Remember the overlooked and forgotten

2019-09-11
Isaiah 1:17 NIV

In New Testament times society had no welfare system. That’s why the apostle James wrote, “Religion that God…accepts…is…to look after orphans and widows” (James 1:27 NIV). This could be the kind of ministry you’ve been looking for! The only qualification you need is the memory of how it feels to “be left out” and the compassion to “do something about it.” The following poignant letter, “The Story of Widowhood,” was written by a lady whose husband died. “First numbness, then busyness. A million things to settle. Endless death certificates and things to sign. Friends are so considerate; caring support from relatives. You keep busy. But at night you pound the empty side of the bed in grief. Finally you close your eyes, throw his toothbrush into the garbage, and toss out the old work shoes you brought home from the hospital in a plastic bag. You empty the closet and give all his things away. It’s heartache like you wouldn’t believe. Every suit in his closet reminds you of a special place or time you shared together. A year has passed; you’re still in one piece. Then the blow! Your friends celebrate a birthday – all couples. You’re not included because you’d be a ‘fifth wheel.’ Some wives may even consider you a threat. Please remember us. Don’t treat us like excess baggage. We’ve been handed a rotten break, and we need friends. Signed, Forgotten.” Think of the difference you could make today in somebody’s life by being willing to seek out those that society so often overlooks and forgets.

Soul food: 2 Cor 1-4; Matt 25:1-13; Ps 78:56-64; Prov 20:25

This year invest what God has given you

2018-01-03
Romans 14:10 TLV

Judgment day will be characterized by two things: rewards and regrets! Jesus highlights this in the story of three servants who were given talents to invest on behalf of their master. The first two invested well and were rewarded, while the third one buried his talent and was judged accordingly. The first two considered their options, crunched the numbers, took the plunge, and were willing to risk failure. As a result their boss said, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21 NKJV). Now, God doesn’t reward foolishness. So before you make a move, talk it over with Him (See Proverbs 3:5-6). The third servant, however, said, “I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground” (Matthew 25:25 NKJV). He made the most common and tragic mistake when it comes to giftedness: He failed to benefit his Master with his talent. Some invest their talents and give God credit, while others misuse theirs and give Him grief. Some honor Him with “fruit,” while others insult Him with excuses. And how does God feel about the latter? “Get rid of this ‘play-it-safe’ who won’t go out on a limb” (Matthew 25:29 MSG). Fear is the opposite of faith, and “without faith it is impossible to please [God]” (Hebrews 11:6). So this year step out in faith; God won’t let you down. Take a risk; He won’t fail you. Even if you stumble on your way to success, He encourages you to envision the day when you’ll feel His hand on your shoulder and hear the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Soul food: 1 Thes 4-5; Matt 3:11-17; Ps 90:1-6; Prov 1:1-4