Don't Forget to Say, "I Love You"

 

And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment… - Hebrews 9:27

By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground--because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return." - Genesis 3:19

…a time to be born and a time to die… - Ecclesiastes 3:2a

“We’ll meet again. Don’t know where, don’t know when, but I know we’ll meet again, some sunny day.” —Vera Lynn

Last October, I (Steve) had flown back to Texas to be with my family. “Pop” - my Dad - was at the end of his life, hospice had been called in, and it was time for me to say “Goodbye.”

Saturday, November 5, 2022, Pop ceased breathing in the middle of the night. His journey had ended. God had ultimately healed him from cancer. Goodbye.

I was not there with him when he passed. My Mom and brother were. But, at least I got to tell him that I loved him…that it was ok to go on and we would see him again - “some sunny day.”

Over the last couple of years we have had to say “Goodbye” to more people than we like to admit. How about you? It isn’t easy is it?

Whether it is “Goodbye” because someone gets a new job; moves away; goes to a new school; or, when someone dies, saying “Goodbye” is difficult and often painful. 

But something that we have become more and more aware of is this simple fact: everything in this life has an expiration date.

We don’t mean this to be all “gloom and doom” - it is just a fact. Everything has an expiration date. Including you and I.

All the more reason to spend ourselves tirelessly…completely obeying the command of Christ to “Love God and love our neighbor.” As John the Apostle puts it: “Let us not just love in word or speech, but in deed and truth,” (1 John 3:18).

Love one another.

A few years back - don’t ask us as it will make us feel old - Stevie Wonder had a great song titled, “I Just Called to Say, ‘I Love You.’”  Now that we are older, the power of that song means a lot more. 

We never know exactly how much time we have with those we love. We never know how much time we have to make things right with someone we have been fighting with. We never know how much time we have to make things right with someone we have hurt. We never know how much time we have to forgive someone who has hurt us. We never know how much time we have. Period. 

As I have been reflecting on saying goodbye, the scriptures above - along with a lot of others - came to mind. Now, at first glance, they appear rather gloomy and doomy. Kind of a downer, if you will. But, we should rather look at them as loving reminders of what is approaching for all of us.  Death.

And what better way to prepare for death than living today? Living. Loving.

As Pop used to joke with me: “Live everyday like it’s your last…one day you’ll be right!” 

It’s in more reflective moments such as this that I recall one of my favorite songs of all time. The group Allies (with lead singer Bob Carlisle of “Butterfly Kisses” fame) wrote a song on their “Man with a Mission” album. It was simply titled: “Heaven.”

And as we say goodbye to those we love - it is all the more reason to remember we have the God-given opportunity to see them again. In Heaven.

So, goodbye for now. Adios amigos! May the good Lord take a liking to you! Happy trails to you! And, if we don’t see you again here we pray we see you there…

Oh, and remember, “We love you.”

Heaven - Allies (HQ)

Until we meet again,

Missy and Steve

Share Your Story

 Heart to Heart from the Housewrights

Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.” - John 4:39-42 (NLT)

Some people are natural storytellers. They can make you laugh, cry, think, forget, and hope all at the same time. 

We often forget how important a story can be. For those of us who love to read - it’s because we love a good story. But, what’s involved in a good story? 

Stories may differ in one way or another, yet there are commonalities which apply in every scenario. You must have at least one character, a plot, want and need, conflict and resolution, and some sort of structure. At least that’s what we’ve been taught…

But, there is something missing from the above list. 

Subject.

In other words, what is the story about?

That really is the driving force in what we read. What is the story about?

And there are no more interesting stories than those about you.  You know, your story.

As a Christian, however, your story can truly only be told through the life of Jesus Christ. After all, he is the Subject, or the Foundation, for every one of our stories.

When we share the Good News of Jesus Christ, we are telling a story that has been told and retold hundreds of millions of times over the last two millennia.  Each of us, however, in our own unique way, makes it personal. 

When we tell the story of Jesus, we are telling how the story of Jesus affected us. What it meant to us. What it means to us. And, what it can mean for the person who hears it.

Most people (Christians) think that evangelizing is beyond them. It’s for the pastor. It’s for the missionary. It’s for those who have had training.  “It’s not for me.”

But nothing could be further from the truth. You need to tell your story. 

One word of caution, however. Don’t let your story be about you. 

“Huh?” you ask?

Simple - your story is His story. Tell the “great things he has done.”

After all, 

• 
  

• We’ve a story to tell to the nations, that shall turn their hearts to the right,
  A story of truth and mercy, a story of peace and light, a story of peace and light.

• We’ve a song to be sung to the nations, that shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
  A song that shall conquer evil and shatter the spear and sword, and shatter the spear and sword.

• We’ve a message to give to the nations, that the Lord who reigns up above
  Has sent us His Son to save us and show us that God is love, and show us that God is love.

• We’ve a Savior to show to the nations, Who the path of sorrow has trod,
  That all of the world’s great peoples might come to the truth of God, might come to the truth of God.
  For the darkness shall turn to dawning, and the dawning to noonday bright;
  And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth, the kingdom of love and light.

The world is listening…watching…waiting. Will you share your story?

We Need a Living Faith

 

There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.

 - Deuteronomy 15:11

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done. 

- Proverbs 19:17

In a recent Christianity Today article, writer Anthony Baxter related that:

“Churches across the UK are being asked to open their doors this winter as a place of warmth and support for people struggling with the cost of living crisis. Food and energy price rises have sent household bills soaring, leaving many people worried about how they will get through the winter and facing the prospect of choosing between heating or eating. Last month Citizens' Advice forecast that 1 in 4 people will not be able to afford their new energy bills despite the recently announced price cap. Responding to the crisis, the ChurchWorks Commission has launched a new initiative asking churches and community centres to open up as a place of warmth and welcome during the winter months. The 'Warm Welcome' campaign has the support of former prime minister Gordon Brown and 1,000 churches have already signed up.

Mr Brown said, "This crisis goes far beyond politics; this is a moral issue - our responsibilities to our neighbours and in particular to those who have the least and whose needs are the greatest.”

Paul Butler, the Bishop of Durham (Church of England) and Chair of the ChurchWorks Commission said, "Over the last few years, we have seen inspiring and meaningful action from churches across the UK stepping up to help those most vulnerable. Through the Covid-19 pandemic, the Church responded quickly and creatively. Now, during another national crisis, churches and community centres need to once again step up by being places of warm welcome in their localities. As bills increase, even with government support, millions will be affected and unable to afford basics. Churches and community groups are perfectly positioned to help those who need a place of warmth and welcome, but if we are truly going to make an impact on a national level, we need hundreds of groups to pledge their space."

Churches to give a warm welcome this winter as energy prices soar (christiantoday.com)

Now, we know this article is concentrated on the UK. “Why, that’s on the other side of the pond!” you might say. But…

According to recent reports, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) estimates the average American family may pay up to $1,200 more this winter to heat their home…which is notable considering most families are already feeling financially strapped.

What’s more, the 40% of U.S. families that use natural gas to heat their homes could see their winter heating costs increase by 30%, according to NEADA.

Yeah, we are all going to have a tough winter. But, for some, it could be economically catastrophic. It’s why we should remember the words, And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased - Hebrews 13:16.

We all need to be there for one another. We need others to be there for us.

After all, today may be a good day. There may be money in the bank. Electricity in the house. Food in the refrigerator. Health in the home. Your team winning. Happiness in the heart.

But, tomorrow? Well, we don’t know about tomorrow. Neither do you. Therefore, we must remember to care for one another…to love one another. After all, Jesus said, Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” - Luke 6:38.

That’s good news. I care for you. You care for me. We care for one another. It’s Christian.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. - James 2:14-17

In our lives, Missy and I have seen a lot of Christians not act like Christ. Likewise, we’ve seen a lot of non-Christ followers act like Christ. Things that make you go, “Hmmm.”

This winter - let’s open our hearts and yes our churches to those in need. We know what is coming. We know how to help. But, knowing and doing are two different things. Knowing what Jesus said and doing what Jesus said? Yeah, there’s a difference.

So, it’s going to get cold. What can we (followers of Jesus) do about it?
    1.) Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit as God speaks to you and directs your path.
    2.) Listen to others. Look at others. You will know if they need help.
    3.) If you need help, crush pride and reach out - give someone else the opportunity to care and love you.
    4.) Don’t say, “I’ll be praying about that.” Do something about that.
    5.) Encourage your religious leaders to create opportunities for the entire fellowship to do something about the physical needs of those in your community.
    6.) Don’t play the blame game for others unfortunate circumstances. You wouldn’t want people blaming you for something that is beyond your control either.

You say you love Jesus? “Go, and do likewise.” Sisters and brothers, the world needs our living faith.

Love Conquers Fear

 

There is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God - Romans 3:11

For the heart of this people has become dull - with their ears they scarcely hear and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise, they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I would heal them’ - Matthew 13:15

Little Johnny was in the kitchen as his mother made supper. She asked him to go into the pantry and get her a can of tomato soup. But, Johnny didn't want to go. He stopped and looked straight into his mom’s eyes: "It's dark in there and I'm scared to go in there all alone," he said. She asked again, yet he still persisted that he not go in there alone. Finally she said, "It's okay, Johnny, Jesus will be in there with you."

Filled with a glimmer of courage Johnny walked hesitantly to the pantry door and slowly opened it. He peeked inside and saw it was dark. With his voice barely above a whisper, Johnny said: "Jesus, if you're in there, would you mind handing me a can of tomato soup?"

Fear. It’s not a laughing matter.

Fear is so prevalent nowadays we have had to develop new terminology to describe fear. Things like peladophobia: fear of baldness and bald people. Aerophobia: fear of drafts. Porphyrophobia: fear of the color purple. Chaetophobia: fear of hairy people. Levophobia: fear of objects on the left side of the body. Dextrophobia: fear of objects on the right side of the body. Auroraphobia: fear of the northern lights. Calyprophobia: fear of obscure meanings. Thalassophobia: fear of being seated. Stabisbasiphobia: fear of standing and walking. Odontophobia: fear of teeth. Graphophobia: fear of writing in public. Phobophobia: fear of being afraid.

And of course, sermonophobia - fear of a sermon going too long…ok, we made that up.

What are you fearful of? What causes you to freeze up? What gives you the heebie jeebies?

If you read the Psalms you find that time and time again David wrestled with fear. In the Gospel of Mark you read about a young man who ran away naked out of the Garden of Gethsemane. And, of course, in the book of Acts you read about the sons of Sceva who faced off against evil and were beaten up and ran away.

Yes, fear is found throughout the Bible.

But, at the same time, fear does not have the final say. In this life or the next.

The Word of God reminds us: 

    1.) “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” - I John 4:4

    2.) “What shall we say in response to all of these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” - Romans 8:31

    3.) “...because everyone who is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith” - I John 5:4
    4.) “...the battle belongs to the LORD…” - I Chronicles 5:22
    5.) “The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can a person do to me?” - Psalms 118:6.
    6.) “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness” - Isaiah 41:10
    7.) “So do not be afraid; you are worth more than the sparrows…” - Matthew 10:31

Now, the Bible is just a collection of books, thoughts, wisdom, history, songs, prophecy, and the sayings of a homeless, wandering Rabbi - unless you apply them to your life. If you place your faith (trust) in the Bible as the word of God then they become more than words. They give life. They become life.

Unfortunately, people do not read the Bible anymore, unless they are facing a crisis. They are afraid and they have nowhere else to turn. Then, they may crack open that book covered in dust. That leads to a life of fear.

We live in a culture that is based on fear. The news, social media, political parties, businesses - they all feed on people’s fears. Give people something to be scared about and then offer them the solution. That is how they control you. That is how the world operates.

God does not operate in fear. As a matter of fact, all of the teaching, preaching and shouting about hell and damnation - is nothing more than a ploy by people who want to “scare” people into heaven or control their behavior. 

Sure, there are words in the Holy Scriptures about judgment upon sin and those who refuse grace and mercy. Judgment on sin is coming.

That said, God’s love destroying our fear is much more prevalent and powerful in bringing people into God’s kingdom.

After all, it’s why we remember Jeremiah 31:3, “...I have loved you with an everlasting love.”

It’s why we repeat the words of our Savior: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son; so that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved.”

It’s also why we close this week’s note out with these words:

“All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first,” - I John 4:15-19.

LOVE CONQUERS FEAR

Jesus Without Judgment

June 14, 2022

“‘’Write this letter to the angel (messenger) of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief. Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.’” - Revelation 3:1-6 (NLT)

As much as people have issues with deciphering and discerning the Revelation of Jesus Christ at the end of the New Testament there is a great deal that is spoken in plain language. You don’t need a linguist, preacher or biblical expert to understand it. When Jesus speaks to the seven churches in Asia it’s very easy to understand the point he is making.

Take the church at Sardis, for instance. Jesus states simply - “You think you’re alive but you are really dead.” It doesn't get much plainer than that.

And that, if you ask us, would more than likely be the message to the church in North America today. It thinks it is alive. It feels it is doing what is right. It believes it is doing what God wants.

Yet, all the while, the church is asleep. It is sound asleep. It has forgotten what God has said and what God requires. It is a church in name only.

Oh sure, there are some who are loud, braggadocious, and outlandish. We saw recently where a well-known religious personality from Tennessee stated, “You can’t be a Christian and vote Democrat.” Well, that’s helpful…

Another person, this one from Texas, stated from the pulpit in his sermon entitled, Why We Won’t Shut Up, that all gay men were predatory pedophiles who have either committed sex crimes against a child or just haven’t had the opportunity to do so yet. He added, “We need to put these people to death through the proper channels of the government…” and that queer people “should be lined up against the wall and shot in the back of the head.” Okay…

And, if that were not enough - and by golly, it ought to be - now we have the Southern Baptist church embroiled in a denominational wide sexual misconduct scandal that inlcudes a “minister” raping other minister’s wife. Let’s not forget the “United” Methodist who have managed to destroy an entire denomination and crush the spirits of thousands of congregants.

Needless to say, the church doesn’t need enemies - we are “enemy” enough for ourselves. The Devil isn’t killing off the church. The church is fine at killing itself.

Now, before you get depressed (any more than many of us are presently) and are wondering aloud, “Why are they writing about these things?! This is not encouraging! I need encouragement!” Well, so do we…

It’s at this point we ought to remind ourselves that Jesus said, “On this rock (our faith) I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Now those are words to live by… and that’s permanent encouragement.

In a very real sense, this was what Jesus was trying to do with the sordid lot he had at Sardis. He is trying to get their attention, get them to repent, get them restored, and get them to a living faith once again. Jesus is encouraging the people of Sardis. He tells them - if you want to live, repent and turn back to God.

Thankfully, there were some in Sardis who were living as commanded and they were an example to the rest. Bright bulbs in the darkness…

And this is where we come in.

God is calling - always calling - his people to repent. Acts 17:30 has Paul preaching, “God calls all people everywhere to repent.”

God also has his people strategically placed all over creation as examples. Again, Paul - this time in his letter to the Philippians writes: “So that no one can criticize you, live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people." (2:15).

We (followers of Christ Jesus) need to be the example/the model the world follows. Rather than judging without Jesus, we need to offer Jesus without judgment. The Holy Spirit will do the rest.

Take An Interest In Others

 

May 24, 2022

Never give up praying. And when you pray, keep alert and be thankful. Be sure to pray that God will make a way for us to spread his message and explain the mystery about Christ, even though I am in jail for doing this. Please pray that I will make the message as clear as possible. When you are with unbelievers, always make good use of the time (Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders). Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions. Colossians 4:2-6 (CEV)

Dale Carnegie wrote one of our culture’s most famous books: How to Win Friends and Influence People. You may recall one of his salient points: “Become genuinely interested in other people.”

Or, as Paul put it 2,000 years ago: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders,” (v. 5a). If there were ever a verse needed for Christians today it is that one.

Why in the world can we not treat people nice? After all, we sure are good at treating ourselves well. Pedicures. Manicures. Selfies. Buying stuff for ourselves. Manipulating others to get what we want. Self-promoting. Self-absorbed. We even have a sense of entitlement.

We love ourselves so much we have forgotten how to love one another. And, ironically, that is what the world preaches and teaches: Me! Me! Me! Love yourself!

The word of God, in direct contrast, continually reminds us: “Love one another;” “Love your neighbor as yourself;” “Love your enemies;” “The greatest of these is love.”

And that is what Paul is truly pointing at, we think, in these verses from Colossians - love. Specifically, loving those who do not believe. Which is what Jesus was speaking about when he said, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?” Matthew 5:44-46).

The story is told of Gordon Maxwell, missionary to India, that when he asked a Hindu scholar to teach him the language, the Hindu replied: “No, Sahib, I will not teach you my language. You would make me a Christian.” Gordon Maxwell replied, “You misunderstand me. I am simply asking you to teach me your language.” Again the Hindu responded, “No, Sahib, I will not teach you. No person can live with you and not become a Christian.”

“No person can live with you and not become a Christian.”

Let us ask you a question: Do the people living around you know you love them? Not put clothes on their back and feed them love them. Not “go shopping or fishing with someone” love. Not “Here’s something you need” love. We are talking about loving someone in a way that reflects your desire for them to hear the Good News of Jesus. Can anyone live with you and “not become a Christian?” 

How do we express this love? How do we live with others in such a way that they will have no choice but to become a Christian?

You make the time you spend with unbelievers count.

Listen to them. Ask about them. Be interested in them. Be focused on them. Spend yourself on them. Let them know - without words - that you love them…by the way you treat them.

In The Grace of Giving, Stephen Olford tells of a Baptist pastor during the American Revolution, Peter Miller, who lived in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, and enjoyed the friendship of George Washington.

In Ephrata there also lived Michael Wittman, who for whatever reason did all he could to oppose, deride and humiliate Preacher Miller. In an incredible turn of events, one day Michael Wittman was arrested for treason - a crime for which the only punishment was death.

Once he found out about the unfortunate situation, Peter Miller did the unthinkable: he traveled seventy miles on foot to Philadelphia to plead for the life of his enemy, the traitor.

"No, Peter," General Washington said. "I cannot grant you the life of your friend."

"My friend!?" exclaimed the old preacher. "He's the most bitter enemy I have."

"What?" cried Washington. "You've walked seventy miles to save the life of an enemy? That puts the matter in a different light. Wittman, I'll grant your pardon."

Peter Miller took Michael Wittman back home to Ephrata--no longer an enemy but a friend.

That is being interested in someone else. That is truly loving them. Sure, most of us will never have to walk the path of Preacher Miller. However, don’t we all have people around us who we are not friends with? Don’t we all have people who refuse to have anything to do with us?

Still, shouldn’t we be interested in them? In their lives? In their eternal destination? If we love them we will…

"Ground Beef and Gas - Does God Care?"

11-09-2021

Then the LORD said to Elijah, “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.” So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.” But she said, “I swear by the LORD your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.” But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the LORD sends rain and the crops grow again!’” So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the LORD had promised through Elijah. 

 (I Kings 17:8-16)

Many people are becoming more and more aware and worried about our economic future. There is already the unfortunate rise of “shrink-flation” where we are getting less but it is costing more. According to the Wall Street Journal: “Supermarkets say shoppers are buying more store-brand meat products and trading down from beef to less-expensive alternatives such as chicken or pork, after prices for products such as rib-eye climbed about 40% from a year ago...Some consumers are replacing boneless chicken breast with cheaper bone-in chicken, retailers said…”Everybody is trying to find something that fits within their wallet.” (Consumers Trade Rib-eye for Ground Beef as Grocery Prices Rise - Wall Street Journal Report 11/07/2021)

With all of us already dealing with the fastest price increases in decades, another major issue is just on the horizon: a widely expected increase in winter heating bills. Energy prices have soared and natural gas, used to heat almost half of U.S. households, has almost doubled in price since this time last year. That’s not to even mention fuel for our vehicles.

That’s not a lot of good news. Especially with the holidays already here. What does it all mean for the community of faith? People are going to need our help more than ever. We are going to need one another more than ever.

In our text from I Kings we read one of the more intriguing stories from the Old Testament. Here are a few things to take from it and how they apply to the current, and unfortunately, dire financial situation we find ourselves in.

One, God called Elijah...to go. God is still calling us today and He is calling us to go. None of us has been created to simply live to ourselves. We are called from focusing on ourselves and our situations to go to others and meet their needs. Go. Hear the need. See the need. Understand the need. Meet the need.

Two, God had someone in place to take care of Elijah. Elijah was released from worrying about himself as God had already prepared - in his wisdom - for the very person Elijah was to stay with to actually take care of his needs! In God’s providence and knowledge he knew how everything would play out and had prepared accordingly. Still, there was one thing necessary to set it all in motion...

Three, Elijah’s obedience. The prophet’s willingness to do exactly as God commanded is the one part of the equation that released God’s blessing. It’s simple mathematics actually: A + B = C. You take any portion of that equation away and there is no correct answer. It is impossible.

And such it is with God’s promise to his children to care for them. God promises to love us...and we, in response, should love him and one another. God cares for you. You care for us. God cares for us. We care for you. It’s that simple.

And it’s necessary. Especially in times such as these. There may be shortages of gas, heat, food, water, toilet paper, etc. But, let it never be said that there is a shortage of love. Especially among the children of God.

How completely dependent upon God we are for the common, everyday, necessary things of life! And yet we are prone to forget the truth that we need one another as well. Depend upon God and depend upon God’s people. Let us not forget that.

Were we to travel back in time and take an inventory of this poor widow's resources, how short it would be! A little meal in a barrel and a little in a bowl. Were we to walk around her cottage, we would find nothing of substance in it. There is little doubt her furniture had all been sold before her last desperate resolution was taken...eat and die.

The story of the widow of Zarephath is an illustration of the process that every day goes on in many homes: the selling of goods to the pawn shop to buy some food for the week, precious objects and heirlooms sold to pay for housing, searching for change to purchase diapers...sometimes the very necessities of life are given up by parents so their children will have clothes to keep them warm as winter inches closer.

Yes, sometimes these sad situations are the result of mindless spending, bad money decisions, or just plain rotten luck. But too often they are the sad results of generational poverty, unexpected medical emergencies, loss of income, drugs and other unforeseen family issues.

How critical it is for us to remember God desires to supply us “our daily bread.” After all - everything in the earth is his and at his disposal including “two fish and five loaves of bread.” All for the care of his children. Elijah was supplied by the ravens and a poor widow...how will God provide for us this week? How will we provide for one another?

PS - as we finish this tonight...our car broke down on Missy on the way to the Bible study she leads. It’s sitting on a side street. Tomorrow we will try to get it fixed. We trust God has already worked that out and we pray that whatever you are facing God will work that out as well. “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way...”

Missy and Steve