Jesus told a story of Lazarus and the Rich Man. Some think this was not just a parable but something that may have actually happened, because no other parable uses someone’s name. Whichever is the case, what Jesus was teaching is what is important. This is a story of a man who had much but did not use it to help others and only cared about His own desires. But when they died, he went to hell, a place of eternal torment, but Lazarus was righteous, and went to heaven. In Part 1 we will discuss doing what’s right and how to treat those in need. Part 2 we will talk about heaven and hell.
Continue reading “Lazarus and the Rich Man: Doing What’s Right”Tag: share
Light and Darkness
Light is so important in life and one of those things we sometimes take for granted. Without light we stumble. Without the light of the sun, plants would die, and we would not get the nutrients we need and the warmth for our bodies. Living in darkness would take its toll on our physical and psychological health. It is no wonder Jesus often talked about light and darkness and why Jesus is called The Light of the World.
Continue reading “Light and Darkness”Be a Part of the Mission
Today I am taking a little side trip in my blog about something that God has laid upon my heart. Over the past few years, I have had the wonderful experience and blessing of spending a week or two on a mission trip to Haiti. It is such an awesome experience to watch God work in places like this and if you ever have the opportunity or if God speaks to you to go on a mission trip, do not pass it up. You will not be disappointed. I know many of you will say, “that’s not really for me.” I remember saying the same thing. I was wrong. God kept tugging on my heart and put this passion and desire in me and I am so thankful He did. I plan on going again this year in November (perhaps it will be a little cooler!).
But, perhaps, this is not the direction God is taking you. You can still be a part in other ways. First and foremost, pray. Pray that God speaks to you about what His will is for you. Pray for the missionaries who sacrifice so much of their lives to go out in the world where others will not to share God’s love, not only but sharing the gospel, but by showing their love toward the people they minister to and helping to meet their needs. This is a big burden of both time and financially. The next thing you could do to be a part of a mission is to support those who are called to this field. If it is not going on a mission trip to support them physically, perhaps you can support them financially.
If your church supports missions, you can give there. There are good organizations such as Compassion International or World Vision which you can sponsor a child or others that you can give to or volunteer for, locally or abroad.
My friends in Haiti are asking for your help. They have a need for a total of $8500 a month. Sarah and Yves is a married couple that God has called to bring His love and His gospel to Haiti. At Living Water Haiti Ministries, they have brought in 16 wonderful children to feed them (3 meals a day which is unheard of in Haiti), provide shelter and medical needs, give them education (including teaching them skills such as music lessons, how to sew and how to grow crops) and teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ. In addition, they have a schoolhouse built to be able to bring other kids from the community to give them an education as well as sharing the gospel. They will also feed all of these children every day. Their goal is to bring in about 100 children and hiring 8 teachers. They also reach out to other communities, visiting orphanages and neighborhoods, bringing them a meal, playing games, singing songs and teaching the Bible.There are a couple of ways you can help. You can sponsor a child for $50 a month, you can partner with the ministry by making a one-time or monthly donation. You can check out their website at https://lwhm.weebly.com
Please watch the short video below:
So, perhaps this is still part of the series on God’s promises. God promises to bless you, He promises to work through you and give you gifts, He promises to use your gifts to help others and strengthen the church, for His glory.
Let Us Unveil the Gospel
As God has saved us and gave us new life, let us not hesitate to share what God has done for us. As believers, God wants us to spread the good news to all those around us. I often ask God for boldness for many times I encounter people I have a hard time on how to start a conversation about God. I need to remember to pray at that moment for God to give me boldness and the words to say. I need to have that heart to love someone enough to give that person every opportunity to know about Jesus and to have that grace God has given me . One of the devil’s schemes is to introduce fear, doubt, complacency into a believer to keep them from sharing. He has blinded many in this world from the truth and we need to unveil that truth and not hide the light.
2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
My Daily Scriptures 