", if I do not put on God's armor and fight against evil myself.
 
• I cannot pray "Yours Is the Kingdom", if I do not give my King the complete obedience of a loyal subject.
 
• I cannot say "Yours Is the Power", if I believe that I can do anything on my power alone.
 
• I cannot pray "Yours Is the Glory", if I am seeking my glory alone.
 
• I cannot pray "Forever and Ever", if I only concerned about this life and not the afterlife.
 
• I cannot pray "In Jesus Name", unless I truly believe that He is the way to everlasting life.
 
• I cannot pray "Amen", unless I am totally willing to pay the price of this prayer.
 

To be a "Christian" means that you are truly blessed in God's favor, but God will not listen to your talk without you walking the walk!

Steven Coffman