Last night's prayer group was small so it gave me an opportunity to ask some questions regarding our church and other things. What do people struggle with and what are their needs? They struggle in a secular world that has little or no regard for Christ. They need a supportive church family, which we agreed we have, that holds each other accountable.
We discussed that Christians struggle with all the stuff that non-belivers do, we just know how to deal with it. People need to be loved, appreciated and respected. We also discussed how many of our home bound are very lonley with no friends who check on them. Be a friend, then bring that friend to Christ. I'll be back later. Greg
5 comments:
Hello All, I had the opportunity to speak to several of my co-workers concerning their felt needs, and what I was able to precieved. Not everyone is quick to share what they stand in need of. I noticed that Jesus started the conversation with the woman at the well by asking her for a drink of water.That allowed him to witnesst to her concerning her real need. On Monday May 12,2008 I was in Baltimore in front of my friends house when I saw a lady coming toward me that look so much like my daughter's mother in law. I started the conversation with the stranger by telling her that she looked like my daughters mother in law (Ethaleen) who is also a very good friend of mine. I shared the cancered experience with her that Ethaleen and her husband suffered ,but trusted God so much that that they are both cancer free. I also shared with her the importance of eating right and how Ethaleen had changed her eating habit along with exercise that conbribute to her healing.After I shared with her the Good New of God's word, that Jesus bared all of our sin on the cross and that by his stripes we are healed,the stranger shared with me that she had never crossed that side of the street before, that she was looking for a store that carried the milk that she needed for her health and could not find it. But she did find the milk, she found the milk in the word of God as he allowed me to miniter to her concerning her healing. She went away with joy. She invited me to her house and left me with her phone # and house address to come and see her from time to time. I believe God word fell on the Good soil of her heart that will bring fourth good and much fruit.
Several of my co-workers was not arnest about their needs.But in the conversations and duscernment, I was able to precieve that several of them was fighting with sickness in the loved ones or them selves.One had a gambling problem, another had a spirip of gosip and carring tells. Another had a spirit of fear and mistrust. I told her about her fear and she has let up a little.
Also when I read the story about the man with the legion of demons. The demons knew who Jesus was and asked permission to go in the pigs. Jesus did not ask him if he wanted to be healed because the demons had control over him, that they would speak on his behalf. Jesus showed me this concerning people that are on alcohol and drugs. That demon will tell you that they will drink until Jesus come and we think we are talking to the person and its a demon in the person we are talking to.
I will study more and get back with you later on fasting and prayer.
Brenda
Hey guys a few words mispelled. Bare with me. I didn't review.Still getting the hang of this new toy.
Peace and Joy
Brenda
Thanks, Greg and Brenda for your comments... It seems like the greatest felt need people have is to connect with God and with other people in order to grow as a person, heal, and find life, which we know to be salvation through Jesus Christ. I wonder if the answer to all of this is right in front of us-- small groups! We have some in place already, but we could always use more-- places for people to worship, pray, learn God's Word, and be held accountable for being obedient to God's Word. What do you think??
Hey Everyone,
I have some information but its mostly the things I have heard. I have not been able to really discuss in any detail the things folks on the trains (mostly) have had to say about what they need.
There seems to be a theme, which is to say that there is a lot of anxiety about work (stress) or the cost of living continuing to grow (gas prices) and the impact on thier quality of life. What they seem to be saying is that they need a break, a way to relieve the stress.
Maybe that means small groups. I would say for these folks that they would want groups that could help them, in a practicle way, deal with the stress or at least provide a way to relax that was not harmful.
Of course, we know that most of the stress comes from focuing on the wrong things (earthly things) and not on Christ and our realtionship with him. So, as the body of Christ, do we want to address the "earthly need" and therefore be addressing the "spiritual need?"
Hello everyone! I have been observing and doing some talking about "felt needs" at work. First let me say that I work most closely with 20/25 females. I do go out to visit school and talk with high school students, but never get into serious discussions about anything other than their education. Out of the 20 women, about 8 are actually living out their Christian faith. Of the others,one is a cultural Jew, five are homosexual or living with their boyfriend, two are divorced, and the rest are married and have children and fit into no other category mentioned before. Several of the women have problems with their school aged children and several with their relationships with their adult children. Some are caring for ill family members. Some want a connection, but feel alone and feel they are "too far gone to be connected to a church". (Wrong!) The ones who feel that way probably just need someone to come along side of them and invite them to church or church activity and stay with them. It is difficult to be alone and come to a new place. On several occasions, my coworkers have asked me to pray for a particular situation. (My pleasure!) There is a spirutual need here for sure. We know they need Jesus.
I would suspect that in Laurel there is a need for English tutors for adults since we have so many Hispanic families. Also, divorce care is probably another need, since in our community and church this is an issue. Many feel isolated or rejected after a divorce. I would suspect that many in our community (and my work) need some help with financial planning/budgeting/money matters. About everyone I know could use some help with parenting. Raising children is very difficult and sometimes we feel we should naturally know how to do it right. (Wrong,again!) I see that others have mentioned small groups, and I am a fan!! These are just my observations and thoughts so far.
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