You perhaps have seen her doing things around the church, but you’ve never actually noticed her doing things around the church. (Do you get the difference?) I am speaking about Martha, who pulls weeds during the week or on Sundays after church, helps in Kids Church without really being asked, or just picks up some trash if she sees it laying on the ground. She just does things,
without recognition or applause. Martha is one of the unnamed saints that the church depends upon, but seldom notices.
How often in our church, indeed in our lives, we fail to notice the little things that people do for us. They are all around us, all of the time, just making life easier for us without pay or recognition. They do it because they like being helpful, and because there is something in them that says that this is what people are supposed to do for each other. They make the coffee, because it is all gone and someone might like a cup. They stop to help someone on the side of the road who looks like they need help. They hold open a door for someone in a wheelchair or for someone using a walker. Just little things, that makes someone else’s life a little easier.
So, to all of those who do the little things; to Martha; to the person who called me and said “Martha does all of these things and is never thanked”…thank you. May we all learn to follow your example.
See you in church. - Roy
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Over the last 10-15 years, I’ve come to realize that it’s not that people don’t WANT to pray, but that they don’t know how many forms of prayer there actually can be. The FORMAL forms of prayer you may hear on Television or Radio or the Internet, may not be what you personally are comfortable with, so use a form that is comfortable for you. I have had friends, over the years, who said prayer should only be about something IMPORTANT. My constant answer to that is EVERYTHING we are spiritually concerned
about IS important. I believe you CAN pray without ceasing, but being aware of others needs is not always a simple process.
Believe that God is always there, waiting for you.
I’ve been very blessed, over the last 10+ years, with a prayer ministry that is based in the internet. I get any where from 800 to 2,000 prayer requests per day, from a large variety of sources, and from an amazing number of countries. I know that most people who read this will be saying: how can he actually READ that many, let alone respond & pray for each one. God gave me the perfect gift, while I was young, to do this work for Him. I can read about 4,000 words per minute, so there is no stress involved. I believe that you all have a gift from God, that is waiting to be used for Him.
The following Bible reference is one I have loved for many, many years:
“Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits. Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:14-21
PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING, and be CONCERNED (and prayerful), in everything you do & say, and God WILL be with you and bless you, through Jesus Christ.
YBIC
Bruce
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Adam Hamilton is the senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, one of the fastest growing churches in the country. The author of several books including “Selling Swimsuits in the Artic”,
Pastor Hamilton has written an inspiring new book entitled “24 Hours That Changed the World”. This book takes the reader through the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life and ministry here on earth and concludes with the resurrection. Pastor Hamilton’s new book, along with a devotional book entitled “40 Days of Reflection”, will be the foundation of our worship services during Lent through Easter. Also used each Sunday will be a video by Pastor Hamilton to help us see what those last 24 hours might have looked and sounded like.
The book, “24 Hours That Changed the World” will be on sale at the church
for $20, and the devotional book will sell for $10. EVERYONE in the church is
encouraged to purchase BOTH books and read them during Lent. (Lent begins
on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17.)
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