If you found me on the road

But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw ⌊the man⌋, he had compassion. He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I’ll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.’ (Luke 10:33-35 HCSB)

During a parable Jesus was talking about a good neighbor. This neighbor did not even know who this injured man was. Yet, he cared for the man and even payed his medical bills. If you found me on the road hurt would you care for me? You probably know me so it might cross your mind. Lets go a step farther. If you found a foreigner on the side of the road would you pay his medical bills?

Who did you leave on the road lately?

Samson said to the young man who was leading him by the hand, “Lead me where I can feel the pillars supporting the temple, so I can lean against them.” The temple was full of men and women; all the leaders of the Philistines were there, and about 3,000 men and women were on the roof watching Samson entertain ⌊them⌋. He called out to the Lord : “Lord God , please remember me. Strengthen me, God, just once more. With one act of vengeance, let me pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.” Samson took hold of the two middle pillars supporting the temple and leaned against them, one on his right hand and the other on his left. Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” He pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the leaders and all the people in it. And the dead he killed at his death were more than those he had killed in his life. (Judges 16:26-30 HCSB)

We often describe God as a loving and kind God. He is. However, we often forget about the vengeful God. Don't forget about the vengeful God. If you mess with Him or His chosen you will pay the ultimate price. Take Samson for instance. He was chosen and blessed by God for a purpose. He then was captured and mocked by enemies of God. But, who laughed last? Do you know someone that is chosen by God that you don't mesh with? I know you do. Watch out. Make sure you don't get caught in the vengeance.

Language barrier

When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech. (Acts 2:1-4 HCSB)

It's really hard to break a language barrier. Having been on a trip out of the u.s. I can tell you this first hand. A translator is usually the best tool to get through to a different people group.
The other person doesn't even have to speak a different language to be difficult to minister to. For example: a senior adult trying to minister to a teenager. Same language but very different.
In the passage above the Gentiles were able to minister to several different people groups because the Spirit filled them. When you are filled with the Spirit you can minister to those you wouldn't normally communicate with. Who should you be ministering to that you are not?

I'm high

After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. He was transformed in front of them, and His face shone like the sun. Even His clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. (Matthew 17:1-3 HCSB)

I'm on a spiritual high right now. Just finished Dnow 2013 this weekend and witnessed transfiguration. In the verse. above Jesus was so close to the father that he was transfigured. The "light" of God shone on Him so that even His face shone like the sun." This is what happens to you when you are close to God. He is so infinitely holy that His glory will reflect off you and you will become like a beacon of light that will draw the masses. When is the last time you were transfigured?

A good sense of humor

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (Mark 12:29-30 KJV)

So each week someone at church is chosen to read the verse of scripture that the sermon will be over. Our average Sunday attendance is 450-600 so neither my wife or I have been chosen in the many years we have been members. But last week was different. Someone asked my wife if she would read the verse of the day. She was reluctant, as I would be, because of our fear of public speaking So she prayed about it and received the verse via Facebook before accepting. Once she read the verse it was obvious that God was joking with her! The passage is as stated above It also happens to be the only thing that is tattooed on my body 10 years ago. My right bicep states: Love the Lord your God with all your heart... Mark 12:30.
He is real.
He does have a since of humor.
This is his most important command.

Who do you say?

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
"But you," He asked them, "who do you say that I am?"
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!" (Matthew 16:13-16 HCSB)

I have met a lot of new people lately, and the introduction always goes the same way. "I am so and so. I work at boring blah blah blah. I am married to girl. We have three kids we call children."
I'm guilty of the same thing. So I have developed a new introduction for myself:
"Hi, I am Scott Northcutt. I am a saint, a missionary, and a warrior for the creator of the universe. I am washed in the blood of Christ. He is my king, comforter, and strong tower. I obey only Him. By the way I have a smokin hot wife Ladawn and 3 beautiful kids Gavin, jadyn and Courtney. I also work at John Deere in my spare time."
Which introduction would u remember?

He answered my prayers

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. 1Chronicles 4:10      I have been praying for years about different things in my life, the lives of others, and the world.  Most of the time God grants my request.  Sometimes He does not.  This time I have prayed big and am recieving big.  I can see my request being granted before my eyes.  In this moment I can only stand in awe and thank my Saviour for blessing me greatly.  Like so many times before He answered my prayer but I didn't take the time to give thanks... this time I.m getting it right.      What about Jabez?  The bible says he cried out to God.  Then, my favorite part:  "God granted his request."  Friends, you have prayed and have answered prayers.  Did you forget to thank God for them like I have in the past?  Thank Him now.