“So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-10
Quite often, our North American culture gets the idea that service to God must be an upfront kind of activity. For some, the activity has to be fun and also be about ‘me’ when serving God. The perception for some is that their pastor is the one ‘serving’ God. After seeing the attached photo that I took back in the day, showing Quincy getting ready to snap a photo of children from the Lutheran school in Ouanaminthe, it seems like that would be a lot of fun. When people find out that it is very hot and humid and work involves a lot of walking and the drinking water temperature is generally the same as the outdoors; then it doesn’t seem like the fun thing to do.
Am I helping now? Much of our daily activities are spent serving God’s purpose and many times, we aren’t aware that we are serving Him. Our greatest impact might even come out of a small act of faithfulness. God’s followers shouldn’t underestimate or minimize the scope of their ministry. Today, it only takes around forty cents to feed on child. If you have a pocket full of change, you could probably feed this group of children at the school in Ouanaminthe. If your Bible study group were to take a collection once a month, they could possibly sponsor a school. What role are you meant to fill today? Are you ready to be sent? Today, I am closing with the words to the song ‘Send me’ by Twila Paris.
“If I close my ears to the feeble cry of the poor man's child as he passes by me. I can mark Your word there will come a time when my cries will fall on ears like mine. Here am I, Lord, send me; here am I, Lord, send me. Father in Heaven show Your mercy, send me. That his hope should die this was not Your plan. You have willed that I would become Your hands, Lord. When I feel Your pain and it fills my eyes when my heart is Yours, I will stand and cry. Here am I, Lord, send me. Here am I, Lord, send me. Father in Heaven show Your mercy, send me. Send me in a humble spirit broken for the weaker part. Send me where the need is greater, send me with a servant's heart. Here am I, Lord, send me. Here am I, Lord, send me, Father in Heaven show Your mercy send me.”
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay