February 2017 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for February 28, 2017 – When Others Look at You…Who Do They See?

February 28 ~ Matthew 18:6-7
It will be terrible for people who cause even one of my little followers to sin. Those people would be better off thrown into the deepest part of the ocean with a heavy stone tied around their necks! The world is in for trouble because of the way it causes people to sin. There will always be something to cause people to sin, but anyone who does this will be in for trouble.

If I told you even a fraction of what the children tell me when I volunteer at school, you would be astounded. I know I sound like an “old-timer,” but the things our children see and hear these days absolutely blow me away. I wonder, “What on earth are their parents – and grownups in general – thinking?!” It’s no wonder that children behave the way they do. Either they are worried sick about what is happening at home…they are learning terrible habits and behaviors…or there is a sad combination of both! Children today know far too much about jail time, parole and probation, foul language and gestures, discrimination and hatred, and so much more.

As I read this scripture passage, I thought about the collective group of children in my circle of influence at school and church…and the “children” in our own family, who presently range in age from almost one year to 19. And I considered about our words and actions – and reactions. Are we careful and intentional? Do we show them the love of Christ…AND His teachings? Do the “children” we encounter pick up words and behaviors that would cause them to sin? Do they hear us speak with discrimination and/or disdain about people who are different from us in some way? Are we fully nurturing their faith in Jesus and an understanding of what it means to belong to Him?

Just as importantly, are we demonstrating this same discipleship to ALL of God’s children? Or are we letting down our guard in certain situations and circumstances…and offering others a glimpse of someone who talks and acts sinfully – especially when they think nobody is watching…at least nobody they know personally?

I’ve said this a zillion times, but people.are.watching! What we say and do matters. When we close the door at home, our family members are often still there to see and hear us – often at our very worst! Every single person is important to God…and how we witness to each of them matters. What – and WHO – are you showing the “children” of the world?

Daily Devotional for February 27, 2017 – Childlike Faith…What Square Are You On?

Matthew 18:1-5
At about the same time, the disciples came to Jesus asking, “Who gets the highest rank in God’s kingdom?”For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Greg and I have been married almost 43 years. I honestly cannot imagine how either of us would function without the other. Some of you can tell us from first-hand experience that there is a steep learning curve to widowhood. I know that we have both changed a lot in four decades, and learning to live by ourselves would in many ways be like starting at square one, as this scripture describes.

I hope that those who are already going through this type of loss are met with care and concern…nurture and understanding. I hope that those who are starting over are “cut a little slack” as they discover what God has in store for them in a new life chapter. And I pray that we all realize that there will be many “chapters and seasons” to our lives…and we must all encourage one another through the triumphs and tribulations of each. Nowhere is this more relevant than when it comes to someone who is new – or renewed – in his/her faith in Jesus.

We cannot expect all fellow believers to know what we know…to be where we might be on their spiritual journey. Some will be well-versed in scripture, while others won’t know one book of the Bible from another – much less how to find a particular verse. Some will have old habits and misconceptions that must be addressed…while others won’t even know where to begin in the development of Christian discipleship and service.

OUR JOB as Christians is to meet others right where they are…to withhold judgment and apply a hefty dose of understanding and nurture. We must prayerfully look at every person we encounter and ask ourselves, “Where is he/she starting over today…and how can I help in the strength and power of Jesus Christ?” We must also be willing to accept nurture and care from others when we find ourselves in a position of “rebirth” or change.

We are called by God to serve others in His name…and that means meeting them in their present circumstances and offering His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, encouragement, and hope. We can humbly give – and receive – these blessings with childlike faith and wonder. In doing so, we can grow in our wisdom and appreciation for God and His great gift of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Whether you are on square on – or square one hundred – humble yourself before God and ask Him where and how He wants you to serve or be served today. Learn to operate at all times with “childlike faith”…and give God the glory for how He will bless you and those in your circle.

Daily Devotional for February 26, 2017 – Are Your Doubts Getting in Jesus’ Way?

Matthew 16:21-23
From then on, Jesus began telling his disciples what would happen to him. He said, “I must go to Jerusalem. There the nation’s leaders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law of Moses will make me suffer terribly. I will be killed, but three days later I will rise to life.”Peter took Jesus aside and told him to stop talking like that. He said, “God would never let this happen to you, Lord!”

Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Satan, get away from me! You’re in my way because you think like everyone else and not like God.”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Friday morning, while Timmy’s class was at P.E., I went to the “copy room” to copy lessons and activities for a couple of teachers. When I returned, the children were already at their desks, and Timmy’s teacher was reassuring him… “See…I told you she would be back.” I had told Timmy before he left for P.E. that I was going to be there all day long…that if I left the room, I was going to help another teacher – or to have lunch with Zola. But I would return!

Still, the minute he could not see me, Timmy assumed that I had left. It was as if he did not trust me to tell him the truth…that someone had whispered in his ear, “She’s gone – and she is not coming back!”…and he truly believed that I would slip out without saying “Good-bye.”

In Matthew 16:18, we read where Jesus spoke to Peter as the “rock” on which He would build His church…a man of such faith and strength that Jesus trusted Him to serve as the firm leadership foundation for all future discipleship and spreading of the gospel. And less than five verses later, we see where Peter questioned Jesus’ message to His disciples when He told them that He would have to suffer and die on the cross. Peter verbally doubts that God could possibly allow such a thing to happen.

Rather than hear Jesus’ words and trust that God had a perfect plan, Peter let the devil get in his ear and whisper, “This can’t possibly be right! God would never do this!” Instead of really paying close attention and listening to what Jesus was saying…and processing his role and responsibility moving forward…Peter “went there” and suffered a sudden lapse of faith and judgment. And Jesus called him out for it.

In fact, Jesus told Satan to go away, because He knew who was behind these words. Jesus recognized the devil’s attempts to get in our heads any time and place he possibly can…because the devil had tried (unsuccessfully!) to tempt Him several times.

What is the lesson for us in all of this? Pay attention to what God is telling you…and do not question it. When troubles come – and they will – do not throw up your hands and ask, “Where is God in all of this? How could He possibly let this happen?” Above all, do not denounce God and declare that “The God I serve would NEVER do this or allow such things to take place!”

We do not know God’s plans. We do not understand His timing…or the reason that He allows things to happen in a certain way. But we should know that God always has our back! We should understand that God is always working things out according to His purpose. And we should operate in the confidence that God will never leave us or turn His back on us.

We may have to go through some “stuff” in our life. Things may sting a little…or even hurt pretty badly at times. But God always gives us beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3 The Living Bible)…if only we will trust Him. I’m not saying that we must never question God…because I do believe that He wants us to be real with Him and express our feelings – even our doubts. But we have to be very careful and aware of the devil’s attempts to derail us…and that often involves planting seeds of doubt in our mind.

Stay close to God…listen for His voice and trust what He tells you. Learn to rely on God’s word and will over your life…and never give the devil as much as a pinhole of opportunity to disrupt your relationship with Him. Jesus has promised that He will never leave us or renounce us. Our pledge should be to never doubt these promises. Are you with me?

Daily Devotional for February 25, 2017 – Is Your Faith Rock Solid – or a Chink in the Mortar?

Matthew 16:18
So I will call you Peter, which means “a rock.” On this rock I will build my church, and death itself will not have any power over it.

My great-grandfather, Ellis Ramsey, died when I was about 11 years old. I remember sitting on my great-Granny’s lap and hearing her say, “Everything is going to be okay.” I actually recall a lot about that moment in the worn and weathered living room of my great-grandparents’ little farm house at Wilburn, Arkansas. I can picture how Granny held me as she sat on a small white ottoman…the black dress she was wearing and how her long white hair was pulled back from her face…the weariness in her eyes – but the fact that she did not cry. When I told my mother what Granny had said to me, she replied, “Granny is a strong woman…she is like a ‘rock’.”

No doubt, you know a few people who are “strong like a rock”. You may have even said to someone who has encouraged and supported you in a time of need…”You are my ‘rock’.” So when we read in Matthew 16:18 that Jesus has referred to Peter by the Greek meaning of his name, we see that He is most likely saying, “Your demonstration of faith will be like a ‘rock’ of strength and support to others. I will build My church on such faith and fortitude.”

I believe that this is also a call for us, as Jesus’ disciples, to “be the rock” for someone else…to demonstrate unwavering faith…to assure them that, because of Him, “everything is going to be okay.” We can do this by demonstrating grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and kindness.

We can operate with calm and in a peaceful manner…behave rationally…and forego judgments of others. We can stand up for what is right and true…champion those who are oppressed in some manner…and denounce misinformation. And we can do all of this with a spirit of love and decency that is fortified by the power of Jesus Christ.

Think about those who serve as YOUR rock…who demonstrate Jesus’ love and teachings – and demonstrate a firm foundation of faith. Consider those in your circle of influence who need to see the same from you. Can Jesus depend on you to offer others a firm foundation of faith in Him as demonstrated by your words and actions – free of cracks and holes where the devil can gain a foothold? Isn’t it time He could count on you to do your part as His disciple? Don’t you think this is a good day to begin?

Daily Devotional for February 24, 2017 – What’s the Condition of YOUR “Soil”?

Matthew 13:20-21
The shallow, rocky soil represents the heart of a man who hears the message and receives it with real joy, but he doesn’t have much depth in his life, and the seeds don’t root very deeply, and after a while when trouble comes, or persecution begins because of his beliefs, his enthusiasm fades, and he drops out.

I cannot remember a time when I didn’t know about God. My earliest recollections include nightly prayers and little songs like “Jesus Loves Me”. My mother wrote of leaving my sister, brother and me with my Grandmother Polly…and returning to find her rocking us and reading her Bible – or studying her Sunday school lesson. I can picture both of my grandfathers sitting at night and reading their Bibles. I was “drug” to church every week until I married!

When my niece Jasmine was little, we talked a lot about God…and I know she and my mother and grandmother had a lot of talks about Him, too. Ever since Timothy was a little baby, I have talked to him – and then Zola and Nathan, also – about God. We’ve read “God books,” and I have sung songs to them about Jesus, Joseph and Mary. One of their all-time favorites is an old spiritual…”Mary Had a Baby, Yes, LORD!” Each verse ends with, “The people keep a comin’ but the train done gone.” I cannot say for sure, but it seems that this last line is a reference to the Underground Railroad – and the train being a “way out”…as Jesus’ coming denotes our way out of sin!

I share all of this to say that my siblings and I were “firmly planted and deeply rooted” in the teachings of Jesus long before we were old enough to even fully understand His tremendous gift and sacrifice. When we did start to comprehend what Jesus did for us on the cross…we were already in love with Him. Staying committed to Him was made easier because of the “nutrient-rich soil” in which we were situated…and the encouragement and nurture we received from others.

You and I have a responsibility…to share the love and teachings of Jesus Christ in such a way that others become firmly rooted in their faith and grow according to God’s will. Of course, we must first be well established…or we’ll be like the plant that Jesus describes in this passage. If a “heart” for Jesus is not ingrained in us, our efforts to serve Him will wane…and our witness will surely be affected.

How do we establish a strong “root system” for our faith? We must immerse ourselves in “all things Jesus”. We must pray…often and always. We must study scripture and physically make ourselves available to do the work of serving others in Jesus’ name. We must talk about our faith with fellow believers.

I am thankful for my Christian heritage…for Godly parents, grandparents and extended family that nurtured and encouraged me – and shared their wisdom and experience base. As our little ones grow in their faith and familiarity with Jesus, my heart is filled to overflowing with joy that they are “growing roots” that will hopefully sustain them for a lifetime and beyond to even more generations. And we are doing all that we can to provide them with “nutrient-rich soil” in which to establish these “roots”.

Even if you did not grow up in a nurturing, faith-filled environment, you can still have “deep roots.” You can start here…today…to do the things I have outlined that will enable you to develop a strong foundation on which to build and share your faith. You can fortify the “soil” with nutrients of prayer, Bible study, service, and Christian fellowship. And you can help to build a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

This is God’s calling on us as His children and faith-filled believers in Jesus. We are to fill His “garden” with beautiful, strong, healthy plants that bloom for His glory. Are you doing YOUR part in this process? Isn’t it time you did?

Daily Devotional for February 23, 2017 – What’s Your Distraction?

Mark 9:43-48
“If your hand or your foot gets in God’s way, chop it off and throw it away. You’re better off maimed or lame and alive than the proud owner of two hands and two feet, godless in a furnace of eternal fire. And if your eye distracts you from God, pull it out and throw it away. You’re better off one-eyed and alive than exercising your twenty-twenty vision from inside the fire of hell.

Every child dreams of growing up and getting to do “forbidden” things…

“When I’m a grown-up, I can smoke and drink if I want!”
“When I get older, I can watch PG-13 or R-rated movies!”
“When I’m an adult, I can say ‘bad words’!”
“When I grow up, I can do whatever I want!”

When children say such things to me, I always ask them, “But why would you want to do this?” I remind them that just because we are old enough to use bad language, smoke cigarettes – or engage in other activities that are “forbidden” to children – doesn’t mean that we necessarily should do this!

Adults will say, “What I do in the privacy of my own home doesn’t hurt anyone else.” But let me ask you…does your activity distract you from the things of God? Even if no one else “knows” what you are doing…if you feel that you have to hide this conduct, wouldn’t that imply that God might not approve? Are your words and actions consuming your time and energy…and leaving little to no room for God?

Let’s be honest…if we put on a few pounds, and we realize that the package of cookies we keep in our pantry may be contributing to this dilemma, we probably should stop buying cookies! It would follow that if we are saying or doing something that diverts our focus from God – or worse yet, that we think would displease or dishonor Him –we should remove it from our routine!

For you, this may very well be getting rid of junk food that is causing you to be less healthy than God desires. Others may need to stop being so materialistic and cut back on shopping and buying things that really are not necessary. Still others may need to clean up their language…or their “act!” But we all have areas where we can do better…a little something it would be best to “cut off” rather than lose our connection with God.

This is the day to discover what your “distraction” is…and do something about it. Are you with me?

Daily Devotional for February 22, 2017 – What Do You Expect from Prayer?

Mark 11:22-25
Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”

A friend and I have been talking a lot about worry…and how it is a waste of time and energy. We both have aging loved ones…and the natural inclination is to worry about their health and well-being – and what lies ahead for them (and us). I honestly think I would be abnormal if I wasn’t just a little bit concerned about our children and all of our relatives, friends and acquaintances – or the situations that plague our world. Still, I know that as a faith-filled Christian, this is really not how I can best serve any of these people or situations.

In the last week, two dear friends have received a diagnosis of aggressive cancer in advanced stages…and the little 8-year-old boy for whom I asked prayers last week has returned to Arkansas Children’s Hospital with complications and severe pain. Other friends are hospitalized and/or are facing a myriad of challenges and difficulties. I’m sure you could share your own concerns and burdens, given the space and opportunity. As my grandmother Polly would say, ”This is all a part of life.”

God wants us to demonstrate faith, hope, expectation, and joy in ALL circumstances. He wants us to humbly come before Him and confess our sins…to ask forgiveness in all areas where we have been disobedient and un-Christ-like…and to confidently ask Him for “absolutely everything, ranging from small to large.” What happens next is key…God expects us to trust Him to answer in the best interest of His Kingdom and our own welfare…and to move forward with confidence and joy that “all is well.”

I told my friend that if I have been reminded of anything in recent months, it is that life is incredibly precarious and tentative. We don’t have a minute to waste…on sin, worry, or un-forgiveness. The time to demonstrate our Christian faith and truly LIVE for Jesus is NOW! Hit the ground and ask God to help you wipe your slate clean…and to give you His desires for every second and circumstance of your life.

Make the most of what God gives you…because He only gives us His very best! Trust Him to meet your needs according to His will…then live like you mean it!

Daily Devotional for February 21, 2017 – What’s Your “Forgiveness Factor?”

Luke 17:3-4
“Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him. If he responds, forgive him. Even if it’s personal against you and repeated seven times through the day, and seven times he says, ‘I’m sorry, I won’t do it again,’ forgive him.

I have been reminded of something this school year…children are quick to apologize and say, “I won’t do it again.” And generally, we allow for this and give them second, third – and fiftieth chances! HOPEFULLY, we correct gently…with encouragement and kindness. I recently worked with a child whose writing was incredibly sloppy…almost completely illegible. Suggestions to “write neatly” went nowhere. So one day, I knelt by his desk and said, “You are one of the smartest students in this class. And I cannot read anything you write. I KNOW that you can do a better job if you will slow down and concentrate on shaping the letters correctly and spacing between your words.” This precious child smiled at me, nodded in agreement…and began to write again. And I could read every word!

What changed? Mostly my approach! Rather than berate, cajole – or judge – I appealed to him with love and concern. I showed him that I had confidence in his ability to do better…and expressed an expectation of this. I implied forgiveness for what had happened in the past. As time goes by, he may have moments where there are lapses in his “performance”…but I will forgive and encourage once again.

I share this to say that it is not our place to judge others. But when we see a brother or sister speak unkindly to someone else…discriminate…share untruths…or behave inappropriately…we owe it to that person to offer encouragement to do differently. This should be done privately…and with incredible gentleness.

According to scripture, if the person will not listen, you can engage a friend to help you persuade him/her to make necessary adjustments. But judgment and condemnation should never be part of these activities. And anytime you speak to someone about something like this, you should do so prayerfully – and tenderly.

Here’s the thing…you would (hopefully) never allow a believer to verbally abuse one of your family members…drive drunk…or physically mistreat someone. If you saw a friend or loved one engaging in physically harmful activities, you would choose your words and timing carefully – but you would probably say something. I’m thinking of the countless times that I said to my dad, “I wish you would quit smoking.” He did not quit until shortly before his death…but he knew I spoke to him about this out of love and concern. To sit idly by and never express my reservations would have effectively condoned his actions and expressed, at best, indifference about his well-being.

Additionally, to sit by and pretend things aren’t happening belies our Christian faith. For instance, to allow others to post nasty comments on your social media pages indicates that you agree with them and/or support their views. If you cannot bring yourself to confront these people, at least hide their comments. Do not give others the impression that YOU engage in such behaviors!

When friends and loved ones seem to take a wrong turn, gently remind them to get back on track. Forgive them when they are genuinely sorry. Or just forgive them, period! After all, Jesus forgives us and loves us even when we are stinkers! Be a disciple who operates in second, third, and fiftieth chances…and shares the love of Jesus in the process. Show others true Christian discipleship in action…and watch God work in and through your efforts!

Daily Devotional for February 20, 2017 – Be Careful What You Do!

Luke 17:1-2
Jesus said to his disciples:There will always be something that causes people to sin. But anyone who causes them to sin is in for trouble. A person who causes even one of my little followers to sin would be better off thrown into the ocean with a heavy stone tied around their neck. So be careful what you do.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

The other day, Greg asked Nathan, “What do you want to drink with your lunch?” and Nathan replied (with air quotes)…”Who is this ‘Nathan’ that you speak of?” We both almost lost it laughing. Clearly, Nathan has seen this on a movie or television show…but the use of this phrase in context by a four-year-old was hilarious – and also a bit unsettling. Our children are watching and listening!

I have to say, I am starting to notice some behaviors in all children that are troubling…back-talk, rude interruptions, name calling and unkind judgments, to name a few. They are learning these things from movies, the Internet – and yes, television news. When a child sees the leader of the free world speak rudely and with condescension, it is natural for him/her to assume that this is acceptable behavior. When children see people arguing vehemently on television, they assume this is an appropriate way to “solve” problems.

When adults say and do things and excuse them with “This is a ‘grown-up’ behavior”…children learn bad habits – and sins. The justifications that “Grown-ups can say bad words…and when I grow up, I can say them, too”…or “When I get to be a grown-up, I can get drunk”…or “It’s okay for adults to hit people”…simply foster a desire and inclination to sin. When an adult yells at a child and speaks hatefully to him/her, why would we be surprised when the child responds in the same way?

When people see us post venomous comments on social media, while claiming to follow Jesus…they get the impression that this must be alright. After all, Jesus loves us, so why would He condemn others for these behaviors. When we discriminate against someone – for whatever reason – we are indicating to others that this is acceptable. People ARE watching…even when we think they aren’t.

If you think you are safe because you “sin” in your own home, consider that your family members and neighbors may be watching. Are their souls and eternal destiny any less important? If we cause even one person to sin or stumble, we have dishonored our Christian discipleship.

Let’s take a page from a four-year-old’s book. When someone asks, “Who is this ‘So-and-so’ that you speak of?”…be ready to say, “I am a child of the Most High God…designed to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus. I am determined to live in a way that glorifies God and never brings Him shame or disgrace. With His help, I will do everything I can to never cause another person to even think that sin is okay – much less engage in sinful acts.”

Examine your life today and see where you might even inadvertently be giving others the wrong impression – or worse yet, causing them to sin. Remember the words of Jesus to His disciples and “Be careful what you say and do!”

Daily Devotional for February 19, 2017 – Have You Accepted Your Mission?

Luke 16:19-31
“There once was a rich man, expensively dressed in the latest fashions, wasting his days in conspicuous consumption. A poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, had been dumped on his doorstep. All he lived for was to get a meal from scraps off the rich man’s table. His best friends were the dogs who came and licked his sores.“Then he died, this poor man, and was taken up by the angels to the lap of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell and in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham in the distance and Lazarus in his lap. He called out, ‘Father Abraham, mercy! Have mercy! Send Lazarus to dip his finger in water to cool my tongue. I’m in agony in this fire.’

“But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that in your lifetime you got the good things and Lazarus the bad things. It’s not like that here. Here he’s consoled and you’re tormented. Besides, in all these matters there is a huge chasm set between us so that no one can go from us to you even if he wanted to, nor can anyone cross over from you to us.’

“The rich man said, ‘Then let me ask you, Father: Send him to the house of my father where I have five brothers, so he can tell them the score and warn them so they won’t end up here in this place of torment.’

“Abraham answered, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets to tell them the score. Let them listen to them.’

“‘I know, Father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but they’re not listening. If someone came back to them from the dead, they would change their ways.’

“Abraham replied, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, they’re not going to be convinced by someone who rises from the dead.’”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Yesterday, I learned that the son of a childhood friend has died. This man was 38 years old…just a year older my brother was when he passed. As I began to mentally construct a note for his grieving mother, I thought, “I wish MY mother was here to share some words of comfort with her.” Almost instantly it was as if God said, “But YOU are here…and I will give you the words to share.”

The point is that God has equipped me to serve as He directs. This does not diminish the countless “good works” that my mother accomplished in her lifetime. But if she returned to earth to speak to someone or minister to them, her “supernatural” efforts would not be any more effective. We cannot depend on others to conduct our missions.

God has equipped you and me for ministry…according to His purposes. We have a choice. We can store up our treasure on this earth and serve our own selfish interests…or we can look around and see who needs to be “fed.” The rich man ignored poor Lazarus, who was glad to get a crumb tossed out for the dogs. Yet when both men had died, the rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus to rescue him. And when he realized this was not going to happen, he petitioned Abraham on behalf of his family members who were still living.

Abraham’s response to the rich man offers us insight into our mission and ministry…what we value matters. We cannot count on others to serve God for us…we cannot ignore what God has ordained for us and ask Him to send someone else to minister in our stead, while we address our own interests and desires. We cannot operate with the attitude that…“Someone else will do it” – or even the misconception that our efforts will be ineffective. This belies our faith and confidence in God to outfit us to accomplish whatever He consecrates as our missions and ministries.

We’ve heard the Message…we’ve read the scriptures and know what Jesus has commanded of us. Now it’s time to “put our money where our mouth is” and serve in His name. God will equip us to do what is necessary…but we have to be ready and willing to hear from Him. Are you?

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