Fellowship Time in DCA/IAD Area
On Sunday, January 19, Eugene and Christina Kraybill graciously opened their home in the DCA/IAD area for a “Soup Party.” They share the following in response:
“…we had a wonderful time together for our first FCAP meeting of this year over bowls of homemade soup and plates of homemade bread. Nine people gathered around our table to fellowship, share stories, and pray. We had pilots, gate agents, ramp workers, front desk workers, and former human resources personnel represented from 3 airlines (United, Mesa, and American) plus 3 spouses. Attached you will find a picture of most of us. We would like to make the third Sunday afternoon our regular FCAP monthly meeting time, so mark your calendars now. For our Washington region, it seems that our traffic congestion is a little lighter to get around for most of us on Sundays. Our next meeting is February 16. Time, place, and theme of meeting will be decided soon.”
It is so encouraging to hear that people receiving the “Thought for the Work Week” are taking it to heart and sharing it with others, and these responses sometimes impart fresh ideas of how we as God’s people might minister to others. A recent email from a dear brother in San Francisco, Dick Kalman, is one example of this:
The Bible gives us many word pictures that depict the kind of influence Christians can have out in the world and in their work-culture. Here are two for your consideration. First, as children of light, we are to radiate God’s character through our words, gestures and deeds. However, we should realize that emitting God’s light in the workplace also can expose the darkness there. No doubt, we will feel the tension between showing love, patience and forgiveness toward people, yet without condoning what they do. We are not called to curse the darkness, but instead bless it by letting God’s light shine through us (John 3:17-21). Next, as the “salt of the earth” our actions and responses can bring something tasteful to a distasteful environment. Like salt, our lives at the workplace can preserve things from deteriorating further, like attitudes, ethics and human relationships. Take a moment and look at your workplace… How do you see your daily influence there? (PMC) Consider this: “You are the salt of the earth… Let your speech be gracious, seasoned with salt. You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, so that they will see your good works and give glory to God in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-14; Colossians 4:6 combined).
In Luke 11:21-22 Jesus tells a story about a strong man who is fully armed and able to guard his house. But then something happens… someone stronger comes, overpowers him, and disarms him. The passage here portrays how the powers of this world (Satan, the world system, and our own flesh) are domineering… but Jesus Christ comes and overpowers them all. What power are you letting influence and run your life? It is obvious when a person gives themselves to vices and sins contrary to God, life becomes debilitated and destitute. But there is another harmful influence in the world that seeks to master us. It is when we become preoccupied with seemingly good things, like achievements, gaining status, financial security, relationships…but to the point that they become the ultimate of life, and not God. When we become obsessed with them, they eventually enslave us and become our master. But not a kind and merciful one, rather one that robs our life of joy, peace and contentment. What or who are you allowing to master your life? (PMC) Jesus also said, “If the son (Jesus) makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36); “I came that you may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10); “Continue in My Word…you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).
Our 
There is no greater motive in this world than life expressed and lived out of love. God did just that when He sent Jesus Christ into this world to become our Savior. The true message of Christmas can only be enjoyed when the motive of God’s love is understood. God did not love us because He needed someone to love or someone to love Him. He loved us because He simply chose to do so, and for that reason we can freely receive this as a true gift, instead of receiving it by making a deal with God. The healthiest relationships in this world are those who live life having received love that has been freely offered and freely received. This Christmas let’s celebrate God’s greatest gift of all… His love shone to us by sending His Son Jesus. PMC
