Strength 2026
Be a LifeBoat
Sunday, November 8, 2026
According to Google, a lifeboat is a vessel equipped with food, water, first-aid kits, and shelter gear to keep its occupants alive at sea until rescue crews arrive.
When an airplane experiences trouble and the oxygen masks drop, passengers are instructed to put on their own masks before helping others. The reason is simple: you cannot help someone else if your own brain isn't getting the oxygen it needs to function.
The same principle applies to the Word of God. How can you breathe life into someone's situation—whether they're dealing with homosexuality, anger, resentment, grief, or depression—if you have nothing within you? Without Scripture or a prayer life, how can you share the life-giving Word of God with them?
Discussion Point #1: What can we do to make sure we're spiritually equipped to help others when they need us?
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (AMP)
16All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; 17so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Colossians 3:16 (AMP)
16Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
When we put God's Word within us, it comes out naturally. We don't have to think about it. When someone is drowning in their circumstances and turns to us as a friend, whatever is within us—hopefully Jesus—will influence them. We can either add to their struggles or help them find hope through the Jesus within us.
Discussion Point #2: What does it look like to bring the love and hope of Jesus into someone's life when they're struggling? Have you ever witnessed or experienced that kind of love making a difference?
John 13:34-35 (AMP)
34I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.
Matthew 25:35-40 (AMP)
35For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me [with help and ministering care]; I was in prison, and you came to Me [ignoring personal danger].’ [Is 58:7] 37Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40The King will answer and say to them, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for Me.’ [Prov 19:17]
Discussion Point #3: How can we honor Jesus and show others that we are different when we reach out to help them?
Matthew 7:16-19 (AMP)
16By their fruit you will recognize them [that is, by their contrived doctrine and self-focus]. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? [Luke 6:43, 44] 17Even so, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
People will know we are different by our fruit. Are we calm in the storm? Are we oxygenated with the Word of God? Are we bringing the life of God into their dead situation?
We cannot be a lifeboat when we are sinking.