Having Compassion

Yesterday I stood at the front of our local market and handed out brochures for Operation Christmas Child. My goal was to try to get our community involved in this ministry. The longer I stood there the heavier my heart became. As people walked by I asked, “would  you like to pack a shoebox for a needy child”? Their reply was pretty much the same, no thank you. But what got my attention was how it was so easy to say no, not now. My whole being wanted to cry out– WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO, NOT NOW? THIS WORLD IS HURTING AND YOU SAY NO-WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE? You say no yet comment on how beautiful the tree standing by the door is.

I think you get the picture on how it was. I really came close to tears a few times.

I was reminded of Jesus so many times as his heart cried out for the people of this world and how he was moved with compassion. I know what I felt yesterday doesn’t compare to what Jesus must have felt and probably still does.

 

³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Matthew 9:36-37

 

Have a good week and remember to always look up!

 

Planting

So the other day I found out something that really bothered me. I found out that something I tried to do 3-4 years ago was being done by someone else and my 1st thought was WHAT? They can’t do that!                    I was the one who thought of that idea, I was the one who tried to get people involved, they have no right–

but I heard the Lord softly say to me one man plants another waters.

I began to ponder that and ask forgiveness for I know God was right.

I then called the person up and told them what had happened and began to share the vision I had a few years ago. I also shared what God had put on my heart. I told them I would be praying for them and that to keep our church in mind if it is offered again next year.

I am just a servant and the Lord is the one who makes it grow.

⁵ What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. ⁶ I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. ⁷ So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.  1 Corinthians 3:5-7

Have a good week and always remember to look up!