Facebook and Text Messages – A New Way of Communicating

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In this way aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.
[Romans 14:19 TLNT]

Knowledge to Build On
In the 14^th chapter of Romans, Paul is addressing a group of believers about the division that is apparent among them.  He admonishes them to just be fully persuaded in their own minds what they believe, follow after peace, and build one another up.
Life in the Now
Facebook and text messages – - – is this the new norm for communicating?  It sometimes appears as though face to face communication has gone by the wayside, which is so vital for relationships.  Ever wonder what God thinks about all of these hi-tech ways of communicating?

Allow me to share a personal experience as food for thought.   I was receiving a face to face critique about my attitude.  This person got straight to the point by saying:  “With your attitude, you should not even be teaching Bible courses!”  Ouch!!  Admittedly, there are times I certainly have need of an attitude adjustment.  But, for this person to declare that I shouldn’t be teaching God’s Word hurt profusely!  Honestly, thoughts were running through my mind that their words would cause a division between us permanently!

As I continued to listen to their analysis as to why I shouldn’t be teaching, my cell phone beeped alerting me to a text message. I quickly opened my mail, and read:  “Have a good day, TEACHER GAL!”

OMG!  LOL!  I was being called Teacher Gal right there on my keypad.  “Thaxs, God. U R high tech, too,” as I chuckled to myself with this on-time instant message.  From that moment on, the face to face encounter I was currently receiving did not matter anymore.  God had nudged someone special to send me a word of encouragement, and she had obeyed.

Think About It
Has God nudged you to send an encouraging word to someone and you pushed it aside for “lack of time?”  Why not text, rather than waiting to buy a card, or writing a long letter, which are, indeed, very meaningful.  However, it’s sometimes those quick “on-time” moments that are also needed.

Prayer
Lord, thank you for the people you have sent into my life to exhort and build me up.   May I, too, always be willing and ready to build up others in their time of trouble, as well as in the things you have called them to do.

More of the Truth
Genesis 37:35
11 Corinthians 1:3-4

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About Martha

Email Martha I have been married for 44 years, the mother of two grown daughters, grandmother of three, and a former teacher. “Helping Hurting People Heal” from emotional scars is one of my greatest passions. More recently, I have come to realize the vital role parents, grandparents, educators, and spiritual leaders play in the emotional and spiritual development of a child. As we build a foundation for a child to help him cope with losses early in life, it frees him/her to enter adulthood free of excess baggage from his childhood. In our society today our children are faced with numerous losses. It is my prayer that I can convey guidelines on Created Woman for any caring adult who has a desire to help children cope with their losses.

1. 

   Heather says:

   October 29, 2011 at 9:34 am

   So good to know that God is not only on time, but still so relevant to who we are today. He is a God of today and tomorrow!

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2. 

   Crystal says:

   October 29, 2011 at 11:31 am

   Good reminder that not all of todays technology is for evil

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3. 

   Kristy says:

   November 1, 2011 at 12:43 am

   As a Pastor’s Wife, it is hard to check in on everyone during the week. Texting and Facebook makes this possible. If there is something serious that I need to follow up on, I call or visit that person. It is nice to be able to stay in touch with 40 or 50 ladies during the week and let them know that I am there if they need me. God always gives us what we need in these changing times.

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     Martha says:

     November 1, 2011 at 1:27 pm

     Kristy, as part of the generation who didn’t come up with this high-tech, I can really see how it can be used as a ministry tool. Not only that, but just in the way you described your use of texting and facebook as a pastor’s wife. Must really save you a lot of time in your already busy schedule. Thanks for reading.

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4. 

   Yvonne V. Sanchez says:

   November 19, 2011 at 5:58 am

   I am ever so thankful to social media, when we can let lots of people know how we value them with a few short strokes of the keypad.

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     Martha says:

     November 28, 2011 at 6:57 pm

     So am I. Thanks for reading, Yvonne.

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