Why Should I When You Will...

Scripture:

John 4:7-26

Ephesians 1:18:23

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Far too long Christians have remained silent.  Far too long have people put off what needed to be done because someone else will do it.  Why should I when Joe next door will.  All the time Joe next door is saying why should I when you will...  The task never gets done.  A new neighbor doesn't get a visit.  A sick person not visited.  A family is left neglected.

I have seen too many families or churches that only look to themselves, no outsiders, you  have to look or act certain way.  Jesus at the well talked not only to a woman He didn't know she was a Samaritan.  If you think back to the cold war with Russia it would be similar to an American Army soldier talking and befriending a Russian soldier.  At that time it was unheard of.  Today we might feel the same about one of us a Christian talking with and befriending a hard core Muslim, it just isn't hear of.

Christ didn't call us to hide or tend to our own.  Christ called us to go forth and make disciples of all nations.  We are not to just minister to fellow Christians, or visit those we think are worth while.  Love your neighbor is not just the guy next door.  Our neighbors are those we bump into at the store or on the streets.  They are those living in slums in our town or the next.  Our neighbors are those living in countries not only in North or South America but all over the world.

Our lives, communities, and countries we live in are a mess because we left it to the next guy to take care of.  All the time the next guy is waiting on you.  Everyone needs to stand up and be heard.  We need to spreed the good news of the gospel to everyone.  We need to tend to the needy and those who are sick.  We need to offer comfort to those in need of it.  

If you walked down the street and saw a house on fire with the family inside would you walk by thinking the next guy will save them?  Let's face it all nonbelievers are in that burning house needing to be saved.  Can we afford to just walk by and let the next guy save them?

Who Me Serve...

Scripture:
Isaiah 31:1-5
Titus 3:5-8

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I have often said, more to myself than to others, that God doesn't necessarily call the qualified.  He qualifies those that He calls.  I have too often used the excuse of who am I to do this.  I am not good enough, or even who would listen to me.  All very good excuses but that is all they are.  Even if we do not think we are capable we must remember we can do all things in Christ.  In Phillippians 4:13 Paul writes "I can do all things through Him who Strengthens me." (New American Standard Bible)  Jesus fed thousands with just a few loaves of bread and a few fish.  He did so more than once.  The point is In Christ the impossible is possible.

Just a few short years ago I would have said it is impossible for me to write these thoughts and share them.  When I was a child growing up I hated standing in front of large crowds.  OK in front of any size group.  I would never in my life dreamed of speaking in front of a group.  I have preached several sermons and given even more devotional talks.  I say this not to boast but share what Christ has done.  I couldn't stand on a stage or behind a podium and speak.  I couldn't even begin to prepare a message.  Christ has worked in my life and through me.  I still get huge butterflies whenever I do speak but I can stand there and give the message Jesus gives me to share.  My professional success in the I.T. field is not my capabilities but what Christ has given me and done through me. 

When we fear to do what God has called us to do we must remember God is our deliverer, protector, and provider.  He will not allow anyone or anything triumph over us as long as we are doing what He wants us to do.  As long as we are in His will doing those things which He has asked we cannot fail.  To reiterate what my pastor said in a sermon, we are not responsible for the results.  We are responsible to do our part...

Let Us Comfort One Another...

Scripture:
Matthew 22:34-40
Ephesians 2:8-10

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Hope, comfort, loss, grief, strife, struggle, faith, love, all of these things are a part of us at one time or another.  As I struggle with my own problems and seek comfort or reassurance from others I am reminded that my situation isn't quite so bad.  I have been listening to a book entitled 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper.  I have also just heard of a tragic accident that just happened.  A family that is struck by death as well as severe injuries. 

As I ponder life's events and my devotionals from this morning God sends me reminders.  I am reminded that we must show compassion to others.  I am reminded that my circumstances are not as bad as I might think they are.  I am reminded that I am here to serve.  I am reminded that I need to be there for others.

We are here for each other in times of need.  We are to give comfort as Jesus gives comfort.  Christ might use anyone of us to be hope for another.  We are His hands and feet.  We are the voice of Christ here on earth.  We can sit silent and continue to let the world go by.  However, if that is all we do how can we call ourselves followers of Christ?  Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."  Also Jesus tells us himself to go forth and make disciples of all nations.  Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..."

As I manage my own struggles I need to remember I am not alone.  I need to remember that I am here to give comfort, aid, support, and love to others.  I need to remember not to focus on myself but on others.  It is my prayer that God will use me as He sees fit.  I pray that I can be a comfort or guide or strength for others, or should I say Christ through me...

Hope, Faith, and Love

Scripture:
1 Samuel 1:1-18
1 Peter 1:3-5
Luke 8:40-53

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Don Fransico has a song that tells the story of Him healing Jairus's daughter.  It is a story of hope, love and healing.  1 Samuel also gives us hope in Hannah's story.  Over the course of the last several months I began looking for a new job.  I have found it hard not to be discouraged.  As days drag on hope seems to slip.

Earlier in December Lois had gotten sick and Nancy stayed home Wednesday night.  I took Megan and Aaron to their programs that evening and I went to InDepth.  During our meeting I shared about Lois being sick.  I had mentioned that we just hoped and prayed everyone would be healthy for Christmas.  Prayers were offered and given.  Lois was quickly healthy again.  Everyone was healthy for Christmas.  It truly was a case of answered prayers.  Sunday evening after Christmas Lois got sick again.  She ended up with two ear infections and ran high fevers all week long, even with antibiotics.  Toward the end of the week Cora got sick.  Finally Jane got sick Sunday after New Years Day.  She started running a low grade fever and has what we think to be a mild case of Chickenpox. 

Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor...  I give praise and thanks that everyone was healthy for Christmas.  I give praise and thanks for Lois's healing.  For God is truly with us.  He truly blesses us.  Our scriptures are filled with hope and love. 

As I find myself getting discouraged or losing hope I just have to remind myself that God is with us.  1 Peter1:5 "Who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."  God is with us, He protects us, and He provides for us.  We have all the hope we need.  We just need to keep our faith.  We need to rely fully and completely upon Christ.  God hears our prayers, petitions, and requests.  He will answer each and everyone of them according to His will.  Let us stay within the boundaries of His will...