Devotion by Social Justice/Service Committee member, Karen Raasch.
We are all here because we are compassionate, giving people. We care for
others who are less fortunate than we are, and we do it with love. We
are doing the work of Jesus Christ by being his hands and feet. I would
like to share some Bible verses with you that speak to my heart about
what we do.
Luke 3:11 John told them, “ If you have two coats, give one to someone
who doesn’t have any. If you have food, share it with someone else.”
This reminded me of Coats for Kids and Food Shelf.
Luke 14:13-14 When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the
lame and the blind. They cannot pay you back. But God will bless you
and reward you when his people rise from death. This reminded me of
Loaves and Fishes.
Hebrews 13:16 Don’t forget to help others and to share your possessions
with them. This too is like offering a sacrifice that pleases God. This
reminded me of Lewis House, CATCH, and Dakota Woodlands.
2 Corinthians 9:7-13 Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don’t feel sorry that you must give and don’t feel that you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give. God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others. The Scriptures say, “God freely gives his gifts to the poor, and always does right.” God gives seed to farmers and provides everyone with food. He will increase what you have, so that you can give even more to those in need. You will be blessed in every way, and you will be able to keep on being generous. Then many people will thank God when we deliver your gift. What you are doing is much more than a service that supplies God’s people with what they need. It is something that will make many others thank God. The way in which you have proved yourselves by this service will bring honor and praise to God. You believed the message about Christ, and you obeyed it by sharing generously with God’s people and with everyone else.
The seeds for the farmers reminded me of Nyanzwa famine relief. It also reminds me of the generosity of our Easter family to Armful of Love.
LET US PRAY: Dear heavenly Father, thank you for showing us how to be your hands and feet. Guide us as we go out into the world to do your work and help us to inspire others to do likewise. Thank you for our generous Easter family. Bless us all and the work we are doing. Bless the people we are helping and help them to see you through us. Please send rain to our friends in Tanzania so they have a huge harvest this year. Help and comfort all the people of Haiti as they deal with the aftermath of the earthquake. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
