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As we go through life, we should never have the attitude that we are
better than anyone else. We are to be grateful for the life that God has
given us and be quick to bless those who are less fortunate than we are.
We should never point fingers or question why others are facing hardships
in their life, but rather we are to be a beacon of light and hope letting
those who are down know that it's not too late for them to stand up again
and walk towards victory. We are to encourage those who are downtrodden
and lift up those who are weak. The Bible declares in 1 Thessalonians
5:14 “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the
feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” (James 1:22-27)
The Lord who has graciously saved us from an eternity in hell and who
forgave us of our great sins commands that we extend the same mercy
towards our fellow man who is downtrodden, discouraged and in need. Be
encouraged to take the initiative to be helping when you see someone in
need. Do not look past them and hope that someone else will help them,
but rather you be their angel and let them see God’s love by your positive
actions in their life. (Luke 6:35-36) (Matthew 5:13-16) (James 2:8-10)
I hope this message ministers to your heart to never look past those who
are in need. We are to be light to a dark world and hope to those who
have none left.
SUNDAY STRANGER
The parking lot filled rapidly on Sunday morning as members of the large
church congregation filed into church. As usually happens in a church that
size, each member had developed a certain comfort zone -- a block of space
within those four church walls that became theirs after the second or
third sitting. It was as much a part of their church experience as the
recliner was to the television at home.
One morning a stranger stood at the edge of the parking lot near a
dumpster. As families parked cars and piled out, they noticed him
rummaging through the trash.
“Oh no! I don’t believe it,” whispered a lady to her husband. “That’s all
we need -- a bunch of homeless people milling around here.” One worried
little girl tugged on her dad’s sleeve. “But Daddy...” Daddy was busy
sizing up the bearded stranger, whose baggy, outdated trousers and faded
flannel shirt had dusted too many park benches.
“Don’t stare at him, honey,” he whispered, and hurried her inside. Soft
music filled the high-ceilinged sanctuary as churchgoers settled into
their usual spots. The choir sang an opening chorus, “In His presence
there is comfort...in His presence there is peace...”
Sunlight suddenly flooded the center aisle. The double doors swung open
and the homeless man, sloppy and stooped, headed toward the front.
“Oh no, it’s him!” somebody muttered. "What does he think he’s doing,
anyway?" snapped an incredulous usher.
The stranger set his bagful of dumpster treasures on the very first pew,
which had been upholstered in an expensive soft teal fabric just three
months ago.
The music stopped. And before anyone had a chance to react, he ambled up
the stairs and stood behind the fine, hand-crafted oak podium, where he
faced a wide-eyed congregation.
The disheveled stranger spoke haltingly at first, in a low, clear voice.
Unbuttoning and removing his top layer of clothing, he described Jesus,
and the love He has for all people.
"Jesus possesses a sensitivity and love that far surpasses what any of us
deserves." Stepping out of the baggy old trousers, the stranger went on to
describe a forgiveness that is available to each and every one of us...
without strings attached.
Unconditionally He loves us. Unconditionally He gave his very life for us.
Unconditionally and forever, we can have the peace and assurance that no
matter who we are, where we’ve come from, or how badly we may have
mistreated others or ourselves, there is hope. In Jesus, there is always hope.
“You see, my friends, it is never too late to change,” the man continued.
“He is the Author of change, and the Provider of forgiveness. He came to
bring new meaning to ‘life’.”
Men and women squirmed as reality hit them like an electrical current. The
stranger tugged at his knotted gray beard, and removed it. “I’m here to
tell you that we are loved with a Love far beyond human understanding, a
Love that enables us to accept and love others in return.”
Then tenderly he added, “Let’s pray together.” That wise pastor -- under
the guise of a homeless “nobody” -- did not preach a sermon that day, but
every person left with plenty to think about.
By Bonnie Bruno
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Proverbs 14:21 “He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath
mercy on the poor, happy is he.”
Galatians 6:1-4 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are
spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering
thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so
fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something,
when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own
work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”
Proverbs 6:16-19 “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an
abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed
innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be
swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he
that soweth discord among brethren.”
Psalm 138:6-8 “Though the LORD be high, yet hath He respect unto the
lowly: but the proud He knoweth afar off. Though I walk in the midst of
trouble, Thou wilt revive me: Thou shalt stretch forth Thine Hand against
the wrath of mine enemies, and Thy right Hand shall save me. The LORD
will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for
ever: forsake not the works of Thine own Hands.”
All scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: ALWAYS THERE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem149.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: HE WILL WORK IT OUT
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony68.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
