We once had a greeter at our church named Albert. He was the kind of greeter any church would want. He was outgoing, personable and able to make an instant connection with anyone.
I once asked Albert where he learned to greet the way he did. He told me he had learned it hitchhiking. When Albert waited with his thumb out and his head down, he found he never got picked up. When he would look directly into the eyes of passing motorists, he would have a ride in a matter of minutes.
Eye contact often makes us uncomfortable. It reminds me of Acts 3, and Peter and John with the lame beggar. In verse 4, we read, “Peter looked straight at him, as did John” (NIV).
At that moment, Peter really saw the beggar he had passed dozens of times before. As he looked at him, the Holy Spirit moved Peter with real compassion.
In the same way, may we truly see those who are around us. May we look straight at them, and may the Holy Spirit give us that same compassion.
This Week’s Prayer Focus [5 in 5]
Personal Prayer
1. Pray that the Holy Spirit would give us eyes to see His people with the same compassion He has for them.
2. Pray that when given an opportunity to impact someone who is hurting, we would be bold enough to take it.
3. Pray that the power that raised Christ from the dead, the power that healed the lame beggar, would be alive in us, as well.
Foursquare Focus
4. Ask the Lord for wisdom on how our churches can reach out to local communities and people.
5. Ask that the Lord would give all Foursquare churches a fresh vision to see God’s calling and direction.
Share your thoughts. See comments below, and add your own.
