Removing Anonymity

Removing Anonymity

James 2: ¹⁴ My friends, what good is it for one of you to say that you have faith if your actions do not prove it? Can that faith save you? ¹⁵ Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don't have enough to eat. ¹⁶ What good is there in your saying to them, “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!”—if you don't give them the necessities of life? ¹⁷ So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead.

 

============

 

After getting an increase in pay, giving became easier. I felt good about writing a check each week. But then the pastor asked something strange. “Who will go with me to serve people in the streets?”

 

• I thought I was “doing” enough by giving “my” cash.
• I thought I was “doing” enough by “going” to church.
• I thought I was “doing” enough by “attending” Bible study, deacon’s meetings and trustee meetings.

 

James challenges the norm of only  attending church and quoting scriptures. His challenge was probably aimed to get people out of their comfort zone and to “do” the things they “talked” about. This would take time, effort and face to face encounters with those in need.

 

My Observations:

• Serving people who are in need takes face to face encounters.
• Serving a group of people, without knowing their names, needs or problems, makes me think I am helping them vicariously through someone else’s efforts.
• GOD loves when I serve people face to face.

 

Overlooking the poor can be quite easy. I mean, when I give to a church and pass by a person holding up a sign, I begin to justify not serving the person holding up the sign, asking for help. I then justify not knowing or heling my neighbors on my block or in my apartment building. I also justify not seeking the lost on my own. BUT GOD wants me to be different.

 

HE knows my mind can become dull by sitting in another sermon or another Bible study or by watching another motivational video. Going out and actually serving people takes the anonymity away and opens my eyes to a world of need I would not have otherwise known. I am glad GOD wants me to get out of my comfort zone to serve those in need.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer challenge “faith?”
• Have you ever felt nervous about serving the poor?
• Have you served the poor directly outside of your church?
• Will you consider getting out of your comfort zone and serving the poor today so your faith will be made complete?

Running Up Behind Someone

Running Up Behind Someone

James 2: ⁵ Listen, my dear friends! God chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the kingdom which he promised to those who love him. ⁶ But you dishonor the poor! Who are the ones who oppress you and drag you before the judges? The rich! ⁷ They are the ones who speak evil of that good name which has been given to you.

 

============

 

“Why are you running up behind him?” was the strange question posed to me. I had to decipher what was being asked. I was trying to be like a certain rich person. I studied the mannerisms, spending habits and even learned how to play a sport that was expensive and I did not really enjoy. Oh, “Why am I trying to follow the people who cause more problems than provide solutions?”

 

• I was secretly trying to be rich, so I followed the rich.
• I was unconsciously trying to act rich so I studied the rich.
• I was lustfully seeking what the rich had, so I spent enormous amounts of time thinking about what I did not have.

 

James tried to address a serious concern, namely overlooking the poor. He first explains the heart of GOD by saying the poor who love HIM will possess HIS kingdom. He then states that GOD made this a promise, so it will happen. He then tried to open everyone’s eyes to the problem of following the rich and overlooking the poor.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees my heart and knows when I serve HIS kingdom.
• GOD loves when I serve the poor and help people in need.
• GOD wants me to treat the poor with the same honor as the rich.

 

Overlooking the poor is dishonorable to GOD. I mean, HIS heart seems to be geared towards helping the poor and serving them, but when I “innocently” follow the rich, I may not make time to seek those in need. I may even make a statement that “I plan on helping once I become rich.” BUT GOD sees through my scheme.

 

HE wants me to serve my peers when I am poor. HE then wants me to keep serving the poor if HE gives me more to share. The more HE gives me the more HE expects me to give others. Following the rich should probably be done in small doses. I am glad GOD wants me to increase my appetite for seeking to serve the poor.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe the rich?
• Have you ever heard “There is not a problem being rich” from poor people?
• Will you seek to serve the poor with the material blessings GOD has given you so you can bring honor on someone today?

Lacking Nothing

Lacking Nothing

James 1: ⁴ Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all. 

 

============

 

After the conference this past weekend, someone from another country asked for help. I knew my meager funds would never be enough so I started thinking of solutions. His current solution to local hunger is to teach farming. I sent videos on hydroponic farming. His response was , “that’s for the middle class.” I found videos on farming using discarded plastic bottles. His response “That’s for the middle class.”

 

• I lack wisdom.
• I do not know how to address this.
• The problem is far greater than any of my current solutions.

 

James addressed a scared scattered group of people who believed in JESUS and were persecuted for it. The first solution was to run and hide from those who oppressed people with religious persecution. He knew GOD was the only solution.

 

My Observations:

• Extreme problems require GOD to intervene.
• It is amazing that I can ask GOD to address an extreme problem and HE is willing to help.
• GOD will provide the wisdom it will take to address the need.

 

Feeling helpless is not an option for many people. I mean, those who are facing major issues that they think need a financial solution cannot afford to fall into despair. A solution is needed. But what?

 

GOD says “I AM the solution.” I believe that James said “endure” , not for the poor to just remain poor, but for those sent to help to “endure” until there is a solution. GOD will provide the right people at the right time. HIS love endures forever. I am glad I can ask GOD for wisdom and HE is gracious and generous to provide it!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer talk about “falling?”
• Have you ever tried to do something and it seemed hopeless to the point where you felt like giving up?
• Will you ask for wisdom to address the overwhelming situation so GOD will get the glory and so eyes and hearts will be open to accept JESUS today?

Idle, Timid and Weak

Idle, Timid and Weak

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹⁴ We urge you, our friends, to warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ See that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but at all times make it your aim to do good to one another and to all people.

 

============

 

Sitting in the corner, alone, a teacher noticed me, took my hand and brought me over to other people. I wanted to interact, but did not know how. I was shy, frail and did not know what to say. “you want to play?” were the words of others.

 

• That was an enjoyable day.
• I did not know how to get myself into the crowd.
• I felt that I would not be accepted.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy give another stern warning, but on a much lighter note. They urged everyone to “warn the idle, encourage the timid and help the weak.” Instead of seeking the rich and powerful, they urged everyone to seek those who are in need.

 

My Observations

• My patience is required when seeking those who are idle about speaking about the LORD.
• I must overlook wrong and do what is right according to the LORD.
• Doing good is the aim for me and GOD provides those HE wants to draw to HIMSELF.

 

Idle, timid and weak people seem like a strange audience to seek. I mean, to get ahead, don’t you have to be connected to the powerful and noisy? No. GOD has a vast harvest, but the laborers are few. HE know there are plenty of people who sit idle, waiting on HIM.

 

HE wants those in wait to get up and use their gifts and talents for HIM. HE also wants those who have been discouraged to be encouraged that HE is with you. Lastly, HE desires those who have tried and tired and failed, to be strengthened to get up and try again, knowing it’s not your power, but HIS love that will overcome all. I am glad GOD cares more than I ever could.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writers are so urgent?
• Have you ever been overlooked, misunderstood or shy?
• Will you seek those who need to speak about GOD, but they are idle and those who are discouraged and need encouragement and those who are weak and strengthen him or her with GOD’s unchanging love today?

Encourage and Help

 

Encourage and Help

1 Thessalonians 5: ⁹ God did not choose us to suffer his anger, but to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us in order that we might live together with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes. ¹¹ And so encourage one another and help one another, just as you are now doing.

 

============

 

Getting revenge was all I could think about. Various bullies had attacked me unprovoked. Being small and scrawny was no longer an option. “I will lift weights and become stronger so I can fight the bullies” I thought to myself.

 

• My plan was built out of hatred relabeled as hurt.
• I thought the only option was to fight or hurt.
• I figured that if I must suffer, someone else was going to suffer.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy gave some great news! “GOD did not choose us to suffer HIS anger, but to possess salvation through our LORD JESUS CHRIST.” They further explained  that JESUS died for us that we might live together with HIM.  They gave some great instructions, namely encourage and help one another.

 

My Observations

• Life can get difficult, so GOD wants me to get encouragement from others and give it to those HE sends me to.
• Pain and suffering are all around us, so GOD wants me to understand HIS love by accepting HIS SON as my Savior.
• GOD’s impending wrath is not meant for those who believe in JESUS as the Savior, so HE wants me to accept JESUS so HE can change my heart to encourage people in times of struggle.

 

Encouragement and help seem like a better plan than attack and fight. I mean, festering over wrong and planning an attack and countering the attack is a huge waste of time and makes everyone tired and exhausted. No one wins. BUT GOD has a better way.

 

HE sent HIS SON to die for my sins. I should be encouraged by that, so much so, that I go out and encourage others to believe in HIM and live for HIM. When trouble comes, GOD wants me to help others so they can praise HIM. I am glad GOD cares for us enough to choose us for encouragement.

 

Challenge

• Who will suffer GOD’s anger that the writers mention?
• Have you ever thought of a plan that included revenge or rage?
• Will you change your plan to include encouragement to follow GOD and help those who do not know JESUS, understand HIS love and provision today?

Agreed to the Plan

Agreed to the Plan

Galatians 2: ⁸ For by God's power I was made an apostle to the Gentiles, just as Peter was made an apostle to the Jews. ⁹ James, Peter, and John, who seemed to be the leaders, recognized that God had given me this special task; so they shook hands with Barnabas and me, as a sign that we were all partners. We agreed that Barnabas and I would work among the Gentiles and they among the Jews. ¹⁰ All they asked was that we should remember the needy in their group, which is the very thing I have been eager to do.

 

============

 

Overwhelming devastation was all around us. Some houses had an “x” painted on them to show a fatality. Others were dilapidated beyond repair. “How do you even start helping in something like this?” I thought to myself. The hurricane had torn through this particular city and help was needed everywhere.

 

• I could not do the work by myself.
• I had to work with others to get something done.
• I had to agree on what needed to be done first and add my calling from GOD to the plan.

 

GOD carved a niche for Paul to be an apostle to the Gentiles. This was a huge ocean of people who needed to hear the message of salvation just as much as the Jews. But where do you start? Paul and Barnabas started with agreement to the plan with the apostles who were sent to the Jews.

 My Observations

• GOD wants me to accept HIS calling to seek those HE wants to draw to HIMSELF.
• GOD wants me to be part of the solution and agree with others who are trying to do the same.
• GOD wants me to look beyond my capabilities so I will not become overwhelmed.

 

“Remember the needy” was the request from a mature set of leaders to Paul and Barnabas. They may have been burned before by those who got caught up in spreading the message without ever helping people in need. There is a huge ocean of people who are devastated and could use a “cup of water.”

 

GOD wants us all to be messengers of the Gospel of JESUS. HE wants us to tell people about salvation, BUT HE also wants us to serve the needy when we can. Break the bread in half every once in a while and serve someone who is hungry. I am glad GOD owns the ocean of people who are in need and rewards me for giving even “one cup of water” to one person.

 

Challenge

• What do you think is the “special task” of the writer?
• Have you ever been in a planning session to discuss what needed to be done?
• Can you remember a time when you worked together to help out people in need?
• Will you spread the Gospel of JESUS and help the needy without burning yourself out today?

Share in the Help

Share in the Help

1 Corinthians 17: ³ Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes! ⁴ He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God. ⁵ Just as we have a share in Christ's many sufferings, so also through Christ we share in God's great help. ⁶ If we suffer, it is for your help and salvation; if we are helped, then you too are helped and given the strength to endure with patience the same sufferings that we also endure. ⁷ So our hope in you is never shaken; we know that just as you share in our sufferings, you also share in the help we receive.

 

============

 

Being out of work made me worry about everything. I had never been out of work before and my total dependence was on “my” salary and self-esteem was tied into “my” title. I sat in a group of out of work people at a church.

 

“Help other people” was the message. “Wait! I need help” I thought to myself. I volunteered at a food pantry and helped others get jobs. I found peace that didn’t make sense.

 

• I had lost sight of other people suffering.
• I had fallen into the trap of working so hard that I could not see people who needed help.
• I had forgotten that I had nothing, at one point, and was given much.

 

Paul reminds everyone that GOD the FATHER provides the help. This is a different perspective than GOD the Punisher. Paul then explains that since we get help from the FATHER, we are supposed to help others. But when we suffer, others should help us.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to see other people in need, even when I am in need.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE provides all help that I receive and give.
• GOD wants me to give thanks to HIM for any help I have received by helping someone else and being glad about it.

 

GOD sees me in good times and bad. HE knows when my heart is in anguish and when it is elated. HE knows when to send me to someone or when I need help from others.

 

The FATHER rarely gets credit for wanting to help. I mean, sometimes I think that if I broke HIS rules, HE is ready to hit me on the head with a supernatural stick. The FATHER loves. I am grateful to receive HIS help.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about GOD the FATHER?
• Do you sometimes think you are being punished more than you are being loved?
• Can you help someone in the middle of your pain?
• Wil you share where help comes from by receiving help or giving it and praying for those who suffer in the same way you are suffering today?

Heartfelt Love Help

 

Heartfelt Love Help

1 Corinthians 14: It is love, then, that you should strive for. Set your hearts on spiritual gifts, especially the gift of proclaiming God's message. ² Those who speak in strange tongues do not speak to others but to God, because no one understands them. They are speaking secret truths by the power of the Spirit. ³ But those who proclaim God's message speak to people and give them help, encouragement, and comfort. ⁴ Those who speak in strange tongues help only themselves, but those who proclaim God's message help the whole church.

 

============

 

Feeling rotten, I must have had a disgusted look on my face because people kept asking me “Is everything alright?” Usually I was the one asking that question but this particular day was the exception. Finally, someone approached me and said “It will be alright. GOD is with you.” I guess I just needed to hear that at the time.

 

• Many people have given me encouragement when I was down.
• Many people have provided comfort for me when I was feeling low.
• Many people have used their gifts to help me in time of need.

 

Paul mentions a special act of love we are all supposed to share in. He attempts to convince everyone to use their GOD given spiritual gifts as often as possible. One gift to acquire is proclaiming GOD’s message.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to recognize that my gifts and talents come from HIM.
• GOD wants me to set my heart on helping others.
• GOD wants me to encourage, comfort and help others in their time of need.

 

We all need help, comfort and encouragement at some point. No one is above pain. BUT GOD put people around me to ease the pain and encourage me to keep going. HE knows life would be a challenge so HE not only provided the HOLY SPIRIT to me for comfort, HE provided HIM to those who believe in JESUS.

 

HE has given many people comfort and they in turn provide that comfort to others. I am grateful people have used their gifts to share GOD’s encouragement and comfort to me and others.

 

Challenge

• Have you looked at your gifts and talents lately?
• What do you feel when you hear the words “help” and “encouragement” and “comfort?”
• Will you use your GOD given gifts to provide help, encouragement and comfort to someone today?

Ask For, Get or Provide

 

Ask For, Get or Provide

Romans 15: ²² And so I have been prevented many times from coming to you. ²³ But now that I have finished my work in these regions and since I have been wanting for so many years to come to see you, ²⁴ I hope to do so now. I would like to see you on my way to Spain, and be helped by you to go there, after I have enjoyed visiting you for a while. ²⁵ Right now, however, I am going to Jerusalem in the service of God's people there. ²⁶ For the churches in Macedonia and Achaia have freely decided to give an offering to help the poor among God's people in Jerusalem. ²⁷ That decision was their own; but, as a matter of fact, they have an obligation to help them. Since the Jews shared their spiritual blessings with the Gentiles, the Gentiles ought to use their material blessings to help the Jews.

 

============

 

When I grew up, I was taught not to ask for help. Maybe not by words, but it seemed like everyone around me was basically on their own. One day, I asked for help with something. “Gladly” was the surprising response. On a number of occasions I did it again and people were willing to help. “Maybe I should ask for help more often” I thought to myself.

 

• Many times I was afraid to ask for help because I didn’t know what to ask.
• Many times I was too proud to ask for help because I had the money and I simply paid my way.
• Many times I was deeply in need and did not have the strength to even ask for help.

 

Paul wanted to go help, so he asked for help to help those in need. He also explained that other churches decided on their own, to give help to the poor in a certain area. He impressed on everyone that it was an “obligation” for those who have heard preaching to provide monetary support.

 

• GOD wants me to ask for help when I need help.
• GOD wants me to get help when I am going to help others.
• GOD wants me to look for people who need help, especially those who are too weak and decimated to ask.

 

Help is always a difficult topic. I mean, I usually need it at an inconvenient time, or people around me are not willing, possibly because I have not helped them. BUT GOD knows my needs and wants me to ask for anything. HE opens up HIS generosity and provides unimaginable help. I am grateful GOD sees me, hears me and loves me so much that HE will always provide help.

 

• Are you in need and it seems like there is no one available to help?
• Does it seem like you are alone in this journey?
• Will you rest your mind and know GOD will provide you with the help you need at the right time?

To Build Them Up

 

To Build Them Up

Romans 15: We who are strong in the faith ought to help the weak to carry their burdens. We should not please ourselves. ² Instead, we should all please other believers for their own good, in order to build them up in the faith. ³ For Christ did not please himself. Instead, as the scripture says, “The insults which are hurled at you have fallen on me.”

 

============

 

Hurling insults at the other team seemed like the right thing to do. I joined in on the “fun” and called the other team names through clever cheers and chants. Our team won! But when it was time to go home, the other school did not appreciate the previous insults. Fights broke out and escape was my only thought.

 

There have been many times when I used insults to feel better about myself.

There have been many times when I used insults to feel part of the “winning” crowd.

There have been many times when I used insults to feel superior to “those” people.

 

Paul tries to shift everyone’s thinking to follow the example of CHRIST. JESUS took the insults that were meant for other people and died in our place when HE committed no wrong. Paul gives some great advice. “Build them up.”

 

GOD wants me to build people up so they will continue in the faith.

GOD wants me to speak encouraging words to everyone so their faith will increase.

GOD wants me to carry the burdens of others so they can get up and help someone else.

 

Being caught up in my own situation usually leaves no room to help others. BUT GOD helps me up from the ground to see there is more to life than “that” circumstance. HE dusts me off and fills my heart with encouragement for others in the middle of the battle. GOD also desires that I remember HIS deliverance so I can carry it forward daily.

 

Instead of using the sneaky, tear down slanderous manipulation tactics, GOD wants me to replace insulting words with gratitude. If I cannot appreciate “that” person, then maybe I should not be in the conversation. I am grateful GOD helps me carry the burdens of others to “build them up” for HIM.

 

Are your words full of insults and slander?

Do your jokes speak life or death?

Will you reduce your insults and increase your encouragement so those who believe may have their burdens lifted and their faith increased for JESUS today?

Looked Over

 

Looked Over

Romans 13: ⁸ Be under obligation to no one—the only obligation you have is to love one another. Whoever does this has obeyed the Law. ⁹ The commandments, “Do not commit adultery; do not commit murder; do not steal; do not desire what belongs to someone else”—all these, and any others besides, are summed up in the one command, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” ¹⁰ If you love others, you will never do them wrong; to love, then, is to obey the whole Law.

 

============

 

Getting off the train for the first time on the new job, I ran into a homeless person. I had an extra dollar, so I gave it to him. As I rounded the corner, there was another and another. “I’m sorry, I don’t have anymore” was the lie I told as I had much more in my pocket. The next day it was the same. So the following day I decided to go a different route to avoid seeing the homeless.

 

• Many times I have overlooked the homeless.
• Many times I avoided giving to the homeless because the problem seemed too large for me.
• Many times I said to myself, “I barely have enough for me, let alone this person.”

 

Paul writes about the greatest commandment JESUS spoke about, namely Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Love is required to obey the Law. But “Who is my neighbor?”

 

• GOD wants me to love the people in my household and the houses surrounding me.
• GOD wants me to love the people who are not in my neighborhood, but are out on the street.
• GOD wants me to love the overlooked such as the poor, widowed and physically sick.

 

When GOD said “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few” HE knew many people would be so focused on their own struggles that we could not open our eyes to another person’s struggles. GOD wants me to take a moment to “see” others and be involved by loving them. Even if it is a cup of water given in love, I have obeyed GOD.

 

• What will you do to show your love to a stranger or a homeless person today?
• Will you go out and give to a person in need and do it in secret?
• Can you add love to your heart so you will see more people who GOD wants you to serve today?

Tell It

 Tell It

Acts 23: ¹⁷ Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” ¹⁸ So he took him to the commander.

 

The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

 

¹⁹ The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”

 

²⁰ He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. ²¹ Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”

²² The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”

 

============

 

“Don’t be a tattle-tale” was the unwritten code. In other words, when you see something that is wrong, don’t tell anyone or face the consequences. But when I saw a person I knew about to get beat up, I had to do something. I told on the bully.

 

• There were times when I had to tell someone about impending injustice.
• There were times when I had to stand up for someone who couldn’t stand up for themselves.
• There were times when I had to let others know about the disregard for another person.

 

Paul’s nephew informed him of the plot against him. Paul sent him to the commander to tell the details of the plot. The commander listened to Paul’s nephew and told him not to tell anyone he had reported this to him.

 

• GOD wants me to know I will be protected when I have to tell about a bully.
• GOD wants me to know HE sees the bully so I can have courage that I am doing the right thing when I inform others.
• GOD wants me to know HE does not take injustice lightly.

 

Standing up for someone is not easy. I mean, it seems like I would get in trouble if I told about abuse of power. BUT GOD wants me to worry more about following HIM than of the temporary power the thugs yield.

 

GOD’s power is everlasting. HE wants me to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. HE knows there will be some who will never turn to HIM. Some of those people may even try to recklessly harm others, not knowing their demise. I am grateful GOD enables me to stand firm because of HIS promises to me.

 

• Do you see injustice but are not doing anything about it?
• Are you worried about what others will think of you if you told on someone?
• Will you ask GOD for courage and protection as you speak on “that” person’s behalf today?

Exiled and Evacuated

Exiled and Evacuated

Acts 18: After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. ² There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, ³ and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. ⁴ Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.

============

After the devastation of the hurricane, all that was left of some neighborhoods was a memory. Homes were washed away as the levies broke and floods ensued. Later I went to assist in the repair. It would take over a decade to provide shelter for those who lost their homes.

• I have seen cities that have been torn up.
• I have seen cities that have been devastated.
• I have met people who lost everything they had, with no means to recover.

Paul met Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth. They were exiled because Claudius was tired of the squabbles the Jews were making over JESUS. Claudius exiled all the Jews, prominent and lesser known. They were now homeless. Paul went to help them.

• GOD wants me to help the homeless.
• GOD wants me to help repair the devastation.
• GOD wants me to help those who have been exiled, left out and forgotten.

Any help is welcome when people lose everything. I mean even a cup of water feels great when no water is available. GOD sees my efforts when I assist people in need. While it can sometimes be overwhelming, GOD wants me to serve one person at a time with what I can contribute. Even if it is a smile, GOD can bless the recipient. I am glad to serve.

• Are you willing to serve those who lost everything?
• Are you shielded from seeing the homeless by giving to a gathering who gives to an organization who may give to the homeless?
• Will you directly help those who are in need today?

Responsible

Luke 23: Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. ² And they began to accuse him, saying, ‘We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.’

³ So Pilate asked Jesus, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’

‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.

⁴ Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, ‘I find no basis for a charge against this man.’

⁵ But they insisted, ‘He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.’

⁶ On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. ⁷ When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

============

Slight chuckles was what I heard as the group brought this person over to me and quickly left. This person could not stop talking and I felt stuck, wanting to get away. Not listening to a word, I thought of ways to escape. I searched the room and found my target. “Excuse me. Let me introduce you to someone I think you should meet” I said with excitement.

• There were people I passed onto others because they made me feel uncomfortable.
• There were people I did not help because I did not want to get involved.
• There were people I overlooked because there situation seemed too overwhelming for me.

The church leaders tried to lie to get someone else to prosecute JESUS. Pilate could not find anything wrong that JESUS did because he did not recognize or acknowledge the laws of GOD. “Are YOU king of the Jews?” was Pilates inquisition. Pilate did not want trouble so he sent JESUS to be tried in front of Herod.

• GOD wants me to help people when it is inconvenient.
• GOD wants me to speak with those HE delivers to me.
• GOD wants me to step in when others would leave.

Being responsible for others takes time. I usually have tons of things to do, BUT GOD wants me to focus on those HE delivers to me at inconvenient times. HE wants me to add to my responsibilities those in need. GOD takes care of me and HE wants me to care for others.

• Do people inconvenience you?
• Are you too busy for people?
• Will you step in and help the people GOD delivers to you today?

Criteria

Luke 7: ²² Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. ²³ And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

============

“Write down your criteria for the person you are looking for” said Human Resources. I was searching for a candidate to hire and had to write a short list of standards the person needed to have in order to get the job.

• Sometimes I have set standards for how people will act.
• There were times when I set the conditions for how I expected people to behave.
• Sometimes I wonder what is the criteria for being GOD transformed into a human.

JESUS gives a shocking list that no human could do. HE healed the blind, lame, lepers and deaf people of their ailments. HE took it one step further and mention the dead are raised. One other strange item that JESUS added was “the poor have the gospel preached to them” as if not preaching to them was similar to the diseases and death HE just mentioned.

• GOD wants me to preach the gospel to the poor.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS power over the physical body.
• GOD wants me to bold in my belief of HIM and the not be ashamed or offended by believing in HIM.

GOD’s standards are so far above mine. I mean, sometimes I just want GOD to give me a vacation or pay a few bills. HE is concerned about me and the other poor person HE sends me to, or the person who is sent to me. JESUS wants life and only HE can give it.

• Are you looking for something?
• Do you think you have the right criteria for your life?
• Can you allow GOD to guide you to the place HE wants you to be?

Direct Response

Luke 3: ¹⁰ So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?”

¹¹ He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”

============

“Who will help us visit the sick?” was the question. No one raised their hand, especially me. I mean the timing was all wrong. I had car trouble I had to handle and a huge project due and my family had some other needs. Maybe someone else can do it.

• There were times when I wanted organizations to handle support of people.
• There were times when I gave money to organizations so they could support other people.
• There were times when I felt organizations would take care of people when I became too busy.

Some earnest people asked John, “What shall we do then?” in response to his wake up message that attacked their reason for being in the wilderness to get baptized. John wanted them to be genuine in their service and he gave them only a couple of examples that would require a change of heart.

• GOD wants me to sometimes give directly to people instead of always giving to organizations.
• GOD wants me to sometimes serve people directly instead of serving a crowd.
• GOD wants me to sometimes meet an individual’s needs instead of depending on an organization to do it.

Directly responding to a specific person’s needs feels different. The timing is never right nor can I ever do enough. BUT GOD is pleased when I meet the needs of “that” person this day. HE gets excited when I look out for one of HIS children. GOD wants me to have responsibility.

• What specific person are you serving?
• Can you take some of you busy time to serve a person?
• Will you take some of your excess and give it to a specific person GOD leads you to give to?

Immediate Fame

Mark 15: ²¹ Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross.

============

Sitting alphabetically was not in my favor this time. I wound up sitting around a couple of people who actually were doing the stuff to get my teacher’s attention, not in a good way. My teacher must have noticed something going on this particular day as she summoned me to her desk. Not knowing if I were in trouble or not, I walked timidly to her realm. “Go to the office…” I got nervous. “And get the movie projector.” I was relieved!

• Once I was chosen because of what bullies were doing.
• This one time I was chosen because the bullies were rowdy and I just happened to be there.
• One time I was chosen to do work but it did not seem like work because I was chosen.

Compelled is such a nice word that was used to describe the bullying from the soldiers. A Cyrenian named Simon just happened to be at the wrong place at the right time. He was forced to serve the Living GOD by carrying HIS cross. The guards were totally unaware that their actions would make this family famous.

• GOD tells me to “Take up my cross daily.”
• GOD says to me “Bear one another’s cross.”
• GOD implores me to “Love one another, just as I have loved you.”

The cross represents a painful execution method in this passage, however it means something else daily. GOD wants me to not only have sympathy, but empathy as I go through the pain of life “with” people.

Simon’s immediate fame was ordained by GOD. While the long walk was painful, embarrassing and degrading to Simon’s character, he would now be mentioned as being part of the Great News about CHRIST! GOD wants me to have a part in this as well. Through my circumstances HE adds my reward that HE will give me in heaven.

• Are you going through something difficult?
• Does it look like the bullies have forced you to do something degrading?
• Does it seem hopeless at times?
• Can you allow GOD to use this situation for HIS purpose?

I Didn’t See Them

Matthew 25: ⁴¹ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

⁴⁶ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

============

As I stepped into the garage a thought popped into my head, “Check voicemail to see if there are any urgent things to take care of.” When I checked, I had all kinds of messages. I answered them all the way to work and some on the way back home. After dinner, I checked email and voicemail then made a few calls. My neighbor rang the bell. I didn’t know his name.

• Life can be distracting.
• Life can be filled with a lot of “stuff.”
• Life can be so busy that I cannot see even the people around me.

When I look back on the tremendous amount of time I spent becoming “successful” I see that the true goal may have been missed, namely to serve people. I did not reach out to my neighbors to see if they needed anything. What should I do?

• GOD wants me to open my eyes to those HE delivers to me.
• GOD wants me to see my neighbors and pray for them as much as I pray for myself.
• GOD wants me to serve people just because they need to be served.

Rich or poor, GOD wants me to seek those who need to see HIS face. Serving people brings attention to them and possibly they can hear that GOD loves them and cares for them. Eternal life is not just about “me” getting saved, it is about how many people here on earth did I get a chance to plant the seed of life into their heart.

GOD will grow HIS kingdom with each sincere seed planted. HE wants me to see people HE delivers to me every day.

• Are you extremely busy or extremely worried?
• Do you see the people around you?
• Can you stop being so distracted and look at a person around you so you can serve them?

No Announcement Needed

Matthew 6: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

² “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

============

Flipping pages in the program became more and more rapid as I searched for my name. I had given but did not see my name or the amount. “Excuse me!” I stopped someone. “Where is my name?”

• There were times I wanted to be recognized.
• There were times I wanted to be the center of attention.
• There were times I wanted to be noticed because of my giving.

Receiving pats on the back feels really good. I mean having a bunch of people saying “You did well” feels tremendous. BUT GOD wants me to behave a bit different.

• GOD wants me to give to the needy in secret.
• GOD wants me to give with the right motive of giving.
• GOD wants me to give in a way that I will be rewarded by HIM and not by those who will puff me up.

Giving in public sometimes takes the eyes off of the recipient and sadly off of GOD. All of the accolades come towards me, meanwhile no one asks me, “who did you serve and how can I help?” The recipient then thanks “me” and not GOD.

Secret giving enables the recipient to receive something they need, assisting them to focus on GOD as the provider, not me. GOD may have prompted me to take a portion of my wealth and hand it over to those in need and if I am obedient, everyone is rewarded. No accolades needed because GOD is my reward.

• Are you bragging about what you are giving?
• Do you feel you need to tell someone about who or how you are serving in order to get a pat on the back?
• Can you stop seeking accolades and start seeking secret rewards from GOD today?

Well Placed Complaint

Habakkuk 1: ² How long, Lord, must I call for help,
    but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
    but you do not save?

-------

¹³ Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
    you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.
Why then do you tolerate the treacherous?
    Why are you silent while the wicked
    swallow up those more righteous than themselves?

============

“There’s nothing on TV!” I blurted out. I pay for hundreds of channels and you would think they would have just one I could watch! “My phone has no signal!” I exclaimed. I pay for a fast network and you would think I should be able to get coverage here on the moon! “Traffic is moving too slow because of that camper!” I said out loud. I wonder what I can do.

• Sometimes I complain about comfort.
• Sometimes I grumble about luxury items.
• Sometimes I grouse about things that are out of my control.

Complaining takes practice and after a while I had a PhD in complain-ology! It’s too cold, or it’s too rainy were whining statements I protested as I passed a homeless person without seeing them. “Man, my tire is low light is on again!” are words I have said while driving out of communities where people are murdered, overlooked and undignified. Should I complain?

• GOD says to me “Stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.”
• GOD says to me “Pray for those who have needs.”
• GOD says to me “Serve those who are poor and outcast and I will serve you far more than you know.”

Habakkuk complained about the mistreatment of his friends, family and community. He wasn’t asking for more riches rather some relief from the oppressors. He knew GOD was the only answer to truly difficult situations. GOD wants me to focus on some of these problems as well. HE wants me to have compassion when necessary.

Instead of complaining about traffic, HE wants me to pray for those who are involved in the accident. Rather than complaining about luxury TV, HE wants me to have a heart of thanksgiving that I even have TV and maybe open up my home to someone who doesn’t. GOD does not mind a complaint as long as the other side points to growing HIS kingdom.

• What are you complaining about right now?
• Are you complaining about your comfort?
• Can you reduce your complaints a little and point your frustrated words towards injustice?
• Will you genuinely pray for those you have overlooked today?