August 4

“Everyone I meet – it matters little whether they're mannered or rude, smart or simple – deepens my sense of interdependence and obligation – Romans 1:14. But don't think I'm not expecting to get something out of this, too! You have as much to give me as I do to you” - Romans 1:12

Before Paul begins his work of ministry, he acknowledges his position as a debtor. First he receives, then he gives. And in Paul's estimation there was no-one he had met who had not given him something worthwhile. All if his preaching then is a thank-you note, a word of appreciation for gifts received.

                                                                                                                                                                    

Because ministry is an exchange of gifts, it is reciprocal – not the patronising gesture of a superior to an inferior. None of us can say that we are so richly endowed that we need nothing more, or so poor in gifts that we have nothing to share.

May God give us the honesty and humility to see ourselves as debtors in one way or another, to everyone we meet. Let us be as ready to bless as to be blessed.

Our song today is “Through it All” sung by Andrae Crouch. Click on the picture to listen.

     Housekeeping details for you

     The point of this short blog will become clear if you decide to use this reading in the way we intend it. Netherfield Seventh-day Adventist Church believes in healthy churches. You can see what that means if you head to the relevant Healthy Churches page of the website. We also want other churches to be healthy. That means you can join in our campaign to create healthy churches, with healthy people serving the people in those churches.

     A healthy church is one where Jesus comes first. A healthy church is one where the people work together to put Jesus first. One thing we are doing is to join people together to spread that news. I would like you to look at our prayer partners page. This will explain how we want you to use this short devotional. Very basically we want you to find a like-minded Christian friend who you will join with to : choose to pray together every day, decide together on a way to serve other people together, to help them grow as Christians - and to invite the Holy Spirit into your life every day. This blog that you will receive every day simply gives a common spiritual purpose. If you are a newcomer and want to join the blog with this object in mind click here