Daily Devotion from Pastor Eric and Rita -- Be a People Builder!

Be a People Builder!
Today's Devotional Reading: Rom. 13-16
December 3, 2009

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." (Romans 15:2)

TODAY'S WORD

When Jesus warned his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees in Matthew 16:6, they were thinking with their stomachs and said, "It is because we brought no bread." They began arguing and accusing one another of being irresponsible. They must have sounded like school children. "John was supposed to bring our lunch." "No, Peter was!" "I told Matthew to do it!" "It's Mark's fault!"

Jesus overhears them, and says (my paraphrase), "Uh, guys? You remember who fed five thousand people with the loaves and fishes and turned water into wine? I can handle lunch. I wasn't talking about bread. I was warning you to be careful about following the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

Although His disciples did not always grasp the initial meaning of His teachings or actions, Jesus didn't reprimand them in public or make them feel stupid. He made them feel loved and appreciated. In fact, six verses later, Jesus let his disciples know that He thought so highly of them that He planned to give them the keys to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19). He never embarrassed them or belittled those who served Him. He overlooked their faults and limitations and celebrated their strengths.

We are the ambassadors of Jesus, and should speak words of hope and encouragement - building others up! I believe when we focus on the strengths and gifts of those around us we will begin to see God's favor poured out on our own life in an even greater way and we will experience each and every victory that He has in store for us.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

God, because I am Your child I am held to a higher standard in this world. I am called to be a giver, not a taker; an encourager, not a critic. There will be an opportunity to build someone up today-I'm going to act on it! In Jesus' name, Amen.

We sure love you!
Eric & Rita