Here is a little more information on the book that Jim was telling you about this morning.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
SUPPORT
First, I would like to say that Jim did not solicit any support for his family that is abroad doing GOD's work.
That said, I felt the Spirit moved me to suggest that we as a group take action as a result in what we are learning from our study of JAMES. This suggestion was not intended to diminish the love and the significance of the care package that Jim and wife put together already and just mailed off. When I suggested this a week ago, it was an opportunity for anyone to stand up and voice any objections, but I heard none. Hence, I brought it again today for our consideration and again via this post.
I must confess that my motives may be partially selfish, in that this act may offset some of my guilt of commercialism that I shared in my last weeks post. Nevertheless, I sense that this season of giving wears us down including our wallets. To clarify my vision of support, it was not in context of money,rather the provision of items that may be readily available state side (i.e., what we take for granted), but not necessarily on the shelf abroad. More importantly it was not intended to solve their challenges, but was a token demonstration by their follow Christians that their sacrifices to do GOD's work is not forgotten and our love. I would venture to say that if I were in their shoes during unproductive periods, I could have a weak moment or two to ponder whether if GOD or anyone cares for that matter, and whether it was a big mistake (just like our brave troops on the firing line).
What can fit in a flat rate box? Examples: Tooth paste or brushes, water purification tablets, band aids, ointments for cuts/burns, aspirin, quotes of our favorite scripture for inspiration, battery free radio/flashlight (hand crank, matches, any survival type item (e.g., space blanket, mag. striker fire starter, candles, sewing kits ....), wood screws, various bolts & nuts, hand mirrors, small multiple-purpose tools, stamps, paper pads, pencils, plastic bags, inspect repellent wipes, sun screen wipes, lip balm, compass, string, duct tape, scotch tape, glue, paper cups
......etc.
I know we can do this.
Your brother in Christ
JAMES 2:15-18
"Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do."
That said, I felt the Spirit moved me to suggest that we as a group take action as a result in what we are learning from our study of JAMES. This suggestion was not intended to diminish the love and the significance of the care package that Jim and wife put together already and just mailed off. When I suggested this a week ago, it was an opportunity for anyone to stand up and voice any objections, but I heard none. Hence, I brought it again today for our consideration and again via this post.
I must confess that my motives may be partially selfish, in that this act may offset some of my guilt of commercialism that I shared in my last weeks post. Nevertheless, I sense that this season of giving wears us down including our wallets. To clarify my vision of support, it was not in context of money,rather the provision of items that may be readily available state side (i.e., what we take for granted), but not necessarily on the shelf abroad. More importantly it was not intended to solve their challenges, but was a token demonstration by their follow Christians that their sacrifices to do GOD's work is not forgotten and our love. I would venture to say that if I were in their shoes during unproductive periods, I could have a weak moment or two to ponder whether if GOD or anyone cares for that matter, and whether it was a big mistake (just like our brave troops on the firing line).
What can fit in a flat rate box? Examples: Tooth paste or brushes, water purification tablets, band aids, ointments for cuts/burns, aspirin, quotes of our favorite scripture for inspiration, battery free radio/flashlight (hand crank, matches, any survival type item (e.g., space blanket, mag. striker fire starter, candles, sewing kits ....), wood screws, various bolts & nuts, hand mirrors, small multiple-purpose tools, stamps, paper pads, pencils, plastic bags, inspect repellent wipes, sun screen wipes, lip balm, compass, string, duct tape, scotch tape, glue, paper cups
......etc.
I know we can do this.
Your brother in Christ
JAMES 2:15-18
"Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do."
Friday, November 27, 2009
BLACK FRIDAY
Our study of James has given me a different perspective on what we believe as a society.
Following Thanksgiving, an another opportunity to give thanks to GOD for our blessings, which obviously we could do every day, I am a little taken back on the brazen attack by commercialism. Not trying to be judgmental, but face it brothers, the underlying message I am hearing is that our economy (i.e., retail sector) again is at the mercy of consumers. Indeed, James may agree that it is a "black" Friday in the context of being evil or Satan based. Although believers, this is a stark reminder that we are still "duel" minded, where we aspire to be spiritual, but still live in a physical world, tainted with original sin since creation. Sad to say, I am not above it as I ponder how to spoil the grand kids for Christmas.
Past holidays, I confess I tried to offset my consumerism with token donations (i.e., a goat, or portable water treatment in the names of our grand kids) more so out of guilt, but no fault to them, it would be very unlikely, that they would be able to recall those small mercies given in their same.
Bottom line, pray for me and ourselves for that matter, that we can survive this holiday with some spiritual integrity still intact, and not to take repentance for granted.
Love you all in Christ.
Following Thanksgiving, an another opportunity to give thanks to GOD for our blessings, which obviously we could do every day, I am a little taken back on the brazen attack by commercialism. Not trying to be judgmental, but face it brothers, the underlying message I am hearing is that our economy (i.e., retail sector) again is at the mercy of consumers. Indeed, James may agree that it is a "black" Friday in the context of being evil or Satan based. Although believers, this is a stark reminder that we are still "duel" minded, where we aspire to be spiritual, but still live in a physical world, tainted with original sin since creation. Sad to say, I am not above it as I ponder how to spoil the grand kids for Christmas.
Past holidays, I confess I tried to offset my consumerism with token donations (i.e., a goat, or portable water treatment in the names of our grand kids) more so out of guilt, but no fault to them, it would be very unlikely, that they would be able to recall those small mercies given in their same.
Bottom line, pray for me and ourselves for that matter, that we can survive this holiday with some spiritual integrity still intact, and not to take repentance for granted.
Love you all in Christ.
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