Prayer Meeting - March 26th - Vertical & Horzontal Support Systems

This Prayer meeting, we were privileged to have Carlos Moretta share with us.

He began with the verse in Isa 51:4 that says:

"The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned."

Then he sought to encourage and motivate us to reach out even more to those around us...to bear the infirmities of the weak. Many times, even though truth is being taught, people don't hear the truth unless they also feel the love and care of those preaching it. As the old adage goes, "Don't tell me how much you know until I know how much you care."

"All around us are afflicted souls. Here and there, everywhere, we may find them. Let us search out these suffering ones and speak a word in season to comfort their hearts. Let us be channels through which shall flow the refreshing waters of compassion.

In all our associations it should be remembered that in the experience of others there are chapters sealed from mortal sight. On the pages of memory are sad histories that are sacredly guarded from curious eyes. There stand registered long, hard battles with trying circumstances, perhaps troubles in the home life, that day by day weaken courage, confidence and faith. Those who are fighting the battle of life at great odds may be strengthened and encouraged by little attentions that cost only a loving effort. To such the strong, helpful grasp of the hand by a true friend is worth more than gold or silver. Words of kindness are as welcome as the smile of angels...

Be coworkers with God. While distrust and alienation are pervading the world, Christ's disciples are to reveal the spirit that reigns in heaven. Speak as He would speak, act as He would act. Constantly reveal sweetness of His character. Reveal the wealth of love which underlies all His teachings and all His dealings with humanity. The humblest workers, in cooperation with Christ, may touch chords whose vibrations shall ring to the ends of the earth and make melody throughout eternal ages." Ministry of Healing 158,159

He then went on to talk about Vertical (with God) and Horizontal (with man) accountability and support. Ideally, we need to have an active and healthy "Vertical support system" before we can be successful in the Horizontal realm...yet most people look for the reverse. So he admonished us, "Use the talent's God has given you...build bridges...be a people and a church that helps those around you get a glimpse of what a relationship with God really is suppose to be."

Our goal: Not to make man whole (That's God's job!), but to introduce the hurting to their Savior!