Since I'm kind of a techie guy, I must say that I found this rather amusing. Okay, who am I kidding this was downright hilarious! It's a spin-off of the PC vs. Mac commercials, but instead is Evolution vs. Creation. Enough said.
Enjoy -
God bless you. And this is for His Glory!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Jesus' Last Command
Embedded below is one of the most viewed religious clips on the Web. In 5 minutes and 33 seconds it pretty much wraps up most of our daily struggles with temptation and shows how Jesus always intervenes on our behalf...always out of love.
The question is not whether or not he is watching over us...
So Jesus came to them and said, "All authority (power) in heaven and on earth is given to me. So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach those people to obey everything that I have told you. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of the world."
Matthew 28:18-20
...the question is whether or not we open our hearts to listen and allow Him in.
"That last hug. That last kiss. That last look. That last wave. Each of them is very important when you are leaving someone you love, especially if it could be the last time you see them for awhile. But the last word, that one last message, is precious. You try to make it pleasant ... you try to make it memorable ... you try to make it affectionate ... but most of all, you want your one last word to count!
The Great Commission is Jesus' last earthly message to his disciples in the Gospel of Matthew. While Jesus still leads and guides, this is the message he wants his disciples to remember as his parting command. This is his final message. He stresses emphatically that it is based upon his authority over everyone and everything and everywhere. What is that message? GO MAKE DISCIPLES!
Notice Jesus doesn't want us running all over the place telling about him. Notice he doesn't just want us baptizing everyone we see. Notice he doesn't just want us to teach others to follow him. He wants us to do all three! Go, baptize, and teach to obey so they will be my disciples, too! If we heed these marching orders, if we get out of the shadow of our church buildings and culture, he will go with us! That's it. That's Jesus' one last word. It's also our first word!"
The above excerpt was shared from lightheart.org
Enjoy the clip.
God bless you. And this is for His Glory!
The question is not whether or not he is watching over us...
So Jesus came to them and said, "All authority (power) in heaven and on earth is given to me. So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach those people to obey everything that I have told you. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of the world."
Matthew 28:18-20
...the question is whether or not we open our hearts to listen and allow Him in.
"That last hug. That last kiss. That last look. That last wave. Each of them is very important when you are leaving someone you love, especially if it could be the last time you see them for awhile. But the last word, that one last message, is precious. You try to make it pleasant ... you try to make it memorable ... you try to make it affectionate ... but most of all, you want your one last word to count!
The Great Commission is Jesus' last earthly message to his disciples in the Gospel of Matthew. While Jesus still leads and guides, this is the message he wants his disciples to remember as his parting command. This is his final message. He stresses emphatically that it is based upon his authority over everyone and everything and everywhere. What is that message? GO MAKE DISCIPLES!
Notice Jesus doesn't want us running all over the place telling about him. Notice he doesn't just want us baptizing everyone we see. Notice he doesn't just want us to teach others to follow him. He wants us to do all three! Go, baptize, and teach to obey so they will be my disciples, too! If we heed these marching orders, if we get out of the shadow of our church buildings and culture, he will go with us! That's it. That's Jesus' one last word. It's also our first word!"
The above excerpt was shared from lightheart.org
Enjoy the clip.
God bless you. And this is for His Glory!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
A Child's Faith
I know that I've been on a video kick here lately. But, there are times when I just think these videos provide a type of message that is important to share.
This particular video (really it's more of a conversation) is something that's been spreading across the internet lately and you might have already received it over email. But if you only decide to watch one video on this site, watch this one. This level of pure faith is just not seen or heard of very often. God is working through this young boy and it's a moving experience to listen to.
God bless you. And this is for His glory!
This particular video (really it's more of a conversation) is something that's been spreading across the internet lately and you might have already received it over email. But if you only decide to watch one video on this site, watch this one. This level of pure faith is just not seen or heard of very often. God is working through this young boy and it's a moving experience to listen to.
God bless you. And this is for His glory!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Jesus Rant
This short video is one of those that "knocks you back" into reality after watching it. I find myself (all too often), not giving thanks for all of the wonderful gifts that the Lord has blessed me with. I often find myself taking the things that are considered "normal" for granted. It's so easy to get caught up in our daily routines...but what about God? I'd say that He's caught up in all of us. Suddenly my schedule doesn't seem so hectic after all.
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
Psalm 34:3
God bless you. And this is for His Glory!
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
Psalm 34:3
God bless you. And this is for His Glory!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
I Will Rise
Have you ever wondered what it would be like on the last day? I don't think that we're able to comprehend the depth of joy that we would experience when we are called and accepted into our Lord's arms. Can you imagine it?
I can think of no greater joy than to have my name called and look up to see Jesus' outstretched arms. It's truly overwhelming for me to think about it and it gives me great incentive to glorify His name every single day.
The first video below is Chris Tomlin talking about his song "I will rise". It's very interesting to hear how he was inspired to write it and I highly recommend watching it.
The second video is the actual song itself. If you've never heard it before, it's very touching. So please just take a few quite minutes to listen. I hope you enjoy it and I hope that it inspires you also.
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Revelation 5:11-12
God bless you. And this is for His glory!
I can think of no greater joy than to have my name called and look up to see Jesus' outstretched arms. It's truly overwhelming for me to think about it and it gives me great incentive to glorify His name every single day.
The first video below is Chris Tomlin talking about his song "I will rise". It's very interesting to hear how he was inspired to write it and I highly recommend watching it.
The second video is the actual song itself. If you've never heard it before, it's very touching. So please just take a few quite minutes to listen. I hope you enjoy it and I hope that it inspires you also.
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Revelation 5:11-12
God bless you. And this is for His glory!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Satan's Meeting
I'm sure it's 100 times worse than this video displays...but after watching/reading it, you'll certainly get the point behind this message.
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' "
Matthew 4:10
God bless you. And this is for His glory!
Easter - The Resurrection!
Today is Easter Sunday and it is a time of great joy, celebration and reflection. Our Lord and savior Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. No stone or rock could hold him back. The grave was no match for the power of our Lord.
I hope that you have a great day and keep in mind the real reason why we celebrate Easter.
1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
Matthew 28:1-8
God bless you. And this is for His glory!
I hope that you have a great day and keep in mind the real reason why we celebrate Easter.
1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
Matthew 28:1-8
God bless you. And this is for His glory!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Good Friday
Good Friday is the day observed by many Christians as the day that Jesus was crucified at Golgotha. The day is also known as Black Friday, Holy Friday and even Great Friday.Irregardless of what we call it, let's look at it for what it was and still is...it was Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for us.
As Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane he was very much aware of what was getting ready to transpire. He did not run or hide, but stayed and accepted the will of His Father in order to fulfill scripture and glorify God's name.
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
John 17:1
Jesus died because He was the only one who could pay for our sins. God sent His one and only Son to die for us. He sacrificed the perfect Lamb to wipe away our transgressions so that, upon death, we might have an opportunity to enter into His Kingdom.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:23
God did this out of love for us...and even as Jesus hung dying on the cross he prayed for His executioners...
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Luke 23:34
Final thoughts -
Good Friday stands as an important to reminder of Christ's sacrifice. His crucifixion should be something that we reflect upon regularly - not just one day out of the year.
Pray with me and let us give thanks to our Lord for His sacrifice -
Oh Lord, we thank you for the great sacrifice that you made to cleanse our sins. Let us keep mindful of Your holy word and act in a manner that pleases and glorifies Your name.
May we always be reminded to repent of our sins daily, and to love one another as You have loved us.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
God bless you. And this is for His glory.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Peter's Confession
This is the second in a series of postings that I’m calling “Examples of Faith.”
At this point, Jesus had performed many miracles in the midst of His apostles. Two such miracles included feeding a crowd of five thousand with five loaves of bread and another by feeding four thousand, when they only had seven loaves. Jesus also performed other marvelous works of healing (including expelling demons) to demonstrate that he was the Son of God.
Before Jesus died and rose from the dead, it’s impossible to know how deeply the apostles believed that He was the Christ. However, there was one individual that believed this with all of his heart...it was Simon, who is also known as Peter.
So at one point, Jesus asks His apostles a simple question surrounding their faith.
Here is the conversation according to the Gospel of Matthew:
13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
20Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
Matthew 16:13-20
Final Thoughts –
This should stand as a reminder for all of us to consider our actions in front of others. Do we quietly believe in God? Or do we allow faith to move us and confess it among ourselves? Clearly, Peter had such great faith that he boldly spoke out and announced his belief. This was his CHOICE and Peter did not care what any one else thought, for his heart and mind had been opened up by the Holy Spirit.
So I say, do not be afraid to speak God’s word in front of others. Remember this passage the next time an uncomfortable situation/conversation comes up and you have to make a choice between pleasing another person or pleasing God.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:11-12
God bless you. And this is for His glory!
At this point, Jesus had performed many miracles in the midst of His apostles. Two such miracles included feeding a crowd of five thousand with five loaves of bread and another by feeding four thousand, when they only had seven loaves. Jesus also performed other marvelous works of healing (including expelling demons) to demonstrate that he was the Son of God.
Before Jesus died and rose from the dead, it’s impossible to know how deeply the apostles believed that He was the Christ. However, there was one individual that believed this with all of his heart...it was Simon, who is also known as Peter.
So at one point, Jesus asks His apostles a simple question surrounding their faith.
Here is the conversation according to the Gospel of Matthew:
13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
20Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
Matthew 16:13-20
Final Thoughts –
This should stand as a reminder for all of us to consider our actions in front of others. Do we quietly believe in God? Or do we allow faith to move us and confess it among ourselves? Clearly, Peter had such great faith that he boldly spoke out and announced his belief. This was his CHOICE and Peter did not care what any one else thought, for his heart and mind had been opened up by the Holy Spirit.
So I say, do not be afraid to speak God’s word in front of others. Remember this passage the next time an uncomfortable situation/conversation comes up and you have to make a choice between pleasing another person or pleasing God.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:11-12
God bless you. And this is for His glory!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Sundays Comin'
As it gets closer to Easter, here is another noteworthy video to remind us of Jesus’ great sacrifice.
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘ I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ "
Matthew 26:30-31
God bless you. And this is for His glory!
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘ I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ "
Matthew 26:30-31
God bless you. And this is for His glory!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
On the Way to the Cross
I have nothing further to add...this video speaks for itself.
Then again, maybe just one important reminder...
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
God bless you. And this is for His Glory!
Then again, maybe just one important reminder...
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
God bless you. And this is for His Glory!
Perfection...or lack thereof
At times, I can’t help but feel like a hypocrite. There are situations where the stresses of life take over and I act in a manner that is far from being a Christian. I know that this is part of being human, for we are not perfect. Actually, no one is perfect except for God. However, I always end up feeling like I let Him down, my family down, and even myself down when I act in a foolish manner.
Why is it so hard to love our neighbor as ourselves? Why is it so hard to resist saying something in response to something that was said to us? Why is it so hard to put other people first?
Each day we are faced with temptation. The devil’s hatred of God is beyond our comprehension and he works 24/7/365 to try and get us to sin. It is through sin that the devil wins these small battles that take us farther away from God’s grace. However, through faith and perseverance, it is up to us win the war. By “winning the war” I am referring to resisting temptation, obeying God’s words, and bouncing back when you’re faith is down. We do this with one goal in mind - so that we have a chance to pass though the gates of Heaven on our day of judgment.
So how do we win the war against sin? First and foremost, we must familiarize ourselves with God’s word, i.e. the Bible. We must commit ourselves to thinking and acting in the way that the Bible tells us to. This is indeed a repetitive act and becomes much more than a “one time shot”…it is a lifetime commitment. The hard part is more in the execution than it is in absorbing His word.
27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.
30I and the Father are one."
John 10:27-30
Final Thoughts -
When we think about it - doesn’t if feel better when we do something good? In times when we inadvertently distance ourselves from God, doesn’t something just not feel right? We will all be judged on our actions, our in-actions, and the thoughts within our hearts.
So, the next time you are about to respond or act in a highly emotional manner consider the following verse from the Book of Romans before you act.
16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
Romans 12:16-19
God bless you. And this is for His Glory!
Why is it so hard to love our neighbor as ourselves? Why is it so hard to resist saying something in response to something that was said to us? Why is it so hard to put other people first?
Each day we are faced with temptation. The devil’s hatred of God is beyond our comprehension and he works 24/7/365 to try and get us to sin. It is through sin that the devil wins these small battles that take us farther away from God’s grace. However, through faith and perseverance, it is up to us win the war. By “winning the war” I am referring to resisting temptation, obeying God’s words, and bouncing back when you’re faith is down. We do this with one goal in mind - so that we have a chance to pass though the gates of Heaven on our day of judgment.
So how do we win the war against sin? First and foremost, we must familiarize ourselves with God’s word, i.e. the Bible. We must commit ourselves to thinking and acting in the way that the Bible tells us to. This is indeed a repetitive act and becomes much more than a “one time shot”…it is a lifetime commitment. The hard part is more in the execution than it is in absorbing His word.
27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.
30I and the Father are one."
John 10:27-30
Final Thoughts -
When we think about it - doesn’t if feel better when we do something good? In times when we inadvertently distance ourselves from God, doesn’t something just not feel right? We will all be judged on our actions, our in-actions, and the thoughts within our hearts.
So, the next time you are about to respond or act in a highly emotional manner consider the following verse from the Book of Romans before you act.
16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
Romans 12:16-19
God bless you. And this is for His Glory!
Monday, April 6, 2009
A simple question
Would you ever consider doing what this young man does at the end of this video? Or would you be too embarrassed to outwardly give praise to the Lord?
Just think about the following verse from Matthew as you watch:
Just think about the following verse from Matthew as you watch:
"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.
But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven."
Matthew 10:32-33
God bless you. And this is for His glory!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
He Reigns
The song in this video is one of the most powerfully inspirational songs that I've ever heard. It makes me want to raise my hands and praise God every time I hear it!
23The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
24The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.
25On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.
26The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.
27Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelation 23-27
God bless you. And this is for His Glory!
23The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
24The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.
25On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.
26The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.
27Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelation 23-27
God bless you. And this is for His Glory!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Those Less Fortunate
I was downtown the other day and stood at a cross walk waiting to cross the street. Behind me, I heard someone ask, “Would you like to buy a news paper to help the homeless?” The question wasn’t directed at me, but at three business men walking past. I wasn’t surprised when they looked away, attempting not to make eye contact with the homeless man. Quickly, they gave a slight horizontal nod and continued walking down the street.
Immediately, the Lord entered my heart and I felt compelled to help this man. I turned around and reached into my pocket and gave him a dollar – which was the price of the “street” paper. As I looked him over, I saw that he wore a toboggan with a cross embroidered on it. As he took my dollar he said, “God bless you, this will not be wasted.” I could see the truth of that statement in his eyes and could tell that he was thankful for the dollar. We exchanged a few additional pleasant remarks and then I went on my way. As I walked down the street, I felt good about what I had done and wondered if I should have just given him everything in my pocket. I almost turned around, but I didn’t…I kept walking.
Once I got into my car I began listening to the Bible on CD. As I left the parking lot I suddenly heard the following passage…
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.
Proverbs 21:13
I have not memorized the Bible, so I had no idea that this verse was coming up. I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I was that I gave the homeless man something, even though it was merely a dollar. It was as if the Lord was saying that I did the right thing…and I would have felt terrible if I heard this verse and had ignored the man on the street.
A few days later I was walking down the same street and saw the same homeless man again. A quick glance told me that he wore the same clothes AND the same toboggan. Without hesitation I reached out and gave him a dollar. He recognized me, smiled and said, “God is going to turn on you.” I smiled and told him that I hoped so. As he handed me the “street” paper he said, “Read my article.” I got his name and made a mental note do so.
Later, as I got home (thank you Lord for the roof over my head), I sat down to read the homeless man’s article. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he was an educated man. He wrote much better than I do and seemed to have more knowledge than most people would ever give a homeless person credit.
I must say that reading his article opened my eyes about those less fortunate. For they are human beings just like we are and just because they don’t have a roof over their head doesn’t mean that we are better than them. Every one of us is precious in God’s eye, irregardless of our circumstance here on earth.
The next time you see someone less fortunate on the street or in the mall remember the following passage from Matthew:
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Matthew 25:40-46
God bless you. And this is for His Glory!
Immediately, the Lord entered my heart and I felt compelled to help this man. I turned around and reached into my pocket and gave him a dollar – which was the price of the “street” paper. As I looked him over, I saw that he wore a toboggan with a cross embroidered on it. As he took my dollar he said, “God bless you, this will not be wasted.” I could see the truth of that statement in his eyes and could tell that he was thankful for the dollar. We exchanged a few additional pleasant remarks and then I went on my way. As I walked down the street, I felt good about what I had done and wondered if I should have just given him everything in my pocket. I almost turned around, but I didn’t…I kept walking.
Once I got into my car I began listening to the Bible on CD. As I left the parking lot I suddenly heard the following passage…
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.
Proverbs 21:13
I have not memorized the Bible, so I had no idea that this verse was coming up. I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I was that I gave the homeless man something, even though it was merely a dollar. It was as if the Lord was saying that I did the right thing…and I would have felt terrible if I heard this verse and had ignored the man on the street.
A few days later I was walking down the same street and saw the same homeless man again. A quick glance told me that he wore the same clothes AND the same toboggan. Without hesitation I reached out and gave him a dollar. He recognized me, smiled and said, “God is going to turn on you.” I smiled and told him that I hoped so. As he handed me the “street” paper he said, “Read my article.” I got his name and made a mental note do so.
Later, as I got home (thank you Lord for the roof over my head), I sat down to read the homeless man’s article. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he was an educated man. He wrote much better than I do and seemed to have more knowledge than most people would ever give a homeless person credit.
I must say that reading his article opened my eyes about those less fortunate. For they are human beings just like we are and just because they don’t have a roof over their head doesn’t mean that we are better than them. Every one of us is precious in God’s eye, irregardless of our circumstance here on earth.
The next time you see someone less fortunate on the street or in the mall remember the following passage from Matthew:
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Matthew 25:40-46
God bless you. And this is for His Glory!
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