Psalm 23:1-6
You, Lord, are my shepherd.
I will never be in need.
You let me rest in fields of green grass.
You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life.
You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.
I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid.
You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows.
Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Shortly
before Christmas, Timothy was watching a YouTube video where a dad and
his son opened new toys and described them to the viewers. For those of
you without small children, this has become quite the phenomenon…videos
where adults open toys - and wrapped packages or plastic eggs that
contain small toys or candy – and sample the wares. The people on
camera describe the contents and sometimes play with the toys or take a
bite of the candy and describe the experience. All three of our
children are mesmerized by these videos. Generally, they have little to
say…but this particular day, the dad opened a box containing a “Jurassic
World Indominus Rex vs. Gyrosphere Pack.”
Timothy’s eyes lit
up, and he said, “Oh! I HAVE to have this! I NEED this!” I reminded
Timothy that he had already placed his order with Santa, and I was not
sure that this was possible. But he insisted we look the toy up online
and see how much it cost…and maybe was there a way that he could have it
for Christmas, because this really was ALL that he wanted!
Luckily,
Grandma E had not done her shopping yet, and the Indominus Rex was
purchased for Timothy – along with a T-Rex for Nathan and some "Frozen"
toys for Zola. When Timothy opened the package on Christmas Eve, his
face said it all. ”This was JUST what I wanted!” he declared! And
Grandma E was the hero!
It’s a funny thing how we decide what we want/need. Some of us absolutely need
a companion…we feel we cannot function well on our own. Others believe
they absolutely must have the latest fashions, gadgets, electronics,
cars, and more. Still others feel that they are only as good as their
latest “success” – academically, physically, economically, and more.
They have to be the right weight and shape, achieve the desired scores,
earn a certain amount of money, and be surrounded by people who at least
appear to like them. And we all expend a LOT of time and energy to
accomplish these goals and maintain this “status.”
I encourage
you to stop for just a few minutes and read this scripture passage and
let it soak into your soul. Especially note the first verse…”You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” The difference
in what we find important involves a shift in focus…from ourselves and
the world – to JESUS! And what results is astounding. For starters…our
attitude and demeanor change. We are no longer chasing our tails to
get ahead, to “be somebody,” or to feel happy and content. And the
world notices the shift.
When we begin to rest in Jesus…to fully
embrace the concept that He meets our every need and gives us all that
is important, we demonstrate to others that Jesus is our Refuge – our
Comforter and Provider. In Him, we have hope and a purpose…and we are
able to share with others out of this abundance. We are able to “feed
His sheep” because we trust Him to feed us.
I have
no doubt that Timothy has played with his new dinosaur for hours on
end. But in time, he will tire of this toy and move on to the next
thing that he simply must have…just as we all do when our focus is on
earthly acquisitions and treasures. Do not misunderstand what I am
saying…there is nothing wrong with goals and aspirations. It is not
wrong to have nice things, new toys, or our desire for the company of
others. The key is how we align our priorities.
When we place
the focus on Jesus…when we look to Him to be the Author and Finisher of
all that we require, everything else falls into place…and we are truly
able to say “I will never be in need.” And we can demonstrate to others
that this is possible for them, as well.
So my question today is
this…”Who are you asking to meet your needs?” Are you seeking the
latest, greatest “toy” to add to your collection…or are you seeking a
seat at the LORD’s table, where His kindness and love are always
available? When others look at you, do they see someone whose needs are
met by Jesus…or someone who is “looking for love and confirmation in
all the wrong places”? How you answer matters greatly. So Who is
meeting your needs today?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label recognizing others' needs and meeting them. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recognizing others' needs and meeting them. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for July 27, 2015
Deuteronomy 15:10-11
Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, I rode with Greg as he delivered Meals on Wheels to better than a half-dozen senior citizens in our community. As we “made the rounds” this very hot July day, I thought of the people who are served. I noted the dilapidated condition of some of the homes…and how others are well tended. We commented that in many of the latter cases, there is probably someone – or a group of people – who “see after” these people and make sure that the house and yard are nicely kept and appointed…and that other needs are met.
Riding with Greg on these deliveries is always bittersweet. On the one hand, I am so proud of the service he provides…and how deeply he cares about “his people.” I know they are grateful for his visits – even when they only last a couple of minutes.
But I am also saddened to think of the countless people - in our community alone - who are in need…not necessarily of money – or even the daily hot meal…but something perhaps even more valuable. These people need human contact…the smiling face and concern of someone who truly cares about them. It is amazing how much thoughtfulness can be conveyed in just a couple of minutes.
I would be willing to bet that every day around noon, there are a few dozen folks in our community whose lives are brightened by the knock on their door from a Meals on Wheels volunteer. There are probably dozens more who have a better day because a Home Health aide or nurse visits…and while they are paid to do so, theirs is most certainly a labor of love in large degree.
We cannot all deliver Meals on Wheels or become Home Health aides. We can’t all be foster parents or volunteer at the animal shelter or the soup kitchen. We don’t all have extra cash lying around that we can distribute to those with financial needs. But here’s what we do all have…the ability to give of the heart. And if you look closely at these verses, you see that it says to “open your purse…and your hands.”
Look around…there is something you can do. There is someone who has a need that you can meet…whether it is to visit with a neighbor and ask, “How are you doing?”(and mean it!)…or to talk with someone who is going through a situation with which you have experience - and offer some hints, tips, and commiseration. There are people who need a hug or a smile…and those who could use a word of encouragement. The next time you bake a cake or cookies…why not share half with a neighbor or friend who is unable to bake because of physical restraints or lack of time?
Offer someone a ride – to run errands, visit the doctor, or just visit another friend. Buy the 10-lb bag of potatoes that is cheaper than just purchasing just a few – and share the extras with a single person or elderly neighbors on fixed incomes. Offer to walk a friend’s dog while he/she recovers from an accident or illness. Ask a teacher if you can do anything to help him/her get ready for school this fall. There are name tags to cut out, bulletin boards to prepare…and children to watch while Mom and/or Dad spends the last days of summer vacation in the classroom working on projects.
In short, open your eyes and ears to the needs right around you. Not every act of “giving” involves money. And one of the best ways to give back to others is through prayer. We often say, “All I can do is pray.” What we fail to recognize is that often, prayer is not only the most important gift we can offer…it truly is enough!
I came away from today’s delivery with a humble heart and a renewed desire to be more open and available to the ways that I can serve the “poor and needy” in my own back yard. It’s was just the jolt I needed…and I hope I have motivated you, as well. Are you ready to open your heart and hands to the “poor and needy” in your midst? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, I rode with Greg as he delivered Meals on Wheels to better than a half-dozen senior citizens in our community. As we “made the rounds” this very hot July day, I thought of the people who are served. I noted the dilapidated condition of some of the homes…and how others are well tended. We commented that in many of the latter cases, there is probably someone – or a group of people – who “see after” these people and make sure that the house and yard are nicely kept and appointed…and that other needs are met.
Riding with Greg on these deliveries is always bittersweet. On the one hand, I am so proud of the service he provides…and how deeply he cares about “his people.” I know they are grateful for his visits – even when they only last a couple of minutes.
But I am also saddened to think of the countless people - in our community alone - who are in need…not necessarily of money – or even the daily hot meal…but something perhaps even more valuable. These people need human contact…the smiling face and concern of someone who truly cares about them. It is amazing how much thoughtfulness can be conveyed in just a couple of minutes.
I would be willing to bet that every day around noon, there are a few dozen folks in our community whose lives are brightened by the knock on their door from a Meals on Wheels volunteer. There are probably dozens more who have a better day because a Home Health aide or nurse visits…and while they are paid to do so, theirs is most certainly a labor of love in large degree.
We cannot all deliver Meals on Wheels or become Home Health aides. We can’t all be foster parents or volunteer at the animal shelter or the soup kitchen. We don’t all have extra cash lying around that we can distribute to those with financial needs. But here’s what we do all have…the ability to give of the heart. And if you look closely at these verses, you see that it says to “open your purse…and your hands.”
Look around…there is something you can do. There is someone who has a need that you can meet…whether it is to visit with a neighbor and ask, “How are you doing?”(and mean it!)…or to talk with someone who is going through a situation with which you have experience - and offer some hints, tips, and commiseration. There are people who need a hug or a smile…and those who could use a word of encouragement. The next time you bake a cake or cookies…why not share half with a neighbor or friend who is unable to bake because of physical restraints or lack of time?
Offer someone a ride – to run errands, visit the doctor, or just visit another friend. Buy the 10-lb bag of potatoes that is cheaper than just purchasing just a few – and share the extras with a single person or elderly neighbors on fixed incomes. Offer to walk a friend’s dog while he/she recovers from an accident or illness. Ask a teacher if you can do anything to help him/her get ready for school this fall. There are name tags to cut out, bulletin boards to prepare…and children to watch while Mom and/or Dad spends the last days of summer vacation in the classroom working on projects.
In short, open your eyes and ears to the needs right around you. Not every act of “giving” involves money. And one of the best ways to give back to others is through prayer. We often say, “All I can do is pray.” What we fail to recognize is that often, prayer is not only the most important gift we can offer…it truly is enough!
I came away from today’s delivery with a humble heart and a renewed desire to be more open and available to the ways that I can serve the “poor and needy” in my own back yard. It’s was just the jolt I needed…and I hope I have motivated you, as well. Are you ready to open your heart and hands to the “poor and needy” in your midst? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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