Theme: Scream-Free Family
Weekend Music links on iTunes: Glory to God Forever, God With Us, Attention, 'til I See You
Read: Ephesians 4:29-32
Think: Are you on Facebook? I must confess that I am not. I tried it for a while, but it’s not for me. I know I’m in the minority these days. Facebook is everywhere and still growing. At its core, Facebook is about strengthening relationships. We are invited to make connections, and to keep in touch with friends on-line. Although I don’t find Facebook a useful tool for me, I certainly see the value of its relationship focus.
Jesus focused on relationships. While he preached to crowds on many occasions, sometimes numbering in the thousands, He invested most of His few years as a teacher in just a small group. His investment was one of substantial time and sustained attention, living side-by-side with His disciples, sharing daily life with them. While at times He had to correct their thinking or their actions, He was present with them and loved them.
Pastor Ben, in the sermon this weekend, taught that the quality of our relationships with our family will both determine the influence we can have and shape the quality of all future relationships our family members will have. Giving healthy support to a spouse or strong guidance to a child starts with building good relationships, relationships based on selfless love, and grown over time. In the words of today’s Bible passage ‘Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another’. It’s not easy, but God is standing by to help.
Do: ‘Friend’ someone today.Pray: Lord, I ask two things of you now. First, remind me of the importance of every relationship in my life, especially those closest to me, my family. Then, Lord Jesus, teach me to show love in those relationships as you showed love to those around you. Amen.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.