Love

Matthew 5:45 (ESV)

So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

God’s love falls like rain on all people, even evil ones. “God so loved the world,” says Jesus in John 3:16. God loves wayward children. He loves wounded and despised people. And if God loves in that way, Christians must love in that way too.

We can churn up a lot of unhappiness for ourselves and for others by trying to control, manipulate, or condemn other people. We can burn a lot of energy getting angry with secular people and shouting at them. But God’s love rains down on all people—good and evil alike.

Jesus does not give me permission to hate and despise any other human being. If you’re a human being, I am supposed to love you in word and deed, whether you are a Christian or not.

A soup kitchen in an inner city is a great place to practice this, because you don’t have to ask anyone any complicated questions like “How did you get this way?” or “Are you ever going to change?” You just have to scoop some chili into a bowl and smile at another human being and say, “God bless you.”

That’s a good way to start. But somehow I think Jesus would do more than that.

Love. This is so difficult for us. But it is a happier way to live.

Dear Lord, we know we need to be an agent of Your love, but we have so many barriers and attitudes that hem us in. Lord, show us how to love. Help us to love as You have loved. In the Name of  Jesus, Amen.

Serving

Luke 9:12 (ESV)

Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.”

The story of Jesus feeding a crowd of thousands of people weaves together themes from throughout his ministry. These include compassion, power over creation, the ability to sustain life, and involving others in responding to human needs. We also see God’s grace and providence intertwine as Jesus sends the disciples out “to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”

It is important to realize that the people who heard the gospel and who were healed and fed were not saved and sanctified saints; they were not fully committed disciples who were ready to follow Jesus. Yet when Jesus saw their hurts and needs, he responded with love, knowing that many of them would abandon and even turn against him later. Even so, Jesus was moved with compassion, seeing their need. In the same way, he has compassion today when he sees the hurts and needs of anyone created in the image of God.

We have daily opportunities to come alongside the people around us. It could mean dropping by the hospital or the nursing home for a visit. Perhaps it involves cooking a meal for someone. Maybe it includes simply listening to another person’s story. When we seek to provide what Jesus ­offers, we reflect a beautiful picture of God’s compassion and care for others.

Dear Lord, help us to see the needs of others not as interruptions to our day, but rather as opportunities to reflect the love of Christ for people who need it. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Just Average?

John 1:45-46 (ESV)

45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

I am one of those people you would call, “Average”. I do things well, but I wouldn’t say I am great at anything. There are people who are better at school, sports, serving, and pretty much everything I do. I would never say I am “one of a kind”, “special”, or “unique”; I am just “average”. Do you feel the same way?

While in High school I was in the band. I always thought the drum majors were great. But because I thought so highly of them, I never had the courage to audition for the part myself. In youth group there were kids who would lead Bible studies and be leaders. Again, I thought so highly of them because God set them apart, he made them special for His plan. There was always someone better than me, so I allowed them to be used by God. I would just step in line and follow. 

Do you know what I realize now? There will always be someone better than me, but God doesn’t care. He still wants to use me! He created me special, unique and has a purpose for me. Look at the disciples, they were just fishermen from Galilee. What about Jesus? He was the son of a carpenter from Nazareth. Yet God did some pretty amazing things through them, wouldn’t you agree?

Do you feel like you are one of the “average” people? Nothing special about you, nothing you can offer God? It’s a lie that Satan wants you to believe. You are one in a million and God has such a big plan for you, if you are just willing to trust him. There will always seem to be someone better than you for the role, but God doesn’t always ask for THE best, He asks for YOUR best.

So, are you going to ignore Gods calling for you and let those you believe are better for God’s plan step in and do it. Or are you going to step up and do your best to fulfill the calling God has specifically for the ‘better than average’ you?

Dear Lord, help us to be strong and courageous. We forget at times that you created each of us special for Your plan and purpose. Help us to follow Your will and trust You even when we think others could serve You better. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Joy from Justice

Psalm 11:7 (ESV)

For the Lord is righteous;

he loves righteous deeds;

    the upright shall behold his face.

Fifty beds lined the driveway of the Heartline Ministries in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This makeshift field hospital ministered to the suffering in the days and weeks following the devastating earthquake of 2010. Among the badly wounded was a small boy named Emmanuel . . . God with us.

Emmanuel’s mother was by his side. The same earthquake that had left her little boy’s body broken and scarred had taken the lives of her other three children. She was utterly shattered by the grief.

Yet every night she raised her voice to lead the entire hospital in worship to God. Grown men were reduced to tears at the sight and the sound.

Time passed. Emmanuel’s body healed, and he and his mom moved south to try to start over. One day the missionaries at Heartline received a call from her: she was expecting another child. Arrangements were made for her and Emmanuel to come to Heartline’s maternity center.

There she delivered a son, a miracle of redemption. She named him Raphael . . . Healing God.

The missionary midwives of Heartline Ministries love to tell the story of Emmanuel and his mother. They point to it as a powerful example of their personal experience of Proverbs 21:15—“When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”

Perhaps using the word justice here seems odd to you, but I assure you, justice matters deeply to God. He cares passionately that His children suffer crushing poverty. It breaks His heart that more women die in childbirth in Haiti than anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere.

Whenever we, like the missionaries at Heartline, humbly work to meet the needs of people like Emmanuel and his mother, we are partnering with God in furthering His justice.

It is a partnership that demands sacrifice—the sacrifice of our self-interest, pride, and conveniences—but Proverbs promises when we see that “justice is done,” we will experience joy.

Ask God to open your eyes and heart today to those who are suffering from injustice. Seek His guidance as to where and how you can partner with Him to be a part of the solution. I promise you, He is already at work! The Lord’s justice and joy are always on the move. All you have to do is get on board.

Dear Lord, we pray that You would show us were and how You want us to partner with You. In The Name of Jesus, Amen.

Dirty laundry

Galatians 5:13 (ESV)

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

God gifted and instructed each of us to use our gifts to serve Him and others. You may not be the biggest, fastest or strongest, but you can still serve.

Ashland University won the NCAA Division II national championship in 2013. A couple years later, prior to the start of the 2014–15 season the coach knew it would be his last. There was one senior and one junior who had been a part of the national championship team, and he revealed his retirement intentions to the senior, Taylor, before sharing with the rest of the team.

That year, their young team improved throughout the season, eventually finding itself in the regional title matchup, one win away from the Elite Eight. They played their hearts out, but it just was not meant to be. His 35-year coaching career ended, as did Taylor’s stellar playing career.

Soon, however, Taylor demonstrated what it had all been about.

As the coach started walking back from the postgame news conference, he saw his team approaching at the end of a long corridor. Taylor was in the middle of the group. As they got closer, he could see her carrying both bags of dirty laundry, one over each shoulder.

Taylor had just finished the final game of her career, but instead of thinking of herself in that moment, she chose to serve her teammates.

What can be the best way to serve those around you?

Dear Lord, thank You that You see us and know us by name. Thank You for the example of Christ and how He served while on earth. Let us keep You forefront in our faith as we reach out to those who are hurting and in need of Your truth and grace. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Give all you have got

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

Have you ever been around someone who is “next level” in terms of their passion for what they do? I know people like that, and they inspire me. This brings them a greater sense of purpose and begins to make a difference for those around them.

Serving is about what we can do to meet the needs of others. God wants us to take the things we are most passionate about and use them for the good of others and, ultimately, His glory. There are several qualities that true servants have in common:

Serving requires humility. Those who serve always think highly of others and elevate their needs ahead of their own. Even though they are experts, the best will never make you feel inferior for not knowing what to do. In fact, it’s quite the opposite; they’ll make you feel special.

Serving requires learning. Those who serve are always seeking knowledge and wisdom because others are depending on them. Leaders are made to serve others and need to “stay ahead” of those they serve with insight and knowledge.

Serving requires commitment. Those who serve have an unwavering commitment to others’ success. They don’t give up when challenges or obstacles arise. In fact, those bumps in the road energize them to help you overcome. They reject excuses and encourage you to do the same.

It’s an act of love to lay down your life for another. Using the gifts and talents God has given you is a powerful way to make a big difference for others.

How can you use your passions and gifts to serve others? 

Dear Lord, You have made us and You know us. You know how You want to reach the world through us. Please show us how You can use the things we are passionate about to serve and encourage family and friends. Give us a heart for service that comes from Your love.  In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

The blessings of Interruptions

Matthew 9:18-19 (ESV)

18 While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples.

When was the last time you helped someone in need? It could be you’ve missed several chances because they were disguised as interruptions instead of opportunities.

Not long ago, a young man was running a quick errand before an important meeting he had across town. As he hustled from the store to his car, he saw a young mother struggling to corral two toddlers while muscling a grocery cart across the parking lot. She looked tired and overwhelmed. He was just backing out when it happened: She reached her car and broke into tears. Her tire was flat.

He wasn’t prepared for this situation. He was running late, and he wasn’t dressed to wrestle with a flat tire. But this young lady clearly needed help, so he rolled up my sleeves and introduced himself. It turns out she was stressed with good reason. Her husband was deployed overseas, and being new to the area, she had no family or friends nearby. She was alone with two children in a new and unfamiliar city. That day, he learned how significant a small act of kindness can be.

And he almost missed it.

Whether it’s single mothers, the elderly, a coworker, or your next-door neighbor, people in need are all around us. But the opportunity to come alongside someone doesn’t always present itself when it’s convenient. In fact, it’s usually an interruption. But that shouldn’t surprise us. Much of Jesus’ ministry took place because He welcomed interruption. The woman who touched His cloak, the paralytic lowered through the roof mid-sermon, the disciples waking Him from sleep to calm the storm. Our challenge is this – to keep ourselves open and willing because the chance to be a blessing most often surfaces in unexpected moments.

Dear Lord, help our eyes and hearts be open to those around us. Help us to not look at things as interruptions but opportunities to serve others. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

You Can Make a Difference, Big or Small.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Does a simple smile really impact someone who is feeling down? Does it really make a difference when you encourage someone who is depressed?

While in the air en route to Kenya, some of the mission team members began to wonder if spending big bucks for plane tickets to go and build a kitchen and a cistern for a desperate orphanage was really the right way to spend their money. Wouldn't it have been better spent by hiring local contractors to do the building? Would flying all this way really make a difference?

But once they met the local people of Nairobi, all of these doubts were erased. They were greeted with cheers and hugs. They were considered heroes of the faith!

The local people of Nairobi were astonished at how hard every member of the mission team worked. Most of what they know about North Americans comes from movies, and these don't always depict a very nice picture!

Most of the locals believed that North Americans are spoiled brats with lots of stress who work very little for lots of money. Though some of this may be quite true, the mission team revealed to them not only that they were not afraid of work, but also that they cared enough for the people in Kenya to take time off their busy schedule and fly half-way around the world to be with them. As a result, the team established many life-long friendships.

The people in the streets of Nairobi were also delighted to talk with members of the team. They seemed eager to share what they were going through, and they demanded to have their picture taken.

To all these people, that expensive trip to Kenya sure made a difference!

There was one person that the team met who was touched more than anyone by their visit. He was from the slums of Nairobi, and he had always dreamed of leaving the slums to earn an education. He had worked hard and had made it to his final year of university, but then the money ran out. It seemed that there was no way he could finish school. He was desperate, and he confided in the Lord. While in prayer, he received a phone call announcing that he had been chosen by a church for a special scholarship, one that would permit him to finish his final year of university.

When this young man realized that the mission team had been sent from this same church, he became so emotional that he had to leave the room for several minutes. "It can't be!" He repeated over and over again. "You are really here! You really do care! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

This young man is now working on his Masters degree, and he is currently working as an associate pastor for a large church in the Nairobi slums. His personal goal in life? To bring hope into the lives of those in the slums.

We may not always realize it, but sometimes the tiniest action on our part can have huge repercussions in the lives of the people around us. We WILL impact those we interact with, either for the good, or for evil. We can either be a blessing or a curse. It's our choice!

What will you do today big or small?

Dear Lord, thanks for being willing to use us. Help us to not worry how big or small the opportunity that is before us. Help us just be willing to go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

In God's Hands

Deuteronomy 12:18 (NIV)

Instead, you are to eat them in the presence of the Lord your God at the place the Lord your God will choose—you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levites from your towns—and you are to rejoice before the Lord your God in everything you put your hand to.

Lynette Mohammed has learned to find joy in the midst of life's trials. If you had asked Lynette two years ago who her best friend was, she wouldn't have skipped a beat. It was Boyie, her husband of twenty-four years. The two had met as youngsters in Trinidad, West Indies, and Boyie had been her first and only boyfriend. After they married, the two did everything together. They were the epitome of a couple in love with Jesus and each other.

Boyie and Lynette lived in Brooklyn with their two children, who were in their early twenties. Every day, Boyie went off to work in downtown Manhattan. The view of the city was breathtaking from the ninety-third floor of Tower One of the World Trade Center, where he worked. He was there on September 11, 2001, when both towers collapsed from a terrorist attack.

Both Boyie and Lynette were dedicated followers of Christ and members of the Brooklyn Tabernacle. I spoke to Lynette two days after the attack, searching for the right words with which to comfort her. Although Mayor Rudolf Giuliani still held out hope for possible survivors, things looked pretty grim. Lynette had already accepted the fact that her husband would never come home again. She had lost her best friend.

One Sunday Lynette and her daughter stood on the platform together as the entire Brooklyn Tabernacle called on "the God of all comfort" to help our sister and give her consolation.

Lynette struggled most at night when she was alone in her bedroom. Without Boyie, the house seemed strange, and it was filled with painful reminders. Friends spoke almost daily with Lynette, and one day her pastor called to find out how she was doing.

"Pastor, thanks for calling," she replied. "The Lord has been so good to me." Her voice and spirit seemed strong and vibrant.

"The other night the most wonderful thing happened. I couldn't sleep, so I went into the living room to spend time with the Lord. I sat in his presence and told him how hard it was to carry on without my husband. Oh Pastor, his Spirit came to me as I was sitting there, and he flooded me with not only peace, but his joy also. I began singing and worshiping God there in my living room as if I was in a sanctuary filled with other Christians. Oh Pastor, God has been so good to me!"

Her pastor was stunned. He was the one who had called to encourage Lynette, and here she was, lifting his spirits. The fullness of her joy flooded over into his life, and he praised God for his faithfulness and tender care. Lynette needed all that comfort and more in the months that followed.

Just as she was healing from the tragic loss of 9/11, Lynette was contacted by the city with news that her husband's "body" had been found. This news took Lynette back to a painful time, but she carried on with stamina and a cheerful heart.

To make matters worse, Lynette's grown son had been troubled by deep emotional problems for several years. Though the family was gravely concerned for him, no one anticipated that he would commit suicide only months after his father's tragic death. Once again Lynette's heart was shattered. But the same God who comforted her after the loss of her husband consoled her again at the loss of her son.

If you visit the Brooklyn Tabernacle, you will find Lynette serving in the hospitality ministry. She is one of the folks who makes the long Sunday schedule easier on the pastoral staff, the musicians, and any special guests present.  Though she has an attractive, youthful appearance, her smile is what stands out. Whether serving food or greeting guests, she fulfills, through supernatural grace, the wise word spoken by Moses long ago: "You are to rejoice before the LORD your God in everything you put your hand to" (Deuteronomy 12:18).

We need to follow Lynette's example so that we, too, follow the counsel of Scripture. It is not enough to rejoice once a week in church or when our circumstances seem rosy. Like Lynette, we must rejoice in the Lord in everything we put our hands to.

Dear Lord, we pray that we would follow Your leading from the Bible to put everything in Your hands. Make it a priority in each of our life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Are You Ready to Serve?

Psalm 92:14-15 (NASB)

14 They will still yield fruit in old age;

They shall be full of sap and very green,

15 To declare that the Lord is upright;

He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

As a weather buff the story of world's largest weather-vane intrigued me. Yukon is the home to the to it.

Much to my amazement the weather-vane was a DC3, a Douglas plane serial No. 4665!

With a length of 64 feet 5.5 inches and a wingspan of 95 feet, this plane swivels around at the top of a pedestal, always faithfully pointing into the wind. No wonder it is the largest weather-vane in the world!

This particular DC3 hasn't always been a weather-vane  however. It was built in August 1942, during World War II, and its first mission, under the disguise of camouflage, was to transport goods into India and China.

After the war it was acquired by the Canadian authorities and issued registration "CF-CPY". It flew many routes throughout Canada, especially in the Yukon. With a total flying time of 31,581 hours, it can certainly be said that it served its country well!

The CF-CPY's usefulness appeared to end however, one fateful day in November 1970, when it crashed. It wasn't until seven years later that the Yukon Flying Club undertook the task of restoring the plane, and after 4 years of work, it is now mounted on its pedestal to forever show the citizens of Whitehorse what direction the wind is blowing. It would seem that despite the crash, the usefulness of this particular DC3 carries on!

Reflecting on this, I realize that once someone retires from active duty, the "golden years" sometimes turn out to be stale and lifeless. But they don't have to be! One's usefulness is only over when we let it be over!

I read of a lady who had dreamed her entire life of becoming a missionary to China. She was never able to fulfill her dream until after she had retired! She then went through the training, applied to the mission’s board, and began serving in China. Just before this lady left the western world, she was diagnosed with cancer. This didn't stop her, however. To her it didn't matter where you died, as long as you were in the will of the Lord when you did!

I heard of another elderly gentleman who was dying in his hospital bed. Most would think that his usefulness was completely used up, but one night he took the time to talk about Jesus with a fellow patient. He was able to lead this roommate to the Lord, and his dying words were, "Another one out of the grasp of Satan!"

I know of young people who couldn't care less if they were useful in life or not. If they could have their own way, they would lie on the coach and watch T.V. 24/7! So as you can see, one's usefulness is not restricted by age. Rather it is lack of determination and willingness that restricts usefulness!

What are you plans with your life? How will You serve God?

Dear Lord, we pray that we would serve You no matter what stage of life we are in. Help us be willing to serve right where we are. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Serving Others

Galatians 5:13-14 (New International Version)

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

One night, at 11:30 pm, an older African-American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride.


Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her - generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxi cab. She seemed to be in a big hurry! She wrote down his address, thanked him and drove away. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant combination console color TV and stereo record player were delivered to his home.


A special note was attached. The note read:


Dear Mr. James:


Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes but my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others.


Sincerely,


Mrs. Nat King Cole






Dear Lord we pray that we would have our eyes open to see how we can serve those that come into our life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.