Dear Daily Message Readers,
READ: Luke 18
Luke 18:40-41 (NIV) "Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 'What do you want me to do for you?'"
Picture this scenario: You have more work to get done over the next three days than you would usually get done in a week. Yet, right when you sit down to get started on your work, you learn one of your close friends relatives has just been in an accident. Suddenly, almost out of nowhere, the phone rings. Hesitant, you answer it to hear your friend on the other end. He asks you to drive him over to visit his relative, and he says the hospital is over 70 miles away!
Is it really worth your while to give all those precious hours away? Some people would argue that the result is unknown; that is, it shares both good and bad consequences. I, however, would argue that it is good to take the time to help your friend, even though you may not have the time, energy, or extra resources. Why? Because this is exactly what our Savior did throughout His ministry.
Look at Luke 18 and take a minute or two to read the entire chapter. You will notice that Jesus took time from His busy schedule to minister to a man born blind (Luke 18:35-40). He rebuked His disciples when they tried to keep little children away from Him (18:15-17). He even took the time to reason with a rich young landowner who was reluctant to give up His possessions to follow (18:18-30). No matter what the cost to His personal comfort, time, or life, Jesus took the time to minister to others.
You may be thinking, "Say I do give up my time to do these things you are talking about. Will I be able to get my work done? Will I be able to accomplish the things necessary to keep my job? Pass a class? I don't know. But I do know this: If God has laid upon your heart to minister to someone, who are we to question His timing and provision when it comes to our own lives? We are no one in that case. Instead, we must trust that our sacrifice of our personal freedom to perform deeds of love and service are never wasted. In reality, they may be the most holy, Christ-like things we do all day!
Faith Lesson:The biggest difference between a growing and a stagnant Christian is his willingness to drop whatever he is doing at whatever time he is doing it to follow the Spirit's call to help.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
READ: Luke 18
Luke 18:40-41 (NIV) "Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 'What do you want me to do for you?'"
Picture this scenario: You have more work to get done over the next three days than you would usually get done in a week. Yet, right when you sit down to get started on your work, you learn one of your close friends relatives has just been in an accident. Suddenly, almost out of nowhere, the phone rings. Hesitant, you answer it to hear your friend on the other end. He asks you to drive him over to visit his relative, and he says the hospital is over 70 miles away!
Is it really worth your while to give all those precious hours away? Some people would argue that the result is unknown; that is, it shares both good and bad consequences. I, however, would argue that it is good to take the time to help your friend, even though you may not have the time, energy, or extra resources. Why? Because this is exactly what our Savior did throughout His ministry.
Look at Luke 18 and take a minute or two to read the entire chapter. You will notice that Jesus took time from His busy schedule to minister to a man born blind (Luke 18:35-40). He rebuked His disciples when they tried to keep little children away from Him (18:15-17). He even took the time to reason with a rich young landowner who was reluctant to give up His possessions to follow (18:18-30). No matter what the cost to His personal comfort, time, or life, Jesus took the time to minister to others.
You may be thinking, "Say I do give up my time to do these things you are talking about. Will I be able to get my work done? Will I be able to accomplish the things necessary to keep my job? Pass a class? I don't know. But I do know this: If God has laid upon your heart to minister to someone, who are we to question His timing and provision when it comes to our own lives? We are no one in that case. Instead, we must trust that our sacrifice of our personal freedom to perform deeds of love and service are never wasted. In reality, they may be the most holy, Christ-like things we do all day!
Faith Lesson:The biggest difference between a growing and a stagnant Christian is his willingness to drop whatever he is doing at whatever time he is doing it to follow the Spirit's call to help.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
