WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL..... 8/10/13

SHARING THE TRUTH IN LOVE

TALKING TO GOD

Ask God to give you a loving attitude toward people who are different from you and for the opportunities to share His love with them.

DIVING IN

Place a dab of toothpaste on your lips. Ask your family members to suggest how they would tell
you that you had toothpaste on your lips if you were a famous actor. Have someone else put on the toothpaste and ask the family to address him or her as if that person were your pastor. Continue changing roles to tell a good friend, a school bully, a stranger and a grouchy teacher about the toothpaste on their faces.

GOING DEEPER

Just as it might be hard or awkward to tell a famous actor or a stranger that she has toothpaste on her lips, so sharing God's truth can feel difficult. But authentic, biblical tolerance allows you to treat others well, even when you have something to share that they may not want to hear. Think about the way you role-played talking to someone you respected, such as a pastor or a famous person. You were probably careful to show respect and kindness as you shared the truth. By treating all people, including those who are different from you, with the same kindness and respect, you can more effectively share the Gospel with them. In Luke 10:27, Jesus says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Rely on God's love when sharing His truth.

TALKING TO EACH OTHER

Is it difficult for you to share God's truth with nonbelievers? Why?

- How could you show God's love to a friend who doesn't believe in Jesus?

- What kind words could you use with someone whose opinion of God is different from yours?

Luke 10:27 NLT

27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Ephesians 4:15 NLT

15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

If you just started reading the Bible and have not yet asked Jesus into your heart to become your Lord and Savior, all you have to do is:

A - ADMIT YOU ARE A SINNER
Roman 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.

Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

B - BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS GOD'S SON AND EXCEPT GOD'S GIFT OF FORGIVENESS FROM SIN

Acts 16:31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household"

Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life, No one comes to the Father except through me."

Ephesians 2:8-9 ....8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

C - CONFESS YOUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND LORD

Roman 10:9-10, 13 .....9 If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart the God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

If your are ready to ask Jesus into your heart to be your Lord and Savior, you can pray a simple prayer like this to God.

Dear God,

I know I have sinned and my sin separates me from You. I am sorry for my sin. I believe Jesus died on the cross for me so my sin can be forgiven. I believe Jesus rose from the dead and is alive. God please forgive me. I ask Jesus to come into my life and be my Savior and Lord. I will obey You and live for You the rest of my life, Thank You in Jesus' name I Pray.

Amen

Join this site under FOLLOWERS