What do I mean by that? Hubby actually came to me yesterday and commented he didn't want to go downtown to feed the homeless with the group, but what was I thinking about it. I told him that I was going to send some money to Teen Challenge, and I was going to stay home and cook; taking food over to our neighbors. He, of course, thought that was a great idea. I reminded him that he cannot stand on his feet for extended lengths of time as he loses his balance. I love to serve people and do for others, but I want to do it in my community, where I can see it helps and make a difference. Some of these people don't eat right because they live alone. When we are alone, we know how we eat! A home cooked meal is rare.
Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV): "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let our light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
We are to do good to others, to reflect the light of Jesus to this world of darkness. Does that make sense? We either contribute to the darkness, or we bring light to it; the light of Jesus is what this world needs.
Being around 'old' people pretty much all the time makes me all the more conscious of their need to be sure they are saved and ready to meet Jesus. I've seen it so much over the years. I've observed people who have been 'busy' about the Lord's work for years.... then when they reach a certain age, feel they can retire and no longer be used by Him. They make that call.... and they miss out so much on being a light to other people. Not all people, obviously, but I have seen it over the years.
My heart is with the older generation at times because I know their time is short. What if they aren't ready to meet Jesus? What if they have not really embraced what being a Christ-follower is? What if ....
With speaking at the RV parks during the winter months when the snowbirds are here, I am more and more often aware of what is at stake. We've had it told us that we are the only ones who give the invitation to follow Jesus and what it means. The other pastors must be just fluffing the covers. But I believe it is my responsibility to tell how to follow Jesus.... if I don't, and they have never committed their lives to Him.... if I don't give them that opportunity.... it will be on me if they don't go to heaven. I must share the light of Jesus to them, and pray they will receive Him with all their heart.
It is ultimately their choice, yes. And surprisingly people often will 'joke' they know they are going to hell because they choose one thing over following Jesus. They hold on to grievances, unanswered prayers (well, they WERE answered, but in God's timing, not theirs), healings they sought and it didn't happen, circumstances that were beyond their control, things they should have given to God to handle and didn't.... or perhaps God took a loved one away and they had prayed for them. There are so many excuses people give for not following Jesus.
And it's sad, for following Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm not perfect by any means - you know that - but I know for sure that choosing Jesus is the best decision I ever made. I still make mistakes. I still get angry. I still, sometimes, hold grudges or bitterness in my heart. But as I seek Him, He makes my load lighter, He gives me the strength to get through each day. When I am weak, He is strong.
Have you ever thought that when you do good to others, that you are being Jesus to them? When you give out of your provisions, you are Jesus to those whom you give to? When you show love to others, you are being Jesus to them? I love that. Sometimes I'm not very good at some things.... but I do try to be kind to others, even when they are unkind in return. Yes, there are those kinds of people who do not accept freely what is given them. Show them the love of Jesus anyway.
I slept until 5AM this morning and laid in bed until nearly 5:30AM. Hubby had gotten up at 5AM and had gone to make the coffee. I just wanted the quiet of the morning before I got up. I finally got up and came in here and here comes hubby with the coffee. And his complaints. Sigh. He was complaining there is something wrong with the Kerig... said it had done it earlier this week too. He made a pot of coffee. I'm wondering if he pushed the wrong buttons on it... but heaven help me that I should bring that to his attention. Of course I'm not to make my own coffee. After all, in the Bible it says 'He-brews' (Hebrews) and he makes sure everyone knows it. Perhaps I'll make a pot of tea this afternoon and see for myself if it is the machine, or the person pushing the buttons on the machine.
I probably need to start wrapping some of these Christmas gifts and writing down everything so that I don't overdo it this year. I am 'done' with my middle child....LOL.... my problem now is that I keep seeing other things I want to get.... but I know he would prefer I spend it on the grandchildren. But the grandchildren get lots from their parents; why can't I do extra for MY children? There will be a time that they will understand what I am doing. I'm cutting back on the grandchildren this year (ok, so the great-grandchildren will be spoiled, but I'm not buying anything else for them!) and focusing on my children. They are my joy, even when they break me heartache.
But first, I need to decide what I'm going to make today and figure out if I need to run to the grocery store, which is probably yes. If I'm going to try the peach cobbler, I know I need to go. Figure out what all I need for what I plan to make.... then come back and get started.
Naw, first will have to be I cook breakfast for hubby. He seems to think that since I don't have to work, Saturdays I should cook breakfast. I don't always, but it doesn't hurt me. It will put him in a better mood for the day so why not. :-) At least he is in favor of my cooking for the neighbors. Why? Because he gets some of it too! I'm not only cooking for them, I'm cooking for him, right? LOL
So with all this, I'm shutting up for today. Want to do some reading this morning and just sit with Jesus. The day is here and things are to be done. But they will always be there. Having time to spend with Jesus quickly passes by unless one takes advantage of it.
This is my time....
Blessings!
