The Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide - "Small in Number, Large in Spirit" Sunday, 23 February 2014

The Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide - "Small in Number, Large in Spirit" Sunday, 23 February 2014
Read Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
13 Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule. Let us be of the same mind. 17 Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example. 18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.
4:1 Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.--James 1:22 (NRSV)
Our church was experiencing a slow, steady decline. The older members had died or were in poor health and unable to attend, and we were not attracting many younger members. Consequently, we decided that even though our worship service was good, we needed to get our message to people outside our church. We started an outreach program using both words and actions. Several church members wrote a column in our local weekly paper sharing their personal stories of challenge. They told how our church had brought them closer to God and increased their faith. These members also volunteered their time to help at the local Meals On Wheels center, our community thrift center, and other community-aid organizations. Leading by example we could show, rather than just speak about, our faith. This program started over a year ago. And while our weekly attendance is still small, it is increasing. Best of all, the new members contribute to these programs too, which helps us expand our ministry. One member at a time, we are using our efforts not only to spread God’s word but also to do God’s work.--The Author-Mark Alan Carter (Texas, USA)
Thought for the Day: With God as our guide, we can guide others to God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, even though sometimes we are small in number, with you we are large in spirit. Give us the faith to lead by example, and help us to share our faith with others. Amen.
Prayer focus: Struggling churches
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