It is not easy to be the body of Christ. We are not a perfect people, but people striving toward perfection by seeking to live in relationship to the God who is perfect in love. Nevertheless, despite God's continued love toward all human beings, things happen. As Dr. Terry Teykl writes in this chapter ... "A pastor simply burns out, a leader's marriage falls apart, a youth director is slandered, a Sunday school teacher fails to et recognition, an associate does not receive a much-needed raise - the casualty lists are endless. And the results are the same. Feelings are hurt, a wound is inflicted, they come bound, imprisoned by resentment and anger and ultimately they don't minister any longer."
This week, take time to pray for those you know who have been hurt and have allowed this hurt to cause them to drop out of church. Let's pray that the wounds which have been inflicted will find healing in the presence of a God who loves them and loving Christian people who are willing to help them find their way back home to God's house. We must never forget that prayer is not just about anticipating the coming of the kingdom in its fullness, but it's also about not leaving behind those who have felt left behind from the pain put upon them by others. Let us pray for reconciled hearts, always with God, and whenever possible, with the people who have been at odds with each other. This wee, pray that God will heal broken relationships.
For as Dr. Teykl writes, "As part of the body suffers, we all suffer. When they go free, we are free." I think if you read your Bible, you will find this statement by Dr. Teykl to be very biblical. God bless you in your prayers this week as we continue our prayer journey through the Acts of the Apostles.
Dennis
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