Being a Good Neighbor - Stressing the Rails - May 13, 2022, Stressing the Rails with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. - Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

Being a Good Neighbor - Stressing the Rails - May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FROM PASTOR WESLEY May 13, 2022

Being a Good Neighbor

Being a "good neighbor" means that you invest in others in meaningful relationships that help a community grow.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, ``If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. ``For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. ``For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? ``For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS. Matthew 16:24-27

Consider this story of two neighbors: One is withdrawn and somewhat grumpy. He never speaks to anyone (unless yelling at kids to get off his lawn counts as a conversation). The other waves at everyone, is always up for a chat, and knows all the people in the neighborhood by name. Who do you think is living the happier, more fulfilling life?

The neighbor who makes time for people builds community and is firmly becoming established as a member of it. This doesn’t happen automatically, however. Creating strong bonds requires time, resources, and emotional investment in others, which is rarely easy (but always worth it). Yet if we are willing to give ourselves away for the good of others, we’ll find a sense of wholeness and belonging that we can’t experience alone. It is only by giving up our life that we each more fully become the person God intends ( ``Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:27).

Think about it

What kind of neighbor are you? How can you reach out and build a stronger community with those who live nearby?

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About Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. is a native of Birmingham, Alabama where he was educated in the public school system. He graduated from Tennessee State University, Nashville,Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. He received a Master’s Degree in Music Education; a Class A certification in School Principal ship and the Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition, Dr. Wesley received a Bible Diploma and Bible Certification from Birmingham Baptist Bible College. He completed the Beeson Institute for Advanced Church Leadership Program from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Dr. Wesley earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Louisiana Baptist University and Theological Seminary in Shreveport, Louisiana May 2006.

Dr. Wesley retired in 2003 after a brilliant 26-year career as an educator in the Birmingham Public Schools. He served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal of three different schools (Powderly Elementary; Arrington Middle and was the first African American principal of Woodlawn High School). He served on the Central Office staff as Extended Day Principal and Coordinator of Safe and Drug Free Schools.

Dr. Wesley is regularly sought after to speak in both schools and churches. He has had the privilege of speaking across the nation and in several foreign countries. His spiritual gifts of teaching and preaching are well documented. He is a member of many organizations. His civic and professional associations are too numerous to mention.

Most recent is the evidence of his leadership, occurred with the completion of a multimillion dollar edifice and education facility located in the heart of the West End community.

Dr. Wesley is currently the pastor of the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in the West End community where he has given thirty years of service. He has a great love for people and for learning.

He is married to the former Venita Burkes, and is the father of two sons, Rev. Michael Wesley Jr. and James Edward, one grandson and two granddaughters.

Dr. Wesley is the author of three books, When God Changes A Church, Everybody Deserves A Good Funeral and Reaching the Unchurched_Pathway to Church Growth.

Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.