The Visitors

Love the strangers... Duet. 10:19

I remember years ago when I was seventeen and it was Christmas Eve. In an abrupt fashion at 11:45 P. M. my mom declared that we were going to go to church. So my brother, my mother and myself piled in the car and started driving. None of us were saved and I was not sure where we were going or why. But my mom was on a mission to attend a candle light service.

We stopped at the first church we passed . As we walked in I could hear the congregation singing but I did not recognize the song. So I looked for some hymnals or for someone to help but everyone was caught up in their own little world.

As they lit the candles I looked for ours but could not find any. So the three of us sat there feeling alone, empty and confused. I remember thinking, " If this is church I don't want it."

Church studies show that the number one criteria people look for in a church is friendliness. Unfortunately, most people don't take the time or make the effort to reach out to others. And they fail to realize that this can be a kingdom moment.

My friends, I write these words as we enter the season of the visitor. As new people enter into those hallowed halls it becomes a royal opportunity to show them the love of our Lord. Let us not forget that friendliness should be at the very foundation of someone that claims the name of Jesus. If we engage ourselves to the lost and the lonely they will come back to taste the living water of Jesus Christ.

Today I visited your church
And it hurts to tell you this.
That God was not apparent
And I don't want you to miss
The importance of these words
And what I have to say.
Because I visited your church
And God was not there today.

A simple act of kindness
That says, " We're glad your here."
Sends a clear message
And a hallelujah cheer.

Let God's love touch the visitor
And call out Jesus name.
It will speak to them so loudly
And say " Yes, we're glad you came."

It's really not that hard
To introduce yourself.
Please don't leave God's love
Sitting on a shelf.

We simple are a reflection
And a mirror of Jesus Christ.
So let His love just saturate you.
And then reflect His life.