Wednesday, October 6, 2021
TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY
A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT by Marilyn Bennett

Have you ever thought about the importance and power of questions? The first recorded dialog in the Bible, found in Genesis 3:1, started with a question. In this case the question, coming from the serpent, had evil intent to create confusion and doubt. That question had power that led to the Fall.
 
Did you know that the first recorded words of God to humans was also a question? “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:18). In this question, we discover that God cares about us. Cares so much to look for us and call out to us to join him.
 
Questions can be used to hide ourselves from others. I had a friend like this in High School who asked questions all the time. I assumed she wanted to know what I thought. I finally realized she asked questions so I would not be able to ask her questions. She thought if I really knew her, I would not like her. At work, a colleague asked questions for the purpose of creating a culture of distrust just like the serpent did in Genesis. These types of questions do not reflect the love of God.
 
Most of us learned to ask question from our parents: How are you feeling? What are you doing? How was school today? What did you learn? Did you clean your room? Did you do your homework? Their questions spurred us to think about what we are doing or remind us to do what we were supposed to do. Hopefully you knew your parents loved you because the cared enough to ask you these questions.
 
We can show our love, and God’s love, by asking questions as well. As Christians, we believe God desires a personal relationship with all people. God cares for us and wants us to care for each other. So, we seek to honor God by developing good relationships with others and that’s where the art of asking good questions comes in.
 
When we ask questions, as God asks questions, to build relationships and show love, we are imitating God. When you are imitating God, you are honoring and worshiping God.
 
Who knew asking questions could be a spiritual act?
 
How do we frame questions to show we care? Framing a question is not easy. Though I try to form appropriate questions in my relationship with my children, and my friends, I am not always successful. Love sometimes means being misunderstood, but love is worth the try.
 
We habitually ask, “How are you?” but we usually don’t really want to know. In our culture, this is a really greeting, not a question. But what if we meant it? What if the other person answered honestly: “I just found out I have cancer” or “I had a fight with my wife.” Only someone who truly cares would stay and listen. But love is worth the try.
 
I read an article once in Forbes magazine that suggested these five questions as conversation starts/relationship builders:
  1. What was the best part about your day?
  2. What work is most exciting you this week?
  3. What new ideas are giving you energy today?
  4. What one thing did you learned today that really inspired you?
  5. What is one thing we could do right now to make this (day, project, or event) even better?
 
If the person was a believer, how might you word these questions differently, or what different questions would you ask to encourage their faith and build a bond with them as sisters and brothers in the family of God? Try forming five questions a Christian could ask another Christian. Love is worth the try.
 
Now take it another step. Try forming five questions you could ask an unbeliever that would build relationship and open doors rather than have them put up their defenses. Love is worth the try.
WOMEN'S FALL CRAFT DAY
DATE CHANGE

New Date is Saturday, October 23rd, 10am-1pm

Don't Craft?  Come join us anyway and enjoy fun, fellowship and tasty loaf breads! There's something for everyone.
NEXT THURSDAY, Oct. 14, 6:30 PM, AT THE CHURCH
Fun, Inspiration, Friendship
BRING A FRIEND!
Memorial Service for Bob Lane, Friday, October 8th, 3:30 pm

Boomer "Youth Group," Thursday, October 14th, 6:30 pm

Women's Fall Craft Day, Saturday, October 23rd, 10 am

WJU Choir, Sunday, October 24th

All Events are at the Church
SHARE YOUR ART
Photo by Ron Melancon
DO YOU HAVE A PRAYER OR PRAISE REQUEST?
Send your requests to prayerandpraisetree@gmail.com.

If you would like to be added to the Prayer Tree Team so you can pray for requests sent to the church, please email us a request to be added.
TO SEND YOUR OFFERING
Give by Mail at PGCC, 1730 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville, CA 95747
Give Online at www.pgcc.church, or by clicking on the blue button below.
THANK YOU!
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Pleasant Grove Community Church
1730 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville, CA 95747
(916) 771-4447 www.pgcc.church
Email: 1730pgccoffice@gmail.com