March 14, 2010

Opening Hymns:
Make Me a Chanel of Blessing (http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/a/makemeac.htm)
Ambassadors of God (http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/m/ambassog.htm)

Scripture Reading:
2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Message Ambassadors
One thing I never felt comfortable with as a Christian was trying to convert others to become Christians themselves. I love sharing the love of Christ with those who want to hear it, and those who will praise the Lord with me. However, throughout my life I have had many friends who were not Christians. At first I tried hard to spread the message of God, but it never caught on. While it could be that I was just “planting the seed” as many people might call it. Later on perhaps the messages I had been trying to convey would get through. Regardless through the years I had been trying to spread Christianity through good deeds rather than through speech.

This scripture reading is a hard one. It is a reminder that, while part of our purpose is to love and serve God, the other part of the purpose is to be ambassadors for Him. What kind of ambassadors should we be? One way to be an ambassador would be to seek to teach others, both Christian and non-Christians, with the message of love that Jesus has taught us. Other ways would be reaching out to others in need, and doing kind deeds for them through volunteering. Whether we are using scripture to teach others, or showing Christ through works we should remember to try to represent the one who sent us.

Time of Prayer
*Respond: Lord hear our prayer

To those who are suffering loss, that Your comforting hand might be in their life, and that their emptiness might be filled through You we pray to the Lord*
To those who are out in battles and wars, that You might protect them and guide them as they face challenging times we pray to the Lord*
For new mothers, that they might recover from the birthing process, and that You would keep the children and mothers safe and strong we pray to the Lord*

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
O Mystery of Love Divine (http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/m/omystery.htm)

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God