For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV
Valentine's Day is fast approaching--matter of fact, it's only a few short days away. Most of us will give our Valentine a token of our love--such as a card, candy, flowers, etc. We want to shower those we care about with love and in today's world, love is generally shown with material items. It gives us great pleasure to see our sweetheart gush when they receive a gift from us.
2000 years ago, GOD proved His love for mankind by giving the best He had to give--His Son, Jesus. Jesus came into this world as a humble babe, lived a sinless life and willingly gave Himself in death to provide the atonement for our sins. His sacrifice gave us salvation. Now, that is love!
What does He ask of us in return? We are to love the Lord our GOD with all our heart, mind and soul and love our neighbor as ourself (Mark 12:30-31) and to obey His Commandments (John 14:15). We are also told to love, bless and pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Those we come in contact with will notice there is something different about us--they will know we are Christians by our love.
Take a look at 1 Corinthians 13, aka "The Love Chapter." It goes into great detail about what love is and is not and how love endures. We often hear it recited at weddings but do we really grasp the meaning? After the ceremony, do couples take it to heart? I am reminded of a poem I once read entitled "Marriage Takes Three." It talks of our relationship with GOD & how it impacts our relationship with our mate. The same applies to how we relate to others in general. If we are walking in the love of GOD, peace and contentment will naturally follow.
That is not to say we won't encounter difficulties. I would be remiss if I did not mention that Satan delights in causing us grief and often uses those closest to us to accomplish his task. If he can disrupt a marriage, or a family, or a church body--it brings him great satisfaction. Let's do our best not to let him win any battles. We know we win the war in the end!
GOD gave us His very best because He loves us. Are we willing to give Him our all and our best in return? Dottie Rambo wrote a song entitled "If That Isn't Love" that goes like this...
He left the splendor of heaven,
Knowing His destiny
Was the lonely hill of Golgotha,
There to lay down His life for me.
If that isn't love
The ocean is dry,
There’re no stars in the sky,
And the sparrow can't fly;
If that isn't love
Then heaven's a myth,
There's no feeling like this
If that isn't love.
Even in death He remembered
The thief hanging by His side;
Then he spoke of love and compassion
Then He took him to paradise.
If that isn't love
The ocean is dry,
There’re no stars in the sky,
And the sparrow can't fly;
If that isn't love
Then heaven's a myth,
There's no feeling like this
If that isn't love.
GOD loves you! How much do you love Him? Happy Valentine's Day!
Blessings!
Tony
Friday, February 11, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Be Careful With Your Words
For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12:34-37 NKJV
What do our words say about us? Do we speak postively and in faith or do we spew negativity? As Christians, we are to call things that are not as though they are--speaking in faith and believing GOD for His blessings on our lives. Satan would have us look at the situation around us and assume the worst. If he can cause us to doubt, he's won the battle--he's driven a wedge between us and GOD. Fear looks at the physical evidence while faith looks at GOD's promises.
We should be careful with our words in our daily interactions with others. Matthew 15:18 (NKJV) tells us, "those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man." Our words reveal what is truly in our hearts. How can we smile sweetly and speak politely to a person only to talk about them behind their back once they leave our company? James had something to say about that..."But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? (James 3:8-11 NKJV). Words have to power to hurt or to heal--choose them wisely!
It is something to think about. What do your words reveal about your heart & attitude? When you stand before GOD to give account of your life, deeds & words--will you be ashamed and have regrets? Speak words of kindness and faith to those you come in contact with. The world will be a better place as a result!
Blessings!
Tony
What do our words say about us? Do we speak postively and in faith or do we spew negativity? As Christians, we are to call things that are not as though they are--speaking in faith and believing GOD for His blessings on our lives. Satan would have us look at the situation around us and assume the worst. If he can cause us to doubt, he's won the battle--he's driven a wedge between us and GOD. Fear looks at the physical evidence while faith looks at GOD's promises.
We should be careful with our words in our daily interactions with others. Matthew 15:18 (NKJV) tells us, "those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man." Our words reveal what is truly in our hearts. How can we smile sweetly and speak politely to a person only to talk about them behind their back once they leave our company? James had something to say about that..."But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? (James 3:8-11 NKJV). Words have to power to hurt or to heal--choose them wisely!
It is something to think about. What do your words reveal about your heart & attitude? When you stand before GOD to give account of your life, deeds & words--will you be ashamed and have regrets? Speak words of kindness and faith to those you come in contact with. The world will be a better place as a result!
Blessings!
Tony
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Is GOD enough?
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NKJV
Is GOD enough? We often hear that we are to "let go and let GOD." Can we, in our humanness, let go of control and allow GOD to have His Will and His Way in our lives? Therein lies a great challenge to our human nature. After all, aren't we supposed to be self-sufficient, independent and in control of our destiny?
In truth, and according to GOD's Word, we are to "cast all our cares on him" (1 Peter 5:7). We are also instructed "we should not trust in ourselves, but in GOD" (1 Corinthians 1:9). Why then do we disregard His instructions and attempt to take matters into our own hands? The simple answer is SIN. When we fail to heed GOD's Word and do as we are commanded, we are guilty of sin. Disobedience is sin and when we try to control our surroundings and our lives, we are being willingly disobedient to GOD.
James 4:17 tells us "to him who knows to do good and does not do it, it is sin." As Christians, we have been taught what is good and right in GOD's eyes and we have His Instructions--The Bible--to guide us. However, we are not alone in this. The Apostle Paul wrote of his struggles with this very thing in Romans 7:19, when he said, "for the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice." If Paul could falter in this area, surely we will as well.
Jesus himself endured temptation. Therefore, He understands our struggles. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, "we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." Through Jesus, we are made righteous in GOD's sight. He looks at us through a "Jesus filter" that removes our (confessed) sin from His vision. Ah, confession...yes, we are accountable for all unconfessed sin in our lives and must be cleansed daily from the accumulation of sins we commit. Our spirit needs a bath regularly just like our physical body does.
Fact is, GOD is enough. He is sufficient. We simply have to recognize our own weakness and surrender control to His divine Will. Is it time to "have a little talk with Jesus?" Seek His Will for your life, be willing to take risks for Him--He'll open (and close) the appropriate doors and light the way...
Blessings!
Tony
Is GOD enough? We often hear that we are to "let go and let GOD." Can we, in our humanness, let go of control and allow GOD to have His Will and His Way in our lives? Therein lies a great challenge to our human nature. After all, aren't we supposed to be self-sufficient, independent and in control of our destiny?
In truth, and according to GOD's Word, we are to "cast all our cares on him" (1 Peter 5:7). We are also instructed "we should not trust in ourselves, but in GOD" (1 Corinthians 1:9). Why then do we disregard His instructions and attempt to take matters into our own hands? The simple answer is SIN. When we fail to heed GOD's Word and do as we are commanded, we are guilty of sin. Disobedience is sin and when we try to control our surroundings and our lives, we are being willingly disobedient to GOD.
James 4:17 tells us "to him who knows to do good and does not do it, it is sin." As Christians, we have been taught what is good and right in GOD's eyes and we have His Instructions--The Bible--to guide us. However, we are not alone in this. The Apostle Paul wrote of his struggles with this very thing in Romans 7:19, when he said, "for the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice." If Paul could falter in this area, surely we will as well.
Jesus himself endured temptation. Therefore, He understands our struggles. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, "we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." Through Jesus, we are made righteous in GOD's sight. He looks at us through a "Jesus filter" that removes our (confessed) sin from His vision. Ah, confession...yes, we are accountable for all unconfessed sin in our lives and must be cleansed daily from the accumulation of sins we commit. Our spirit needs a bath regularly just like our physical body does.
Fact is, GOD is enough. He is sufficient. We simply have to recognize our own weakness and surrender control to His divine Will. Is it time to "have a little talk with Jesus?" Seek His Will for your life, be willing to take risks for Him--He'll open (and close) the appropriate doors and light the way...
Blessings!
Tony
Saturday, December 25, 2010
New Year's Resolutions for Christians...
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:9-18 NKJV
I awakened early on this CHRISTmas morning. So far, it seems like any other day. I've made my coffee, read my paper, fed & walked the dog--just like so may days before. I've thought of memories of CHRISTmases past, filled with the joy & excitement of young children and of family and friends who are no longer with us. I've pondered my life, regretted my mistakes and celebrated my victories.
2010 will soon come to a close and a New Year will begin. With that comes a time of reflection of the year's events and the anticipation of what the New Year holds in store. 2010 held both good and bad--my family saw GOD work in miraculous ways restoring my wife after a near-death experience. We saw new families started through marriages & the addition of new family members through the birth of children. We saw lives negatively affected by the loss of loved ones, divorces, job losses and the like.
What does 2011 hold for us? Only GOD knows. While we can't see into the future, we know we can expect negative and positive events to unfold. As we make our usual New Year's Resolutions--you know, lose weight, exercise more, take better care of ourselves, etc.(for the record, we should maintain our physical body--it is the temple of GOD--we just don't need to be obsessed with it)--let us also resolve to be better Christians.
What does that involve, you might ask. As for me, I think it begins with LOVE. Not love for self, or money, or possessions--but love for our Saviour and love for our fellow man. Seek GOD's Will for your life. Ask Him how & where He would have you serve. Spend time with Him daily in prayer & Bible reading. Show Him your love for Him by sharing Him with others.
We work and worry and fret over insignificant things, like our feeble attempts to "keep up with the Joneses" in this live fast, do more & have more society that is our world today. In the passage above from Romans, we are told how to live in love and at peace with our fellow man. James 1:27 NKJV tells us, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." It's not about us--it's about how we interact with others.
One of my favorite scriptures is 1 John 4:7-11. It was the text of my first attempt to proclaim GOD's Word to His people many years ago at Eastern Valley Baptist Church in Bessemer, AL. It reads, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another". Simply put--GOD loves us, therefore if we call ourselves Christians, we are to love each other.
We are to give to our church and to our fellow Christians. We are to give to those less fortunate than we are. Giving does not always involve money. GOD has gifted each of us differently and we should use those gifts and talents to reach a lost and dying world--a world starving for the love and peace only GOD can offer. We also have time to offer--volunteer to help in the church office, visit the sick in the hospital, visit a nursing home or veteran's facility, prepare food for shut-ins, intercede in prayer for pastors, teachers, missionaries, etc. The list is endless. You know what you have to offer--resolve to make a difference in the Kingdom and in the lives of those around you. This world truly is not our home--we are but pilgrims passing through--we must shine the love of GOD into the darkness of this sin-filled planet called Earth.
In the words of John Lennon, "So this is Christmas, what have you done? Another year over and a new one just begun." Ponder & pray about what GOD would have you do and what your ministry might be. He'll open the doors, just ask Him & see. Make being a better Christian your #1 New Year's Resolution!
May you be blessed with GOD's richest and best in the coming New Year!
Blessings!
Tony
I awakened early on this CHRISTmas morning. So far, it seems like any other day. I've made my coffee, read my paper, fed & walked the dog--just like so may days before. I've thought of memories of CHRISTmases past, filled with the joy & excitement of young children and of family and friends who are no longer with us. I've pondered my life, regretted my mistakes and celebrated my victories.
2010 will soon come to a close and a New Year will begin. With that comes a time of reflection of the year's events and the anticipation of what the New Year holds in store. 2010 held both good and bad--my family saw GOD work in miraculous ways restoring my wife after a near-death experience. We saw new families started through marriages & the addition of new family members through the birth of children. We saw lives negatively affected by the loss of loved ones, divorces, job losses and the like.
What does 2011 hold for us? Only GOD knows. While we can't see into the future, we know we can expect negative and positive events to unfold. As we make our usual New Year's Resolutions--you know, lose weight, exercise more, take better care of ourselves, etc.(for the record, we should maintain our physical body--it is the temple of GOD--we just don't need to be obsessed with it)--let us also resolve to be better Christians.
What does that involve, you might ask. As for me, I think it begins with LOVE. Not love for self, or money, or possessions--but love for our Saviour and love for our fellow man. Seek GOD's Will for your life. Ask Him how & where He would have you serve. Spend time with Him daily in prayer & Bible reading. Show Him your love for Him by sharing Him with others.
We work and worry and fret over insignificant things, like our feeble attempts to "keep up with the Joneses" in this live fast, do more & have more society that is our world today. In the passage above from Romans, we are told how to live in love and at peace with our fellow man. James 1:27 NKJV tells us, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." It's not about us--it's about how we interact with others.
One of my favorite scriptures is 1 John 4:7-11. It was the text of my first attempt to proclaim GOD's Word to His people many years ago at Eastern Valley Baptist Church in Bessemer, AL. It reads, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another". Simply put--GOD loves us, therefore if we call ourselves Christians, we are to love each other.
We are to give to our church and to our fellow Christians. We are to give to those less fortunate than we are. Giving does not always involve money. GOD has gifted each of us differently and we should use those gifts and talents to reach a lost and dying world--a world starving for the love and peace only GOD can offer. We also have time to offer--volunteer to help in the church office, visit the sick in the hospital, visit a nursing home or veteran's facility, prepare food for shut-ins, intercede in prayer for pastors, teachers, missionaries, etc. The list is endless. You know what you have to offer--resolve to make a difference in the Kingdom and in the lives of those around you. This world truly is not our home--we are but pilgrims passing through--we must shine the love of GOD into the darkness of this sin-filled planet called Earth.
In the words of John Lennon, "So this is Christmas, what have you done? Another year over and a new one just begun." Ponder & pray about what GOD would have you do and what your ministry might be. He'll open the doors, just ask Him & see. Make being a better Christian your #1 New Year's Resolution!
May you be blessed with GOD's richest and best in the coming New Year!
Blessings!
Tony
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Story/Spirit of CHRISTmas...
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Luke 2:1-14 NKJV
CHRISTmas is almost upon us. With that comes tremendous commercialism, an outright perversion of the true meaning of the holiday. CHRISTmas isn't just about giving and receiving gifts as the department stores would have you believe. It is a time to reflect on GOD's love for mankind, a love that would cause Him to send His one and only Son into the world to redeem our fallen race.
That being said, I believe the Spirit of CHRISTmas is best reflected in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life". In that single verse lies the meaning of GOD's love. A love that warranted the sacrifice of His Son in order to provide the atonement for our sins.
Jesus offered Himself--no one took His life, He willingly gave it. He left the glory and splendor of Heaven, came as a helpless baby, lived a sinless life, and surrendered Himself to the Will of the Father to the point of a cruel death on the cross. This was His mission--from the time of His birth, each step took Him closer to the cross.
As a father, I cannot imagine loving anyone so much that I would willingly sacrifice my child to save them--yet, GOD did. As mankind strayed farther and farther away from His Commandments and became increasingly vile, He loved us enough to give His very best--JESUS! Now, that is love!
As you make preparations for your holiday festivities, remember to make room for CHRIST in your CHRISTmas. He is after all, the real reason for the season...
Merry CHRISTmas!
Blessings!
Tony
CHRISTmas is almost upon us. With that comes tremendous commercialism, an outright perversion of the true meaning of the holiday. CHRISTmas isn't just about giving and receiving gifts as the department stores would have you believe. It is a time to reflect on GOD's love for mankind, a love that would cause Him to send His one and only Son into the world to redeem our fallen race.
That being said, I believe the Spirit of CHRISTmas is best reflected in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life". In that single verse lies the meaning of GOD's love. A love that warranted the sacrifice of His Son in order to provide the atonement for our sins.
Jesus offered Himself--no one took His life, He willingly gave it. He left the glory and splendor of Heaven, came as a helpless baby, lived a sinless life, and surrendered Himself to the Will of the Father to the point of a cruel death on the cross. This was His mission--from the time of His birth, each step took Him closer to the cross.
As a father, I cannot imagine loving anyone so much that I would willingly sacrifice my child to save them--yet, GOD did. As mankind strayed farther and farther away from His Commandments and became increasingly vile, He loved us enough to give His very best--JESUS! Now, that is love!
As you make preparations for your holiday festivities, remember to make room for CHRIST in your CHRISTmas. He is after all, the real reason for the season...
Merry CHRISTmas!
Blessings!
Tony
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Be Thankful!
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations." Psalm 100:4-5 NKJV
We're approaching the Thanksgiving holiday. Although we should be thankful at all times, now it is especially time to express our gratitude to GOD for His blessings and provision in our lives. We have so much to be thankful for.
True, there is much amiss in the world today. However, if we take time to look around--there is more to be grateful for that gripeful about. Remember the old song, "Count Your Blessings"? We should take the time to list what all GOD has done for us. In doing so, we will see just how much we have to appreciate.
As Christians, we are to be a joyful people. How often do you encounter sad and sour people who claim to be followers of Jesus? It is a sad state of affairs when we, as GOD's people, can't be happy. We've read the end of the book--we know how it ends, we win! Regardless as to what life throws at us, we are victorious! We have peace that surpasses all understanding. Colossians 3:15 reminds us, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful". We have no business being anything but thankful and joyful!
As I look back over the past year, I know I have much to be thankful for. I have a wife who loves me, a great family, I am gainfully employed, and am truly blessed beyond measure. Additionally, as I look towards the future--I know I am secure in GOD's love and that He has reserved a place for me, a mansion in Heaven.
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Take time to count our blessings and be thankful...
Blessings!
Tony
We're approaching the Thanksgiving holiday. Although we should be thankful at all times, now it is especially time to express our gratitude to GOD for His blessings and provision in our lives. We have so much to be thankful for.
True, there is much amiss in the world today. However, if we take time to look around--there is more to be grateful for that gripeful about. Remember the old song, "Count Your Blessings"? We should take the time to list what all GOD has done for us. In doing so, we will see just how much we have to appreciate.
As Christians, we are to be a joyful people. How often do you encounter sad and sour people who claim to be followers of Jesus? It is a sad state of affairs when we, as GOD's people, can't be happy. We've read the end of the book--we know how it ends, we win! Regardless as to what life throws at us, we are victorious! We have peace that surpasses all understanding. Colossians 3:15 reminds us, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful". We have no business being anything but thankful and joyful!
As I look back over the past year, I know I have much to be thankful for. I have a wife who loves me, a great family, I am gainfully employed, and am truly blessed beyond measure. Additionally, as I look towards the future--I know I am secure in GOD's love and that He has reserved a place for me, a mansion in Heaven.
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Take time to count our blessings and be thankful...
Blessings!
Tony
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The Poor Among Us...
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound... Isaiah 61:1 NKJV
Lately, I have found myself preoccupied with thoughts of what ministry GOD has for me. I have to say, at this point, I am still uncertain as to what direction He is leading me. However, my mind seems to return to the needs of the poor around us. We are constantly bombarded with images of starving children in third-world countries, various areas of the world plagued by natural disasters, etc. Don't get me wrong--these are all worthy causes and I am certain there are many good Christian folks supporting them through the leadership of the Holy Spirit. I know that GOD wll reward them for their efforts.
My issue is simply that there are hurting and needy people right here--right outside our doors--that need a touch from GOD. I am reminded of the saying, "Charity begins at home." Within walking distance of my home there are many in need. There are multitudes of financially depressed people hurting and doing without basic necessities due to the economic crisis. There are widows and orphans. There are senior citizens and veterans from many wars. There is a local drug and alcohol rehab center and a work center for inmates doing what they can to help. All these people and more need to know of GOD's love. What are we, as GOD's ambassadors here on earth, doing to meet their needs?
A friend recently made a post on FaceBook that caused me to think. His question simply asked what your church would look like if everyone there was just like you? Would the offering plate be full? Would it be a missions-minded church? Would it reach out to those in need? Or, would it be a place of mediocrity, more of a country club than GOD's House...?
That same friend--Matt Armbruster and his lovely bride, Tara--recently opened Ransom Cafe, a place where any & all are welcome to eat and pay as much (or as little) as they can. This is their ministry to the area. They are living out Luke 14:12-14, "When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just." I find it inspiring and I know GOD is proud!
As we approach the holiday season, let us be reminded of GOD's commandment to love our neighbor. During His time on earth, Jesus went about ministering to the poor and destitute. His mission was to take care of their spiritual needs but He also provided for their physical needs. If we are His People, His Children, His Church--shouldn't we be doing the same?
Blessings!
Tony
Lately, I have found myself preoccupied with thoughts of what ministry GOD has for me. I have to say, at this point, I am still uncertain as to what direction He is leading me. However, my mind seems to return to the needs of the poor around us. We are constantly bombarded with images of starving children in third-world countries, various areas of the world plagued by natural disasters, etc. Don't get me wrong--these are all worthy causes and I am certain there are many good Christian folks supporting them through the leadership of the Holy Spirit. I know that GOD wll reward them for their efforts.
My issue is simply that there are hurting and needy people right here--right outside our doors--that need a touch from GOD. I am reminded of the saying, "Charity begins at home." Within walking distance of my home there are many in need. There are multitudes of financially depressed people hurting and doing without basic necessities due to the economic crisis. There are widows and orphans. There are senior citizens and veterans from many wars. There is a local drug and alcohol rehab center and a work center for inmates doing what they can to help. All these people and more need to know of GOD's love. What are we, as GOD's ambassadors here on earth, doing to meet their needs?
A friend recently made a post on FaceBook that caused me to think. His question simply asked what your church would look like if everyone there was just like you? Would the offering plate be full? Would it be a missions-minded church? Would it reach out to those in need? Or, would it be a place of mediocrity, more of a country club than GOD's House...?
That same friend--Matt Armbruster and his lovely bride, Tara--recently opened Ransom Cafe, a place where any & all are welcome to eat and pay as much (or as little) as they can. This is their ministry to the area. They are living out Luke 14:12-14, "When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just." I find it inspiring and I know GOD is proud!
As we approach the holiday season, let us be reminded of GOD's commandment to love our neighbor. During His time on earth, Jesus went about ministering to the poor and destitute. His mission was to take care of their spiritual needs but He also provided for their physical needs. If we are His People, His Children, His Church--shouldn't we be doing the same?
Blessings!
Tony
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