Not Reaching Out, But Reaching In

In a world of mass media and effective events management, its pretty easy to come up with ways and means to reach out to people.

However, I noticed, that despite all the excitement and 'methods', people's needs can still be left un-met.

People have no problem reaching out,
People have problem reaching in.

Its about finding a hurt and healing it, finding a need and meeting it.

Is the sick healed?
Is the oppressed set free?
Is the lonely assured?
Is the down and out encouraged?
Is the hopeless given a vision?

Jesus didnt just hold big crusades, He went house to house, fellowshipping, having conversation and eating with people. He healed them, delivered them, He stepped into their boat and changed their lives.

I believe, evangelism is more than conversion. Its redemption - the RESTORATION of all things. People's lives have to change, for the better. A person is not truly saved if his/her life hasnt changed.

What are we doing to bring about that restoration work?

Are those who are poor now rich?
Are those who grew up with pains feeling stronger and more encouraged now?
What have we done to make life better for others?

Dont plan so much, but at the end, meet so little.

This year, this cny season, let us not just reach out, let's reach IN.

Dont just notice a hurt, notice a need.
FIND a hurt, FIND a need.

Who are the people that are feeling down? Be there for them.
And dont ignore people who are going through a tough time,
Knowing what is right but not doing it is the sin of omission. ;)

Pressing into others' lives require a considerate amount of effort.
PRESS is an action word, there is a small force used.

Ask people, how are you doing?
Ask how are things. Spend time with them.

Dont just pray in the sidelines when you can do something practical.

Praying for people is not pressing in, thats supporting.
Dont always care about yourself, your needs, your own life.

Thats totally unbiblical.

Start taking notice of others. Dont always focus on yourself.

God cant use you to bless others when you cant even notice them.