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Listen while you read: "Standing By A Purpose True"1 (Lyrics) |
The other day, I was searching the Internet for lyrics to a song, and I came across a song entitled Do something, written by Matthew West, an American contemporary Christian musician and songwriter.
In his song, Matthew questions God as to why there is so much injustice, poverty, and suffering in the world. When he demands that God do something about it, God replies, "I did; I created you." His point is that each of us needs to do something about it.
As I listened to the words and then read the lyrics, it was as if a light went on. My heart was moved, and I wholeheartedly shouted a loud "Amen!" I realized that it is up to me to do something – anything – to further God's kingdom on earth. We Christians can't just sit around and wait for someone else to bring about changes for the betterment of our world. We need to act now, with God's help, if it is within our strength and power to do so.
James 2:15-17 – If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill," and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. (NRSV)
You may wonder, What is it that I can do? Here are some suggestions: You may want to champion a cause that will bring clean water to places that do not have that luxury; you may want to organize an event to stop bullying; you can stand up for the weak; you can be a beacon of light to the elderly or lonely, giving comfort and hope, and praying. You can volunteer your time at a local hospital or nursing home, being kind, listening, and sharing the good news of the gospel.
James 1:22-25 – But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act — they will be blessed in their doing. (NRSV)
Prayer: Creator God, Your Holy Spirit is moving over the face of the earth in a mighty way. We thank You for inspiring men and women to speak out in the songs that they sing, in the words that they speak, and in action and protest. Continue to inspire and strengthen Your children as we work towards furthering Your kingdom on this earth. Amen.
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Saturday, April 20, 2024 – In Niger — We had some wonderful cool weather through January and February which was a real blessing as we approach the hot season in April/May. We welcomed three returning students who had been delay due to the coup d'état. Pray for a resolution to the coup, and for endurance during the hot season and power cuts. Pray for the salvation and growth of our students.
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Always good stuff.
Good word today Rosemary.
Another good challenge Rosemary. God bless.
You have a wonderful way with words, Rosy. Thank you for an inspiring message.
Loved your devotion this morning Rosemary. Thank you. A great reminder for all of us. May God continue to bless you as you continue to inspire us.
Dear Madam,
I feel blessed and encouraged by your write up.
There is soo much more to be done than to be on-lookers.
I pray we carry our cross each day and for more grace and strength to bring each task to an expected end.
What a beautiful devotional, Rosemary. We just need to look around and realize that even a word of encouragement or a smile can make a difference. Even little gestures can bring joy to someone who is lost,
lonely or sad. We may not be able to do great things, but at least we can do little things in our daily walk.
Dear Rosemary,
Thank you.
I especially liked:
In his song, Matthew questions God as to why there is so much injustice, poverty, and suffering in the world. When he demands that God do something about it, God replies, “I did; I created you.”
May “each of us … do something about it.” — In Jersus name, Amen.
Keep writing.
Hi Rosemary,
Your devotional was very appropriate. This weekend I am participating in a Mother’s Day Walk for Save the Mothers, an organization started by Jean
Chamberlain-Froese. She has worked for the last several years in Uganda. Tomorrow we will have a special guest speaking who is from H2O4ALL. This organization went to the hospital Jean works at an installed running water there very recently.
Those are two organizations, both Canadian, that are improving conditions for people around the world.
They “did something!”
Hi Rosy,
You make a good point, both my wife and I volunteer at the local Nursing home, she does a number of things and I lead a Bible discussion, very rewarding. I preach there too on occasion.
I am also the Chair of a non-profit housing corporation, not always that rewarding. It seem that the people who live in the houses don’t appreciate all the work that is being done for them by a volunteer Board. We don’t have too many problems with the senior units and the problems we do have are mostly age related. But in the town houses it is a different story. It seems like there are always about 10{8395b6ce96fcf25a14d80edc3b65c36a8995b6c1ba5f8c16ac11d8adaa79f35b} of the residents who take up 90{8395b6ce96fcf25a14d80edc3b65c36a8995b6c1ba5f8c16ac11d8adaa79f35b} of our time and it can be most discouraging at times for all of us, but we soldier on.
I hope your devotion will encourage others to volunteer in a meaningful way some place.
Blessings.