Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Matthew 25:40 Sharing the Journey -Growing in Love

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40

Sharing the Journey was a blessed day on Saturday with over 400 women and teens in attendance. Amidst the fun, faith and fellowship with various speakers, singers and ministries were awesome organizations like
World Vision and the Bridge ministry right here in our city. Our theme was "Growing in Love", and after that day, I was reminded that as we grow in love, we will naturally pass on the love of Jesus to others....Being ready to share, serve and give onto others as you have been given.....

I am a member of SEMF (Saskatoon Evangelical Ministerial Fellowship) where pastors and leaders of our city gather for a luncheon each month for prayer, fellowship and hearing from a speaker. This month's focus was different . Rather than a noon hour luncheon, we went on a 3 hour bus tour of the inner city of Saskatoon, ending with lunch at the The Bridge on 20th. Although I am familiar with many ministries that reach out to the poor in my city and also with those in need globally with my local church and agencies like
World Vision, this morning hit me hard. When Jesus said "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me", it brings a believer to a whole new level of love. Our group traveled to many of the spots that are key points of service to the poor and those in dire need and met with the leaders there. We also stopped on the side and prayed for various aspects of the people in the heart of our city. During one of those stops, we prayed for the women who are trapped in poverty, abuse, addictions or prostitution. Hard to believe what transpires in our own back yard- but it's there. My heart broke deeper for the women as I interceded with the rest.

You may not be called to work in the inner city or on the streets of third world countries but we can do our part in reaching out to "the least of these".
-Is it through prayer?
-Is it through service?
-Is it through donation of your time, talents, money, food or clothing?

Whatever we can do for the "least of these" and done in the name of Jesus- I believe we will grow and reap what we sow into these precious lives trapped in despair and without hope. It seems like a counter cultural concept when we are facing a global recession to reach out to the poor, but I believe God is wanting to get our attention by saying "do you serve me or money?" As we know by HIs word in Luke 13:16 that says:
"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

Here's a prayer for us to check our hearts in this area of reaching out to the least of these:
Dear God,
We praise you for the abundant blessings that you give us. Food, clothing, shelter, loved ones, a purpose, gifts, talents, time... the list goes on and on. Most importantly we thank you for YOU- Your Son Jesus, and your Word that convicts us to take steps to obey you and your call to reach out to others in this hurting world. Father, direct us to those who you consider "The least of these" in our community and help us discern what we can do to make a difference for those precious people trapped in their pain. Empower us with your love to be a light in the darkness. In Jesus name we pray- AMEN!


Love to hear stories of others who have shared the love of Christ with those who are considered "the least of these" in your communities!

I wrote on this subject on my personal blog as well: Jodi's Journey

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