| The Family of God Over the past few months, Sallie and I have had many chances to interact with our family, and what a blessing it is to see them, struggle with them, encourage them, pray for them, serve them, and love on them. What a blessing God has given us when He created the natural family. However, some have not always been blessed by their natural family, which is why God created a spiritual family on a higher level, the "Church," headed up by Jesus Christ, and ministered to by the Holy Spirit. It's like a second chance to be part of a bigger, dynamic family, operating in the spirit of sacrificial service and love. Romans 12 describes the characteristics of "the Church.” Romans 12:9-21: Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 1contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 1Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Over the last few months, I've seen our local body of believers here at Harvest Church Omaha come together in prayer, service, dedication, love, and sacrifice in finishing the new Worship Center, but more importantly, in life's ups and downs in our daily lives that we all experience. I want to commend everyone in our Harvest Church Omaha fellowship for coming together and doing whatever God has prompted you to accomplish in your hearts. Each one of you is valued more than you know, first by God the Father, then Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and then by the Harvest Church Leadership and all the other Believers. It is truly a joy to see you all serving Jesus and one another in your own special, gifted way. A final word while you are serving, whatever opposition you are facing.....keep going, and press into the Lord; asking for prayer and encouragement from the body; repenting when prompted; mentoring and teaching the Word; and leading people into a relationship with the Father through Jesus. Galatians 6:9-10: “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” You are a blessing…..whether or not you feel like it!!! Love ya all!!! Dave & Sallie Steinacher |