BLESSINGS CORNER
When we read this scripture, our minds mull over the many times that we may have reached out in love to help someone in any way, and you wonder, does anyone really care?
Perhaps you have given to others, not only funds, but in a“kindness”. When we belong to Christ He will work through us to help meet the needs of others. Kindness is one of the fruits of the spirit. In Galatians 5:22 the bible tells us “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law”.
One of the first things we discover after becoming a “Child of God”, is we find within ourselves, a new heart towards reaching out to those who are in need. Perhaps you have always had that desire, or this may be something new your are discovering about yourself. But you say, it seems like my life is so difficult already, how can I possibly be of “help” anyone else?
In 1 Peter 1:22-23 we are admonished: “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart. Having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” In this scripture we are told to “LOVE” each other and share the Word of God to all that come our way.
Sharing God’s Word, is not just telling someone about God, but by “doing the commands of God”. Doing means helping each other with their needs. In Matthew 25:42-45, Jesus proclaimed that he had been, hungry, naked, thirsty, sick, in prison and no one helped. Those around him said, when did we see you in these circumstances? He said to them: if you help to meet the needs of others, than you will meet my needs.
We will find a New JOY in our lives when we learn to share our love and faith to help to meet each other’s needs. You want JOY in your life, start by reaching out to others and helping to meet their needs. There are wonderful promises in the bible, one of them is Luke 6:38, “Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Some of you may read this and will say to yourselves: does God really see what I have sacrificed for others, much less anyone else? Our God has a “season” for every seed that has been planted for HIS kingdom. Sometimes it may take years, or even a lifetime to see the harvest of your giving. God has a due season for all the seeds that you have planted. One thing you can always count on is our God, for He never breaks His promises and seems He always causes our harvest to come just at the right time.
Do not get discouraged, determine to keep your faith alive and active. Give and keep on giving. Their is great joy when we give to others out of our own needs. But as many of you know it sometimes harder to receive than to give. We need to learn that there is not only joy in giving, but joy in receiving.
I for one have been the recipient of so many wonderful gifts from so many people. Especially concerning the building of my little “Shack”. There have been so many who have shared in so many ways. I know that God will bless those who have shared so much with us in this precious project. For I know that God has promised to all of you a great harvest. You know who you are.
There will be a great harvest to come for all of you who have sown into His kingdom, in our lives, and in the “The Shack” project. For Jesus said whatever you do for others in great kindness, you are doing it to HIM.
We all are investing into one of the greatest building projects ever in heaven and on this earth, that of the Kingdom of God to be built in our lives and of our families. When you read the book of Revelation, we realize how magnificent is the New City of God which even has streets made of Gold. So be encouraged, when you share with others, you will reap a bountiful harvest. Remember the Lord delights in giving to you.
~Gerry Cooley