Ran accross these two people today in Acts 9 and 10:
"In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas[b]), who was always doing good and helping the poor. (9:36)"
"...there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. (10:1-2)"
Tabitha is raised from the dead and Cornelius gets to know Jesus. Interesting that in writing the Book of Acts, Luke highlights the good lives of these two people. Shouldn't this be said of all of us Christ-followers? We should be known as people who are always up to "good," helping those in need...as well as being devout followers/worshippers of Jesus?!
Often when I think on "what should I do," "what should I study," "where should I spend myself," etc. etc....I miss the main thing. Doing good to anyone around me, near me, or withing my reach globally should be a major focus and characteristic of my life - period. My profession, employment, degrees, etc....really have about zero importance in light of BEING the person God would have me to be. I guess the bottom line is, when in doubt, just do good.....and keep doing it - you can't go wrong or get off base doing that!
Just as John Wesley encouraged us years ago:
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
God, give us grace to do more good, and more good, and more good.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Why are we so...hmmm...slow to act?
I often wonder why I am so slow to really GIVE and help those who are most in need in our world - the AIDS victims, refugees in war-torn countries, those starving, and the list goes on. How can I in one moment be moved to (some) action and in the next just let life slip by and live "as normal" in America? Great meals, all of our to-dos, and our endless entertainment really can't be what we were made for.
David McKenzie says it very well at www.hope-international.com
Inviting the Poor Into Our Lives
Imagine for a moment that your life is at risk. You are desperately poor and live in a place the world has forgotten. You lack the wherewithal to change your circumstances or save yourself. Death is either imminent or coming far sooner than you would have ever expected.
Yet there is a measure of hope. You have heard there are people out there with the wherewithal to save your life. In fact, any one of these people could save your life without putting themselves or those they love at a comparable risk either physically or financially. To save your life, nothing of even near equal or comparable significance would need to leave their possession.
But then it happens. You are told that no help is coming. And, in the few moments it takes to comprehend what you have just been told, you know one thing is for certain - the end of your life has begun in earnest. It appears that no one out there was willing to put aside the relatively insignificant things that have come to characterize life in the first world for something of far greater significance - your life. And so it ends.
This year alone, millions of men, women and children will die. Some will die of starvation. Some will die from diseases that are totally preventable and curable. In the end it is not starvation or disease that takes their lives, it is neglect. Not theirs but ours.
Friend, the question before us today need be no more complex than simply asking ourselves this. If we know about and can prevent terrible happenings such as starvation, disease and death, without causing anything equally terrible to happen to us or those we love, why wouldn't we? Why would we not say, "Yes I will help" when we know in our hearts that there really is no comparable sacrifice required to save lives. Why wouldn't we follow the words of Christ, the great friend of the poor, and invite the poor into our lives through sharing of our blessings?
Perhaps exploring and examining our reasons not to give is how we find out why we should give, as much and as often as we can.
- David McKenzie
Hit it on the head, huh?! Now, what will it take for me to really get it...to really take the plunge and spend myself for those who I KNOW I could help...or will I let this opportunity die with me some day.
Consider sponsoring a child today, in Jesus name! Kristi and I have done so for years. Follow this link to learn more:http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=57813
David McKenzie says it very well at www.hope-international.com
Inviting the Poor Into Our Lives
Imagine for a moment that your life is at risk. You are desperately poor and live in a place the world has forgotten. You lack the wherewithal to change your circumstances or save yourself. Death is either imminent or coming far sooner than you would have ever expected.
Yet there is a measure of hope. You have heard there are people out there with the wherewithal to save your life. In fact, any one of these people could save your life without putting themselves or those they love at a comparable risk either physically or financially. To save your life, nothing of even near equal or comparable significance would need to leave their possession.
But then it happens. You are told that no help is coming. And, in the few moments it takes to comprehend what you have just been told, you know one thing is for certain - the end of your life has begun in earnest. It appears that no one out there was willing to put aside the relatively insignificant things that have come to characterize life in the first world for something of far greater significance - your life. And so it ends.
This year alone, millions of men, women and children will die. Some will die of starvation. Some will die from diseases that are totally preventable and curable. In the end it is not starvation or disease that takes their lives, it is neglect. Not theirs but ours.
Friend, the question before us today need be no more complex than simply asking ourselves this. If we know about and can prevent terrible happenings such as starvation, disease and death, without causing anything equally terrible to happen to us or those we love, why wouldn't we? Why would we not say, "Yes I will help" when we know in our hearts that there really is no comparable sacrifice required to save lives. Why wouldn't we follow the words of Christ, the great friend of the poor, and invite the poor into our lives through sharing of our blessings?
Perhaps exploring and examining our reasons not to give is how we find out why we should give, as much and as often as we can.
- David McKenzie
Hit it on the head, huh?! Now, what will it take for me to really get it...to really take the plunge and spend myself for those who I KNOW I could help...or will I let this opportunity die with me some day.
Consider sponsoring a child today, in Jesus name! Kristi and I have done so for years. Follow this link to learn more:http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=57813
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