***THESE ARE TAKEN FROM "THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY" DEVOTIONAL AND ARE THE DEVOTIONALS SET OUT FOR THIS PAST SUNDAY, YESTERDAY AND TODAY....WOWEEE WOW!!! THANK YOU LORD FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT!!!***
THE BLESSINGS OF THE COMPASSIONATE HEART (DAY 1)
“Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!” Ps 41:1 NLT
Even in a bad economy most of us are still better off than others, and better off than we have ever been. We may lack the latest, the biggest, the finest and the fastest, but we seldom lack the necessary, right? Now God doesn’t “guilt-trip” us, but He does want us to “Consider [remember, be mindful of] the poor.” The Bible says, “He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered” (Pr 21:13 NAS). Could this be a key to your prayers getting answered? To be comfortably provided for is a blessing, but you must not forget those in need.
What is God’s attitude toward the poor? And what does He expect of us? “If there is a poor man among your brothers…do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward [him]…and give him nothing…you will be found guilty of sin” (Dt 15:7-9 NIV). Helping others is an obligation, not an option. In Scripture the tithe took care of God’s work and God’s servants, but it was also to be shared with “the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat…and be satisfied” (Dt 26:12 NIV). God said: “If one of your countrymen becomes poor…unable to support himself…help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you” (Lev 25:35 NIV). The truth is, we’ve been called to feed, shelter and clothe the needy (See Isa 58:5-12). God is compassionate and generous to the poor, and He promises us His blessing for following His example.
THE BLESSINGS OF THE COMPASSIONATE HEART (DAY 2)
“He who gives to the poor will lack nothing.” Pr 28:27 NIV
When it comes to charitable giving some folks say, “That’s Old Testament doctrine. What’s the New Testament teaching?” Glad you asked! Jesus launched His ministry saying: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor” (Lk 4:18 NIV). And it didn’t stop with Jesus. The New Testament church carried out Christ’s mission of mercy on a daily basis. “All the believers…shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.” As a result, they experienced “great joy” (Ac 2:44-46 NLT). You say, “Won’t that leave me financially strapped?” No. Because of their compassion and generosity: “There was not a needy person among them” (Ac 4:34 NAS). The giver and receiver were both blessed. The rules of God’s Kingdom are: “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Pr 11:24-25 NLT). It seems counterintuitive, especially when you are struggling financially, but God promises that the generous will prosper. Your giving initiates God’s giving back to you. So look for someone in need, give, and watch it come back to you. The Bible says, “The Lord blesses everyone who freely gives food to the poor” (Pr: 22:9 CEV). “He who gives to the poor will lack nothing.” Try it. Next time God nudges you to show compassion and give, do it. Then when you have a need, pray, “Lord, I have honored You, now I believe You will honor me.”
THE BLESSINGS OF THE COMPASSIONATE HEART (DAY 3)
“They gave themselves…to the Lord and then to us.” 2Co 8:5 NIV
Have you ever encountered a homeless person, given them some money, watched them shuffle away and wondered, “Have I just paid for their next drink or drug, or rewarded laziness?” In some cases you may be right, in other cases wrong. So what should you do? In Second Corinthians chapter eight God gives us a plan we can understand and follow. The Macedonian church did it this way: (1) Both the well-off and the needy participated. They all gave, even those in “extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity…[and] gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability” (vv. 2-3 NIV). (2) They gave gladly, not under pressure. “Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing” (vv.3-4). (3) Their giving flowed from their devotion to Christ. “They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us” (v.5). They didn’t give to impress others, or for a tax deduction, or to get the preacher off their backs, or because they “felt bad” for the needy. No, it was a natural response to being in love with Jesus. (4) The church leaders received, oversaw and distributed their collective giving. They didn’t give naively, trusting the integrity of the unknown and unproven. Their leaders handled and distributed their gifts openly, consistently, and with accountability. They knew the finances were handled honestly “in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men” (v. 21). Bottom line: you can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving to those God loves
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Recent Clothing Deliveries
I just want to start out with a big Thank You to all who have been donating clothes to our ministry. We get quite a few phone calls/emails for people just needing clothes....kids clothes, adult clothes, baby clothes.
And lately we've been able to provide the needs with YOUR donations :)
I have posted pictures below of one of the recent drop offs we've done. This one was from Saturday - for a family in Roxboro who is having a baby girl soon and didn't have the money for baby girl things. We actually ended up giving her a little more than this, including a portable high chair type of thing, a bottle sanitizer, a co-sleeper, and some other items. But I just didn't get pictures of those :) We threw in some bread, big bags of popcorn and a gallon of milk just for good measure :)
Then last night we made a delivery to a family in Henderson who also needed clothes. We were able to meet the mom and provide some items for her and 6 children....most of them being teenagers. (Oh man I'm glad I'm not the parent in THAT house!!! LOL) In addition to clothes that had been donated for them, I went and purchased each person a brand new pack of socks and underwear. Those items are essentials and expensive - so I can understand why it would be hard for someone to afford all of them for that many people. (Of course the entire bag of new socks and underwear were left in my living room, so I'll be making another trip back to her house on Thursday night to deliver those.)
Today I was also able to deliver about 10 racks of bread to Mr. Harley at Hoover Road Apartments in Durham. He is always so very thankful to get the bread to hand out to the residents.
Later this afternoon and later in the week we are going to look at stackable washer/dryer sets for the family in need that I had posted about a few times on facebook. If you don't mind, just lift up a prayer of thanksgiving to our Lord for this provision....and also just that the unit we select will be in good working order and the transaction will go smoothly, fairly and safely :) As I stated before, I cannot imagine having children and not having a washing machine in my home. Oh how richly blessed we are and don't even know take the time to notice!
Last night while we were passing through Oxford we went hunting a "lead" someone gave us. Someone notified us that there might be homeless folks living in tents behind the Popeyes in Oxford. We didn't find any - and I sent Dean out into the woods with a flashlight - but he's going to try again when it's not so dark out. We'll keep you guys updated on that!
And there are two great ministry opportunities in Durham this weekend that I'm aware of. Bull City Outreach Ministries is having an outreach from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday at Long Meadow Park on the corner of Hyde Park and Liberty. And Frontlinez Outreach Ministries is having one at Hoover Road Apartments also on Saturday.
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
And lately we've been able to provide the needs with YOUR donations :)
I have posted pictures below of one of the recent drop offs we've done. This one was from Saturday - for a family in Roxboro who is having a baby girl soon and didn't have the money for baby girl things. We actually ended up giving her a little more than this, including a portable high chair type of thing, a bottle sanitizer, a co-sleeper, and some other items. But I just didn't get pictures of those :) We threw in some bread, big bags of popcorn and a gallon of milk just for good measure :)
Then last night we made a delivery to a family in Henderson who also needed clothes. We were able to meet the mom and provide some items for her and 6 children....most of them being teenagers. (Oh man I'm glad I'm not the parent in THAT house!!! LOL) In addition to clothes that had been donated for them, I went and purchased each person a brand new pack of socks and underwear. Those items are essentials and expensive - so I can understand why it would be hard for someone to afford all of them for that many people. (Of course the entire bag of new socks and underwear were left in my living room, so I'll be making another trip back to her house on Thursday night to deliver those.)
Today I was also able to deliver about 10 racks of bread to Mr. Harley at Hoover Road Apartments in Durham. He is always so very thankful to get the bread to hand out to the residents.
Later this afternoon and later in the week we are going to look at stackable washer/dryer sets for the family in need that I had posted about a few times on facebook. If you don't mind, just lift up a prayer of thanksgiving to our Lord for this provision....and also just that the unit we select will be in good working order and the transaction will go smoothly, fairly and safely :) As I stated before, I cannot imagine having children and not having a washing machine in my home. Oh how richly blessed we are and don't even know take the time to notice!
Last night while we were passing through Oxford we went hunting a "lead" someone gave us. Someone notified us that there might be homeless folks living in tents behind the Popeyes in Oxford. We didn't find any - and I sent Dean out into the woods with a flashlight - but he's going to try again when it's not so dark out. We'll keep you guys updated on that!
And there are two great ministry opportunities in Durham this weekend that I'm aware of. Bull City Outreach Ministries is having an outreach from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday at Long Meadow Park on the corner of Hyde Park and Liberty. And Frontlinez Outreach Ministries is having one at Hoover Road Apartments also on Saturday.
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
Friday, December 9, 2011
'Nuff Said
If I just wrote:
God is Good!
That would be 'nuff said.
But I know someone will want a little more detail than that...lol. God is just amazing. He will meet needs - He will provide a way. When we're faithful in doing His work, He makes a way. When we see a big need, and don't know how we'll fill it, if it's for His benefit, He'll find a way.
I am just thankful for the people that God has been placing in our paths lately!!!!!
The people that have the needs....and the people that meet the needs. I've met some awesome new folks this week and received help from some awesome friends....friends of mine AND friends of God :)
(Reminds me of that song "I am a friend of God....I am a friend of God.....I am a friend of God, He calls me friend.")
God is moving folks....His Spirit is moving through folks HERE AND NOW. Don't sit back and miss out on what He's doing!!! There's nothing greater than His work.
Looking forward to a weekend of His work :)
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
God is Good!
That would be 'nuff said.
But I know someone will want a little more detail than that...lol. God is just amazing. He will meet needs - He will provide a way. When we're faithful in doing His work, He makes a way. When we see a big need, and don't know how we'll fill it, if it's for His benefit, He'll find a way.
I am just thankful for the people that God has been placing in our paths lately!!!!!
The people that have the needs....and the people that meet the needs. I've met some awesome new folks this week and received help from some awesome friends....friends of mine AND friends of God :)
(Reminds me of that song "I am a friend of God....I am a friend of God.....I am a friend of God, He calls me friend.")
God is moving folks....His Spirit is moving through folks HERE AND NOW. Don't sit back and miss out on what He's doing!!! There's nothing greater than His work.
Looking forward to a weekend of His work :)
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Just Can't Be Silent...
...when He sends me a Word....I don't take it lightly.
And when He tells me to share it....I do....even if someone else won't like it :)
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
And when He tells me to share it....I do....even if someone else won't like it :)
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
1 John 1:6 - If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in darkness, we LIE and do not practice the Truth!
1 John 2:4 - The man who says, "I know Him," but does not do what He commands is a LIAR, and the Truth is not in him.
1 John 2:6 - Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.
...
1 John 2:15-16 - Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world.
1 John 3:4-10 - Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.
**He's telling me something today...I need to examine myself! But this Word is not only for me...it's for YOU too. It's written in black and white...it's HIS Word...I didn't make ANY of that up. I didn't twist the words to make them say what I wanted them to say. Read it for what it really is and let us humbly go before His throne! His throne provides EVERYTHING we need....the love, the grace, the forgiveness, even the Power of the Spirit to help us walk in His ways....we just need to believe it and trust in it daily!**
1 John 2:4 - The man who says, "I know Him," but does not do what He commands is a LIAR, and the Truth is not in him.
1 John 2:6 - Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.
...
1 John 2:15-16 - Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world.
1 John 3:4-10 - Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.
**He's telling me something today...I need to examine myself! But this Word is not only for me...it's for YOU too. It's written in black and white...it's HIS Word...I didn't make ANY of that up. I didn't twist the words to make them say what I wanted them to say. Read it for what it really is and let us humbly go before His throne! His throne provides EVERYTHING we need....the love, the grace, the forgiveness, even the Power of the Spirit to help us walk in His ways....we just need to believe it and trust in it daily!**
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Be Ready Boxes
Howdy guys :) We ran into a local homeless man the other night walking around through Creedmoor/Butner area. We stopped and talked to him and offered him some help with food and supplies from Food Lion - but he really just wanted some money. We explained to him that we do not hand out money, but would gladly buy him whatever he needed. After he realized that we weren't going to give away cash, he backed down. He asked for work, but we don't have any of that to offer either.
We regularly see this man walking around town. This was the first time we had approached him, so we realize that there is no relationship yet formed....but we will not stop trying :) We want to help him out with his immediate needs and hopefully get to the heart and be able to share the gospel with him and show him how Jesus offers life to the fullest.
This prompted me to head to the store last night and gather supplies that I thought he might need. I made a little box and I'm going to have Dean carry it around in the car. When he sees the man walking around town again, he can offer it to him.
Please join us in praying over this box....that it will get our foot in the door....the door to his heart of course :)
Here are some pictures of the box....I tried to include items that I thought could be needed by him:
Soap (he said he needed soap)
Lotion
Cough Drop
Tissues
Hand Sanitizer
Travel Wipes
Socks
Hat
Gloves
Deodorant
Body Wash
Bible
A Gospel Tract
Neosporin
Chap-Stick
Hershey Bar :)
We also gave him our business card with our phone numbers, and a Christmas card with a hand-written note for personalization. We don't know this man yet - but God does - and wants him :)
We have been told about a group of homeless that live in Oxford in tents - and hopefully we will be able to get by there and scope that area out this week or weekend. If you would like to help out with making a box for one or two people, you can purchase gift cards for the Dollar Tree. Most of the items can be purchased there. The cost of one of these boxes is about $20.
Thanks to Deborah Reliford for assisting with this one!
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
We regularly see this man walking around town. This was the first time we had approached him, so we realize that there is no relationship yet formed....but we will not stop trying :) We want to help him out with his immediate needs and hopefully get to the heart and be able to share the gospel with him and show him how Jesus offers life to the fullest.
This prompted me to head to the store last night and gather supplies that I thought he might need. I made a little box and I'm going to have Dean carry it around in the car. When he sees the man walking around town again, he can offer it to him.
Please join us in praying over this box....that it will get our foot in the door....the door to his heart of course :)
Here are some pictures of the box....I tried to include items that I thought could be needed by him:
Soap (he said he needed soap)
Lotion
Cough Drop
Tissues
Hand Sanitizer
Travel Wipes
Socks
Hat
Gloves
Deodorant
Body Wash
Bible
A Gospel Tract
Neosporin
Chap-Stick
Hershey Bar :)
We also gave him our business card with our phone numbers, and a Christmas card with a hand-written note for personalization. We don't know this man yet - but God does - and wants him :)
We have been told about a group of homeless that live in Oxford in tents - and hopefully we will be able to get by there and scope that area out this week or weekend. If you would like to help out with making a box for one or two people, you can purchase gift cards for the Dollar Tree. Most of the items can be purchased there. The cost of one of these boxes is about $20.
Thanks to Deborah Reliford for assisting with this one!
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Clothing Outreach
Last weekend we teamed up with Open Arms Fellowship and did a big clothing outreach. We had been gathering clothes donations for a few weeks now - and I've had many friends donate clothes for this. I've also met quite a few new friends on Facebook through these donations.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who donated clothes and/or toys for this outreach! It was a big success and we were so blessed to be able to meet immediate needs in the community!
I am so grateful that we were able to give out these items at no charge...and many people that were looking at the items were asking us how much. They were expecting a yard sale for profit - and we were giving the items away all out of love for Jesus and His love for them!
Dean and his mom Marcia were able to pray with a man about a stroke he had. We have ministered to his wife and son previously - so we were glad to finally have met him.
Enjoy checking out the pictures below :)
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who donated clothes and/or toys for this outreach! It was a big success and we were so blessed to be able to meet immediate needs in the community!
I am so grateful that we were able to give out these items at no charge...and many people that were looking at the items were asking us how much. They were expecting a yard sale for profit - and we were giving the items away all out of love for Jesus and His love for them!
Dean and his mom Marcia were able to pray with a man about a stroke he had. We have ministered to his wife and son previously - so we were glad to finally have met him.
Enjoy checking out the pictures below :)
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
I Just Don't Know....
I tend to think I'm a smart person....but this I just will never understand.
Why does God continue to use me? Why does God use us - our ministry - our family?
I am so unworthy of His blessings. I want to think it's because we have a heart for Him and what He wants....but then I feel like that gives us too much entitlement almost.
He is the only One worthy of any glory, honor and praise!
And I am publicly saying Thank You to Him today for the things He provides.
I have made a promise to Him...that even in my failures and shortcomings...even though I'm imperfect...I will use every opportunity given to me to Praise His Name and Share His Love...no matter what it costs me!
It won't be easy...this I'm beginning to realize. I might lose friends and family...people might not agree with me and they might make me feel stupid or crazy...but isn't Jesus Christ worth it?
Matthew 10:38
Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Mark 8:34
[ The Way of the Cross ] Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Luke 9:23
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
Why does God continue to use me? Why does God use us - our ministry - our family?
I am so unworthy of His blessings. I want to think it's because we have a heart for Him and what He wants....but then I feel like that gives us too much entitlement almost.
He is the only One worthy of any glory, honor and praise!
And I am publicly saying Thank You to Him today for the things He provides.
I have made a promise to Him...that even in my failures and shortcomings...even though I'm imperfect...I will use every opportunity given to me to Praise His Name and Share His Love...no matter what it costs me!
It won't be easy...this I'm beginning to realize. I might lose friends and family...people might not agree with me and they might make me feel stupid or crazy...but isn't Jesus Christ worth it?
Matthew 10:38
Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Mark 8:34
[ The Way of the Cross ] Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Luke 9:23
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Loving Radically Through Christ,
Melissa
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)