"... do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others" Phil. 2:4
Listen to: Israel Houghton & New Tribe: "Love Revolution" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PycBIqjZSjw
We live in a time of greater and greater division in our country, among the classes, across the world.
During difficult situations, we are tempted to give in to cynicism or despair. To give up. To turn inward and care only for ourselves and the small group around us. As Christians, we have a powerful mandate in face of social and personal chaos. Jesus calls us to use the situation we are in as an opportunity to grow in faith. To trust more deeply. To practice patience and forbearance To love more sacrificially. To reinvest our energies, even when we ourselves are hurting, in the world.
No matter who the president is, God is our eternal Sovereign. We carry God's standard: so we must be the salt and leaven of our communities. We bring God's order: so we must listen to those who don't have a voice. We must see those made invisible by injustice and sin. We must touch those who are angry, fearful and forsaken.
Today is a new day and there is much ministry to do. There are devastated communities we can help repair. There are hearts that need mending. There are needs out there that fit the longing of our own hearts. If our communities are to be restored, we must model giving and service. We discover, in the process, our own spirits are touched and healed.
This is a great, spiritual truth: as we focus on and meet the needs of our neighbor, we in turn find peace and a balm for our souls. Giving is key to our spiritual maturity. For as St. Francis said, "in giving we receive." Let us carry Jesus' words as go forth this day:
"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you" Luke 6:38
PRAY: "God, out there is a need with my name on it. Lead me to it. We remember that you are for us -- and yes, Lord, we are for your people. So today we give: with all our hearts, we give, in your name."
Listen to: Israel Houghton & New Tribe: "Love Revolution" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PycBIqjZSjw
We live in a time of greater and greater division in our country, among the classes, across the world.
During difficult situations, we are tempted to give in to cynicism or despair. To give up. To turn inward and care only for ourselves and the small group around us. As Christians, we have a powerful mandate in face of social and personal chaos. Jesus calls us to use the situation we are in as an opportunity to grow in faith. To trust more deeply. To practice patience and forbearance To love more sacrificially. To reinvest our energies, even when we ourselves are hurting, in the world.
No matter who the president is, God is our eternal Sovereign. We carry God's standard: so we must be the salt and leaven of our communities. We bring God's order: so we must listen to those who don't have a voice. We must see those made invisible by injustice and sin. We must touch those who are angry, fearful and forsaken.
Today is a new day and there is much ministry to do. There are devastated communities we can help repair. There are hearts that need mending. There are needs out there that fit the longing of our own hearts. If our communities are to be restored, we must model giving and service. We discover, in the process, our own spirits are touched and healed.
This is a great, spiritual truth: as we focus on and meet the needs of our neighbor, we in turn find peace and a balm for our souls. Giving is key to our spiritual maturity. For as St. Francis said, "in giving we receive." Let us carry Jesus' words as go forth this day:
"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you" Luke 6:38
PRAY: "God, out there is a need with my name on it. Lead me to it. We remember that you are for us -- and yes, Lord, we are for your people. So today we give: with all our hearts, we give, in your name."
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