effective Christian witness – Page 258

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?

Daily Devotional for February 18, 2017 – Lavish Gifts or “Angry Darkness”…Which Will You Choose?

John 3:34-36
“The One that God sent speaks God’s words. And don’t think he rations out the Spirit in bits and pieces. The Father loves the Son extravagantly. He turned everything over to him so he could give it away—a lavish distribution of gifts. That is why whoever accepts and trusts the Son gets in on everything, life complete and forever! And that is also why the person who avoids and distrusts the Son is in the dark and doesn’t see life. All he experiences of God is darkness, and an angry darkness at that.”

This morning, I read in Jesus Calling*…”as soon as you remember that I (Jesus) am with you, your perspective changes radically. Instead of bemoaning your circumstances, you can look to me for help.” In this passage from John 3, I find Jesus’ reminder that “I am with you.” And it strikes me that THIS is what separates those who trust Jesus and “get in on everything” from those who operate in “angry darkness.”

While it is critical that we surrender our heart to Jesus and ask Him to forgive our sins and fill us with His Holy Spirit…living with Christian faith is about so much more. If we accept the lavish gifts of Jesus, yet continue to operate in darkness, we have pretty well negated our level of commitment – and our witness. We have said to God, “I’ll take your gift of Jesus…but I refuse to honor You with my joy and gratitude.”

When troubles come (and they will come to ALL of us), we often blame God. Worse yet, we sometimes throw a little tantrum and complain about how terrible our life is, and how we just can’t believe that these bad things are happening to such a “good” person. Essentially, we question God by demonstrating our anger and frustration. And in many cases, we shut Him out completely. We exclaim…“No God who loves us would allow these things to happen!” So we turn our backs and walk away – and expect God to “straighten up and do better” by us!

In these instances, I somehow picture Jesus standing there…just looking at us with such love – and sadness. It’s as if He is saying, “How could you not see me? How could you think that I would let you go through this alone? How could you not trust me to help you?” Too often, we fail to realize how God “makes everything work together” (Philippians 4:8-9). We practice our Christian faith in bits and pieces, as this scripture passage notes…and we miss the mark completely.

We close the door on God and live in miserable darkness…and often, we make others miserable in the process. We declare that “I alone can fix this,” when in truth…the only One who can do anything to repair the damage is Jesus. We proclaim that God has let us down – or abandoned us in our time of deepest need – when truthfully, WE are the ones who walked away.

All of this can change. We can become joy-filled, Life-receiving children of the Most High God. We can enjoy every gift that Jesus wants to lavish upon us through the Heavenly Father. We can operate every minute of the day in the confidence that life on this earth – and throughout all Eternity – is secured and designed impeccably for our best interests and God’s glory. We can remember the words of Jesus…”I am with you”…and that one day spent “in God’s house” is better than a thousand spent elsewhere (Psalm 84:10).

This is the day to start operating in the fullness of Jesus’ lavish gifts…to demonstrate true Christian faith and discipleship – and the Light and joy that fills us because of Him. Are you ready to ditch the darkness, once and for all? What are you waiting for?

*Jesus Calling – http://www.JesusCalling.com

Daily Devotional for February 17 – What Kind of “Believer” are YOU?

John 3:1-3
After dark one night a Jewish religious leader named Nicodemus, a member of the sect of the Pharisees, came for an interview with Jesus. “Sir,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miracles are proof enough of this.”Jesus replied, “With all the earnestness I possess I tell you this: Unless you are born again, you can never get into the Kingdom of God.”

A few days ago, I mentioned the “Common Core” math that is being taught in our schools, and how students are encouraged to “show their work.” It’s not enough that they arrive at the right answer to an addition problem…they have to show how they got there. Those who designed this program maintain that this will foster critical thinking skills. I’m not going to debate the merits (or lack thereof) here. But as I read this scripture passage, I kept hearing a couple of second grade boys during the math lesson who wanted me to…”just tell me if I got the right answer.”

A lot of people don’t have the right answer, because they think that knowledge of God and His Son, Jesus, is enough. “Living right”…going to church and supporting missions and ministries…and making every effort to “be a good person” is enough to make them a Christian – or so they think.

In truth, these people have fallen short in their efforts to “show” the most important “work” of all! They have failed to humbly come before Jesus, confess their sins, beg forgiveness, and promise to honor Him with their words, actions, and endeavors moving forward. I know you think I am exaggerating when I say that many people leave out this step, but I can tell you, I have heard their claims. I know folks who say, “Yeah, yeah, yeah…I know all that Jesus stuff…I’m a ‘believer.’” But their concept of “believe” and the Bible’s are markedly different.

It is one thing to “believe” as Nicodemus and his fellow scribes and sages did. But it is quite another to “believe” as Jesus requires. The former only calls for an acknowledgement that Jesus exists…and that He is a miraculous teacher sent from God. The latter necessitates surrender on our part…an admission of sin and guilt…and a plea for mercy and absolution. Jesus is clear in this scripture passage that unless we “show the work” of inviting Him to come into our hearts and cleanse us white as snow…we will never see the Kingdom of Heaven.

I honestly cannot think of anything more tragic than to live in such deception and fantasy as to think one had the answer – that he/she was destined for Heaven – when all the while, this person had failed to do the one thing that would ensure the gift of spending Eternity with Jesus. I cannot imagine living on this earth without the full company of Jesus and His Holy Spirit – and all that life as a follower provides me. But I know that there are those who miss the mark on this…and the thought that they truly might not understand what is required is almost unbearable.

So here it is…plain and simple…call out to Jesus! Acknowledge to Him that you are a sinner …that you have spoken and acted in ways that disobey God and dishonor Him. Tell Him that you are sorry…and humbly beg forgiveness. Thank Jesus for washing you clean with His very blood…and praise God for sending His Son to save you. Promise to live in a way that glorifies this amazing Gift…and mean it! Commit your life to serving God as Jesus commanded…and make every effort to honor this pledge.

This is the day to “show your work” so that you can justify The Answer and your relationship with Him. Don’t mess this up…or try to skip a step or cut corners. Follow the steps to be “born again.” There is too much at stake to take this for granted.

Daily Devotional for February 16, 2017 – What’s In YOUR “Backpack?”

John 3:16-18
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

I realize that I have used this same scripture reference numerous times in recent months. But I also believe that this is one of the most valuable passages for us in all of God’s word. And every time I read it and consider my present circumstances, I seem to receive a specific message about God’s incredible gift of Jesus.

Sunday, the 2nd-3rd graders and I talked about forgiveness vs. guilt. We loaded a backpack with big rocks that represented our sins, and the children took turns wearing it. The point was to demonstrate to the children how heavy this burden would be if we had to carry around the guilt of our sins each and every day. As we removed the big rocks, the backpack grew lighter. The children were reminded that Jesus died for our sins…and God scattered them “as far as East is from West”…or as The Message translation puts it in Psalm 103:12…”as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins.”

Here’s the thing…I know this truth…I believe it. I cling to the promise that my sins have been forgiven and “scattered.” But I have a bad habit of returning them to my backpack. Do you do this? I allow the devil to remind me of the things I have done that dishonor and disgrace God. I let him get in my head and tell me how wretched I really am…and how God must be SO disappointed with me. And I carry that heavy pack of guilt…needlessly…and to the detriment of my Christian witness.

Let’s make a pact…let’s agree to unpack the “bag” – once and for all. Let’s fully live in the truth that God sent Jesus to die for our sins…and He scattered them as far as the eastern sunrise is from the western sunset! As scripture tells us, to do otherwise is to live under a “death sentence”…and that’s absolutely not what God intended for any or us.

Let’s honor God’s incomparable gift of Jesus by living in this truth and “traveling light” – in the LIGHT! And let’s start NOW! Are you with me?

Daily Devotional for February 15 – It’s Time to Take a Hike!

John 14:6-7
Jesus said, “I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him. You’ve even seen him!”

Greg and I have been taking some day hikes lately to beautiful wilderness areas in our neck of the woods (no pun intended!). We hiked an old railroad bed that was abandoned over 50 years ago. Greg and his friend, Rick, have hiked two “legs” of the North Sylamore Creek Trail in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. And last week, Greg and I hiked the trails at Big Creek Natural Area…which is located just minutes away from our house, yet is incredibly remote and “otherworldly.”

What does this have to do with Jesus…the Road, Truth and Life? As we hiked these trails and roadbeds, we traveled along well-marked paths…and almost treacherous rocky stretches that hugged steep bluff lines. We traversed hills and valleys…and walked through “land that holds the world together.” We were treated to several breathtaking vistas.

At the end of one trail, we found ourselves atop a tall bluff, overlooking a wide deep-green river that flowed steadily past. This trail culminated at an old family cemetery – the “newest” grave dated sometime in the 1860s. There were rustic wooden benches to sit on as we pondered God’s beauty, and said prayers for those who had lived and died in this wilderness and were laid to rest in this beautiful setting.

At the culmination of one loop of the Big Creek Trail, we were treated to a breathtaking view of the waterway for which this path is named. We stood and carefully peered over the edge of a cliff at the emerald green water beneath us, as the gurgle of a waterfall from a side tributary provided background “music.”

All of this reminded me of Jesus…and how He connects us to God. We navigate the paths of life…sometimes smooth and straight – sometimes rocky and treacherous…and Jesus is there. We trudge up hills and through valleys, and Jesus shows us the way. Sometimes, “life” seems like more “land to hold the world together”…and sometimes, we get a glimpse of God in all of His Glory. We are treated to moments to sit and ponder His amazing power, grace, mercy and love…and it’s all because of Jesus.

I have to tell you, I would not have made a good Old Testament woman! I am so thankful that I have Jesus to stand in the gap for me and provide me with a direct connection to God. I know that whatever terrain I travel, Jesus is with me, leading the way and saying, “C’mon…the Good Stuff is at the top of this next hill!” So I “hike on” – and trust Him to show me the way.

I see Jesus in every nook and cranny…even the “good, bad and ugly.” He is always in my corner…and Satan hates that. He rears his ugly head constantly and tries to steal my joy…but I won’t let him. I call on Jesus…whisper His name…and look up into His “face” as revealed in the beauty and abundance that is all around us. And I am filled with peace and confidence.

You may not hike nature trails, but Jesus is still with you. Whatever your “path”…wherever “life” takes you…Jesus is there, filling the gap and leading you into God’s glory. Are you paying attention and following Him faithfully? Don’t you think it’s time you were?

Daily Devotional for February 14, 2017 – A Valentine’s Gift of Peace

John14:25-27
“I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.

When I first read this scripture today, my eyes welled with tears. I’ve been listening to news reports on television this morning – and reading them online – and our world seems to be in a critical state of turmoil and unrest. I know people who are ill with everything from flu to viral infections to cancer. I have friends who are struggling with dementia…and those who are caring for loved ones that battle this affliction. I have friends who are spending their first Valentine’s Day without a sweetheart. And I know countless people who are grieving losses and facing struggles this day.

As I read this passage from John 14, the message of a singular word washed over me…PEACE! Before you deem me smug…or cold…understand that I have known fear of the unknown, illness, grief and loss. We all experience these things. But I have also experienced the inexplicable peace that Jesus offers.

In times when I thought I could not put one foot in front of the other – or catch my breath – Jesus has filled me with peace and a sense of calm. He has made me well and whole – even when the world seemed to be falling apart all around me. He has given me the guidance and comfort of a Friend – His Holy Spirit – to take me by the hand and lead me through trials by fire. And He will do all of this for each of you, as well.

On this Valentine’s Day, let’s make sure that we begin by thanking Jesus and pouring out our heartfelt affection and appreciation to Him. Let’s praise Him for His amazing gifts of love for each of us. Let’s begin with the “Ultimate Valentine” and worship Him for giving us the capacity to operate in peace at all times and in all circumstances. And then let’s share love with others in His name.

Even if only for today, let’s come together and operate in love and peace. Let’s make a concerted effort to let other see the love of Jesus radiating through us…to witness the Holy Spirit in action in our lives. It’s a start…and it could just be the “spark” of love and peace that sets off a “movement” among God’s people. Wouldn’t that be the best Valentine’s Day gift of all? Are you ready to do your part to make it happen? Where will you operate in the peace of Jesus today?

Daily Devotional for February 13 – Who feeds you…and what are you feeding to others?

Jeremiah 15:16
Your words are what sustain me; they are food to my hungry soul. They bring joy to my sorrowing heart and delight me. How proud I am to bear your name, O Lord.

My mother was pretty much the “Queen of Cards.” I don’t know how many notes and cards she sent to people in her lifetime, but I know it was in the thousands. And she passed this “gene” to me. This morning, I searched through my “stash” to find a card with just the right sentiment to send to a loved one. Many of the cards have a scriptural reference…or they mention God in the verse. And as ready as I am to share God’s word with others, I sometimes have trouble selecting the perfect message.

Particularly when someone experiences a “sorrowing heart,” words – even God’s words – can seem like just that…words. We must be diligent to choose what we say carefully…to allow God room to speak to others as He deems appropriate. Sometimes that means prayerfully offering our own thoughts and a scripture we feel that God has placed on our hearts…and sometimes that means operating with prayerful restraint.

God’s words are what sustain me and feed my hungry soul. They delight me – and bring joy to my sorrowing heart. The fact that I can always find an answer for my life in God’s word makes me proud to bear His name and call myself a Christian disciple. And the more I practice sharing words of encouragement with others, the more I feel that God gives me the right message to share with them.

God may not be calling you to send cards and notes of encouragement to others. But He does speak to each of us through scripture, and He directs us toward whatever paths and missions He has chosen for us. We have to open the Bible and pay attention to God’s message. We have to read the scriptures and ask, “How does this apply to my situation today? What is God telling me?”

The Internet is an amazing tool for finding just the right scripture passage. You can do a search for virtually any situation or circumstance…i.e. “scriptures about worry” or “What does God say about natural disasters?”…and you will find plenty of Biblical references. I am pretty certain that you will find a passage that addresses your specific question and/or speaks to your heart on any matter.

As you dig into God’s word and spend time seeking the right passages to share, you will also find that your efforts are more effective. Rather than tell a grieving son or daughter that their loved one is in a better place (which they may already know), share a scripture that tells of God’s love and comfort for His children who are grieving. When a person is sick or injured, find verses that speak of Jesus’ tender care for His children in all situations – and how He offers healing, peace, and comfort.

The bottom line is that we need to work on using all of the tools available to us to be able to share God’s word with others (and by word, I mean scripture AND the sentiments that He wants us to share from our hearts). We must listen carefully to God and discover what He wants us to convey…then do it! God’s word is sustaining, healing, and life-giving…and we are called to share it with others as He deems appropriate.

People tell me all the time how much my mother’s cards and notes meant to them…how she championed their victories – and encouraged them in times of struggle and sorrow. She knew how to share God’s words effectively…do you?

Daily Devotional for February 12, 2017 – Are You Ready to “Show Your Work?”

James 2:19-20
Are there still some among you who hold that “only believing” is enough? Believing in one God? Well, remember that the demons believe this too—so strongly that they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that “believing” is useless without doing what God wants you to? Faith that does not result in good deeds is not real faith.

Let me be clear right away that I am not a fan of “Common Core” math, which is taught now in many of our nation’s schools. I totally get that proponents believe that this method will help children learn to be critical thinkers…that “showing your work” will demonstrate that the student understands the process used to get his/her answer. But frankly, all I see this doing – at least for the second graders in our elementary school – is making them hate math!

Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, let me say that in terms of Christian faith, it is important to show your work. Yes, we have the Answer – Jesus Christ. Yes, we love Him and gave our hearts to Him. But if we don’t follow His commands and love and serve others in His name – if we don’t “show our work” – we have not fully committed to Him.

As I’ve worked with Timothy’s class, the children have become frustrated and repeatedly said, “Just tell me…did I get the right answer?” They have no patience for showing HOW they got there – for making the effort to show the process they used to get the sum or difference.

Unlike second grade math, showing our work in a “discipleship context” does not demonstrate that we know how we became Christians…because there is nothing we can do to earn Salvation through Jesus Christ, short of ask for His forgiveness of our sins. But it does show that we are “all in”…that we have not only asked Jesus to forgive us…but we have pledged to serve Him whenever and however He leads us.

The devil and his agents will never demonstrate their assurance that Jesus is real by helping others and ministering in His name! Yes, they acknowledge Jesus. The devil literally shrinks at the mere mention of His name. But He does not have any intention of serving Him – or following His commands. His loyalty and allegiance is most definitely not with Jesus Christ!

Our willingness to follow Jesus’ commands – and “show the work” is what separates us as true, faith-filled Christian disciples. Our hearts should be filled with great joy and satisfaction as we please our incredible Savior.

I don’t know what the solution will be for elementary students with regard to their math lessons. But I do know that for us as Christian Disciples, “only believing” is not enough. The answer is to go “all in” with Jesus and “show the work” every chance we are offered. Is this the day you’ll get started?

Daily Devotional for February 11, 2017 – Are You Talking a Good Game?

James 1:25-27
But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.

Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.

The second grade classes at our local elementary school visited residents of one of our community’s nursing homes this week. Half of the students went one day – and the other three classes visited the following day. I went along the day Timothy’s class made their trip. Each child had created a Valentine to give to a resident. Since Timothy and I have a cousin who lives at this facility, he gave his card to “Mouse” (a lifelong nickname). We visited “Mouse” in his room, where he was resting after a treatment for bone cancer.

Teachers took along bags of crayons and printed copies of holiday coloring sheets, so that the students could color with the residents in the dining hall as they visited with them. I think this might be the best lesson these 7-and-8-year-olds will receive all year. I didn’t see a single child who acted nervous or fearful. They readily engaged with these folks as they colored pictures together. I honestly don’t know what all they talked about, but I saw several lively conversations. They touched hands, patted shoulders, hugged the residents, and received more than a few kisses from several of the little ladies! Several seniors commented, “Oh, how I love children!” and “This has made my day!” One lady took my hand and kissed it!

A nurse came to me and asked if I thought Timothy would be intimidated to go to the Alzheimer’s wing and visit residents there. I asked him if he would be willing to visit some folks who don’t remember so well anymore, and he readily agreed. So did two little girls in his class. There were several residents “watching” television in a small lobby. Some never acknowledged us. But others were SO glad to see young children. One woman said, “I LOVE hugs from children!” Another wanted her picture made with each child.

Timmy and the girls patted hands and gave hugs and smiled. They offered love and “real religion” to people who are often forgotten – or even somewhat discarded. All of the children acted as if there was absolutely nothing different or “wrong” about these folks. When we returned to the classroom, we talked about how the nursing home is a place for people who can no longer care for themselves at home…period! You and I know that nobody really wants to be there…but there are simply situations and circumstances that make this an unavoidable outcome for many.

The nursing facility provided paper Valentines with suckers for the children – which the kids LOVED! But they would have been happy about this trip had they received no gift. I believe the children were genuinely touched by this experience…and impacted for the future. Perhaps if nothing else, they will think of nursing homes as places where real people…grandmas and grandpas, cousins and friends must go to receive necessary care. Perhaps they will stop and think about how blessed they are to be young and healthy…and how not everyone is fortunate enough to live out their days in their own homes.

I pray that these students will remember that God loves ALL of His children…and He wants us to minister to each one of them as we are called and able. For second graders, this entails creating Valentine cards for nursing home residents. You and I might be called and equipped to this same ministry – or to attend to to something or someone completely different. Whatever God plans for us, we must be attentive. We cannot simply talk a good game of “religion”…we have to get on our feet and get moving!

God needs us to be the hands and feet of Jesus whenever and wherever He sends us. Are you ready to do more than just talk about your faith? Will this be the day that you begin?

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