Like many of you, I grew up watching Mr. Roger's Neighborhood on PBS. The puppets kind of scared me, but the message was always right on...Love Your Neighbor. Its awesome how a Biblical principle was taught via a children's show on TV. Jesus told us in Matthew 22:39 we are to "Love our neighbor as ourself." This, according to Christ, was the 2nd greatest commandment we can follow as Christians. Are you loving your neighbor?
If you think deeply about it, the two commandments encourage us to be involved in relationships: Relationship with God, and Relationship with others. These are greatest commands Jesus could give. In my opinion, we need to follow these thoroughly and completely. Love God with everything we have and love others as ourselves!
Just yesterday, I was walking out of my house and my neighbor just happened to be walking out of his. I casually engaged him in conversation and we ended up talking in his yard for a few moments. During the conversation, he shared he was getting ready to be involved in an event that could literally change his life. Hmmm...can someone say divine appointment. I knew I could not leave that conversation without praying for him. As we finished up our chat, I looked at him and asked...can I pray with you? Guess what...he said "yes" and I prayed with him. Right there, in front of God and everyone else in the neighborhood, I put my hand on his shoulder and just prayed. Simple and effective.
Are you praying for your neighbor? Are you looking for ways to minister to your neighbors? Are you involved in relationship with them? Remember, Jesus said this is the 2nd greatest commandment! Wouldn't it be great if we as a church committed ourselves to truly loving our neighbors?
One last thought for the moment...maybe one of you is saying to yourself, "I don't have the strength or the courage (put any excuse in here you want) to pray for someone like that." Well here is the truth...I didn't pray for my neighbor as "Reverend Ryan T. Webster" or even "Pastor Ryan", I prayed with him as "Plain ole Neighbor Across the Street Ryan." You can do it...God will give you the strength. To quote another children's show on PBS..."Who are the people in your neighborhood?" God knows...and He wants you to as well!
-Pastor Ryan
4 comments:
LOVE the blog! Great idea and great message. Thanks!
<>< Karren
I love the blog! We should always pray with, pray for and pray often for all those around us.... our neighbors, our friends, or family and our Pastor. ---Jack
wow I love this, this is a great Idea...
Pastor where di hte photo come from of the church ? and How can I get a copy ???
Love it.
You can copy the pic right off the blog page. Right click on the pic, Save Picture As, and whala, it's a file on your computer.
Post a Comment