October 30

Good morning, Hillcrest!

This week a dear co-worker and friend passed away at the age of 56. He was one of my husband's previous supervisors. He was a big man with a big mouth, a big past, a big heart, and we truly loved him and were deeply sadened at his sudden passing. If Apostle Paul were to say something today about Smitty, it would echo what he wrote in Philemon 1:4-7. "I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in your love, Christ Jesus. For we have great job and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother."

Smitty told everyone he knew about the changing power of Jesus Christ who took him out of a drug ridden horrendous life and placed him here in Dallas at Reconciliation and totally saved and changed his life deeply. Family, friends, co-workers, strangers...all these lives were impacted because one man fell in love with Jesus, surrendered his life and shared his love and faith with anyone who would listen.

If Apostle Paul were thinking and praying and making mention of your name today, what would he say? Would he find you a faithful child of God, sharing your love, sharing your faith, and doing so effectively? Sometimes it is easier for us to share our love. God has given us so much love within our hearts, how can we not be loving to others?! But sharing our faith? Yes, we are full of faith...but how many of us actually share our faith with others?

Smitty often told his wife that he didn't think he was doing enough for the Lord...and yet now that he is gone the fruit of his witness remains strong and obvious. All he did was share the love of Jesus and his faith. He had no idea the impact on others. I encourage you today. We may not all have the terrible past that my friend had, creating such a powerful testimony, but we like him are new creatures since we are born again. We do have a testimony. We have a message. We know the heart of God to save a lost and dying world, to save a lost and dying Dallas. We know the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I encourage you to share your love, share your faith, share Jesus with those He's put in your life. Be about your Father's work, and may it be said of you that you shared your faith effectively and that "the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you."

Let's get out of our comfort zones and make an impact in Dallas for God! God bless you.

Love, faith, and blessings,
Rolanda Green
Hillcrest Children's Minister