GATHERING THE WANDERERS

Today's reading: James 4-5

"My dear brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back again, you can be sure that the one who brings that person back will save that sinner from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins." James 5:19-20 NLT

As you wall through the doors of your church this morning, greet one another with warm smiles and kind 'Hello's'.

Allow the Spirit of the Living God to permeate every conversation, every reaction and all your words.

Worship with your whole heart.

And while you are doing all of those things with a grateful heart, look around your church--for the empty pews.

For the folks who used to come, but you haven't seen in a while.

For the ones who have dropped out of church attendance.

For the ones who you haven't noticed for a few Sundays, a few months--or a few years.

For the older kids of church members who have let God go by the wayside in their lives.

For the Christmas and Easter attenders you see but twice a year.

Make note of them, and attempt to get in contact with them.

Do your dead level best to draw them back into fellowship.

Attempt to encourage them to attend church, yours or another Bible-preaching one that needs them.

Let God lead you in being one who gathers in the wanderers.