Top Ten Relational Needs*

 (examples in scripture)

Acceptance - deliberate and ready reception with a favorable positive response,    even after failure (Rom. 15:7). (Jesus accepted Peter even after Peter’s failure.)

Affection – to communicate care and closeness through physical touch and words  (Rom. 16:16). (Jesus had compassion and loved disciples to the end.)

Appreciation – to communicate with words and feelings a personal gratefulness for another (I Cor. 11:2).  (Jesus welcomed children-was not bothered by them.)

Approval – expressed commendation; to think and speak well of (Rom. 14:18). (Jesus commended the Roman centurion for his faith.)

Attention – to take thought of another and convey appropriate interest and support; to enter into another’s “world” (I Cor. 12:25). (Jesus entered ours.)

Comfort (empathy) – to come alongside with word, feeling and touch; to give consolation with tenderness (Rom. 12:15).  (Jesus wept with friends.)

Encouragement – to urge forward and positively persuade toward a goal              (I Thes. 5:11, Heb. 10:24). (Jesus sent his disciples out to do kingdom work.)

Respect – to value and regard highly; to convey great worth (Rom. 12:10).  (Jesus expressed value to the adulterous woman who was brought for judgment.)

Security – confidence of harmony in relationships; free from harm (Rom. 12:16a).  (Jesus promised to be with us “even to the end of the age”.)

Support – come alongside and gently help carry a load (Gal. 6:2).  (Jesus was with his disciples through celebration and challenging times and left His Spirit.)

*List was adapted from Intimate Encounters Workbook, page 12; Relationship Press, POBox 201808, Austin

Who Occupies "Your Name" Street?

Haven't you heard people say "follow your heart"?  I know folks mean well and want us to do what our heart leads us to do.  Sometimes that leads us to pursue the passion of our life and leads to fulfillment, but other times the "follow your heart" philosophy leads us into a mindless direction with a destination of unintended consequences. 

You probably won't believe I am going to keep this short, but all I ask is that you and I consider Who occupies the streets of our heart?  Who owns your soul?  Is your street open to any and all comers or only a few?  Are you selective about those you allow into your heart?  I know we are to love others, but we are not to be controlled by just anyone. 

May I suggest you consider Jesus Christ as the One who alone can and will occupy your heart with the power to keep you loved and the love to use His power always for your good and His glory.  His plan for you is really grand.  He will do "exceeding, abundantly" above everything you ever asked or imagined. 

The consequences of His occupying "your name" street will not result in wasted, unintended consequences but will result in so much more than you can even dream.  How comforting and reassuring to be occupied by such a Savior as one who took my unintended consequences of pain and sin on Himself.   With my sin and yours on Him, He died to pay the penalty our sin deserved, then He was buried and rose again as the only name "by which we must be saved." 

I surely hope He owns your heart and mine....all of it...without reservation.  Apparently allowing Christ into our lives to occupy "your name" street will result in our being able to occupy streets of gold in eternity where He lives and invites us to come.

Special Delivery!

On Wednesday, November 9th at 3:16 pm, we welcomed the newest addition to our family - Ms. Reagan Elizabeth Adams. She weighed 7 lbs 8 oz, was 20 in long, and is just as sweet as she can be!  We are so grateful for the continued blessings of God on our family and ministry.

 The Adams Family:

Nathan, Suzanne, Evan, Jonathan, and Reagan

 "Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." 

Psalm 127:3-4a

 Grandaddy, Grandmommy, Suzanne, and Reagan