Fellowship Sundays

   Sundays seem to be our days to fellowship. Last Sunday we went to two services, a barbeque and spent time with my mother-in-law. It was a wonderful day. This week we went to one service, had lunch with the pastor's family, then visited with my mother-in-law. I love these times of fellowship and rest. We are really trying to rest on Sundays and not do any work. This is not always an easy task. It has been really rewarding though, and it makes me feel better about working six days a week.

   We have been making a real effort to be more sociable since we have been in Kelowna. Over the summer it was a bit difficult, however now with the start up of fall programs we are more able to meet others and grow with them toward God. It was really interesting that the sermon today was about Friendship. I needed to hear it as we are starting to be more plugged in with Bible Studies and other groups throughout the week. The sermon gave me a lot to think about in terms of my own friendships and how to be a better friend myself.
   The more we isolate ourselves, the easier it is just to go on our way and no one will say anything about it, however when we cultivate deep friendships then our friends will call us on our stuff, and we will do the same for them. Even if it is something they may not appreciate or something they may not want to hear. I am not a confrontational person, but God has been showing me there are times when you just need to confront someone especially when you care about them and you see something is harmful in their lives.
   Not only do you need to be able to confront, but you must also be able to receive correction yourself. This is sometimes even harder. I have found that the best way for me to deal with a situation like this is to listen to what the other person is saying. Pray about it and ask God to reveal the truth in what was said and how I can change it. This has been very helpful, because it takes me out of defensive mode. I simply say thank you for sharing that with me I will pray about that. Without me jumping to defense, it usually ends there and I can continue to enjoy my time with that person.
   The Scripture I am sharing with you today is Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. We are to have a Christ-like mind. The kind of friendship Jesus modeled is the kind of friendship we need to have with others. The compassion He had for people and the passion He had for His Father are key for us to have a Christ-like mind. God-focused people reaching out to the world around us.