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The Mentors Next Door - Encouragement Café - June 12, 2014

The Mentors Next Door

Café Menu for Thursday, June 12, 2014

Today’s Special is: Where God Places You

Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Michelle Axton Kelly

Main Ingredient:

But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Joshua 24:15 NIV

Entrée:

This morning is full of excitement as we sign on the dotted line to build a home in Colorado. Some of our closest friends bought a lot across the street which sweetens our joy. I imagine the day when we step through the front door and into a new adventure. Yet before we fill rooms with our hopes and dreams, décor, dinner parties, celebrations and girls going to prom… I pray we fill it with God. May visitors know this is His house first.

I’ve picked out Scripture to inspire us. In the entryway, Joshua 24:15 will go in a frame with a key to our door. As we leave, Joshua 1:9 will remind us to be courageous, God is with us wherever we go. Ephesians 4:20 will whisper to my girls that they are God’s masterpiece, no matter what messages the mirror may try to place in their hearts. Most of all, we must fill each nook and cranny with continuous prayer and commit to living out the Word of God with our actions each day.

This dream I have, this intentional living out a faith that is strong and bold, reminds me of our neighbors in North Carolina. We already lived on a special street when they took up residence next door. But they changed our lives forever by shaping our hearts with God’s Word.

They became our mentors as they lived out their love of Christ. It was evident wherever they went, but most of all within their home. We learned from them as we celebrated holidays and milestones there. We grew while watching endless sports games and having women’s Bible studies there. We were inspired as parents watching their own children grow up to be Christian leaders in their school, on the soccer field, in art class, on the basketball court and on our small street. And just before our move, this family showed us what it felt like to be held in the midst of illness and loss.

That’s the kind of neighbors I pray we become in our new spot. Four people who live out God’s Word and provide an example of what it looks like to be a Christian in our world. A family known for their optimism, joy, wisdom and encouragement. I’m the first to admit we have big shoes to fill. But I pray God will use us. Right where He’s placed us.

Take Out:

God can use you to teach and inspire, to transform lives around you for an eternity. What opportunities do you have to mentor others where you live, work and play? You don’t have to make a verbal declaration of your intentions. Live out your faith courageously and gracefully… and you’re sure to get noticed.

Dessert:

Heavenly Father, today we pray that You would fill our hearts, our homes, our families and friendships full to the brim with a love of life of Christ. Let our every action reflect the grace You offer to us daily. May our lives shine with a joy and peace that inspires others to know You. Use us where You have placed us God, for Your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

© 2014 by Michelle Axton Kelly. All rights reserved.

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