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3rd August 2008 2008

Sharing ourselves beyond our needs

It is no secret that most people associate with those they know and or prefer. When we think of visiting someone or spending time in fellowship, often we seek to connect with family, friends, work colleagues and participate in hobbies that make us feel good about ourselves. All these choices aren't really difficult to make because they involve people whose company we like and things we enjoy doing.

The greatest challenge to true selfless sharing of ourselves with others comes in making those choices that demand a move beyond our own gratification. It is choosing to give our time and pastoral listening ear to those we would otherwise wish to avoid or simply meet, greet and interact with as briefly as is possible. Spending time with the less acknowledged or not so easily recognisable in our church/community fellowships, is a true sign of living out our calling in Christ.

Sometimes "dropping in" (bearing a card or flowers) on someone who may need companionship at that time can be more fulfilling than simply sticking to doing the 'normal' or the comfortable.

When we share ourselves with others for simply avoiding our own boredom we are fulfilled only for that single moment yet, in sharing ourselves with that talkative person whom we know may spend 30minutes moaning, then we have fulfilled not only our discipleship but have ensured a lifetime of fulfilment for them and most importantly, for the Gospel message of Christ.

This summer, when we choose our fellowship buddies or people to spend time with, let us think too of those who are alone and are hardly ever invited to any barbecue or visited to be cheered and told that they matter to God.
Enjoy the summer & each other's company in His grace;
Shalom!

Jongi

It is God who chooses to make us His vessels of plenty....

Settling down
Sometimes in life, we find ourselves better placed to be the help that others need. Share of a situation where by being in the right place, at the right time for the right reasons; others or someone benefitted from the assistance you gave them.

Worship
You laid aside Your majesty, gave up everything for me, suffered at the hands of those You had created. You took all my guilt and shame when You died and rose again, now today You reign in heaven and earth exalted (SoF638, Noel Richards). Praise God & give Him thanks for sending Christ to save us. Write a prayer worshipping Him for sacrificing His only Son to pass on goodness to a straying world

God's Word: Isaiah 55: 1 - 5 & Matthew 14: 13 - 21

• In God, there are no haves or have not's; we're all His beloved and God provides for all His children equally. This is why Isaiah's oracle echoes God's generosity to those who would listen: 'life giving food' is free and given to all who are part of the covenant. This Godly provision results in faithful believers acknowledging that they're not in themselves God's goodness, but carriers of His generosity. (How much of God's gifts in you, are shared with those who need His glory?)
• It is for this very reason that Jesus insists that the disciples should feed the gathered crowds in Matthew 14.Whilst they see themselves as helpless to provide for the many people gathered there, Jesus teaches that when we believe, and bring to God what we have; our little becomes much through God's providing grace (c.f. Matt. 14: 18 - 21).
• A person had two loaves and five fish, yet he was merely a carrier, a Godly vessel that provided for the needs of thousands. In that one picnic meal of fish and bread, God's amazing care and power for the hungry souls that were gathered became realized; all because one person thought ahead and took with him some small provision. The little (belonging to one) became more than enough when shared in faith.

Living God's Word in the world; our Witness:
When "we bring a sacrifice of praise..." in God's hand, many are saved!

Concluding Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for showing me the almighty, providing nature of God's generosity. All my life's 'baskets' are not enough to contain His goodness and for that, I am eternally grateful; amen..

Email Jongi to discuss these notes at revjzihle@btinternet.com