Local Ministries & Hard Times

Friday, November 11, 2008

For many the current events has turn your world upside down. The economic problems may have caused your retirement funds to shrink to near nothing, others have lost your jobs and everywhere there is the feeling of unknown and fear. In the news we hear that folks are not going and doing as they have in the past. We are staying closer to home, going out to eat less and buying only what we really need.

Some have looked back to just a few months ago and realized just how blessed we have been. Others have looked around and realized just how blessed they are even in these hard times.

I grew up hearing a saying. God is good! - and someone would respond - All the time. Oh, how true God is good all the time! One might ask is this a time of testing and if so how should I respond. The Bible says - And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD (Psalms 40:3).

How we handle this crises reflects our faith and where we put our trust. Those of us who have chosen to yield our life to Jesus must draw from His strength and be strong in our beliefs. Is it not better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man? (Psalms 118:8).

As I look on these hard times I have come to realize that I have spent way too much time on worrying about the golden years of retirement and what makes me feel good. The question came to mind "what is my purpose here on earth?" The answer is simple, but so often forgotten. I, like many of you, am to be the lamp in the lighthouse that leads other to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Yes, I would agree that we have families, jobs and, and, and. But the truth is that all of these should be a means to allow us to be a beacon for Christ. I am concerned that during these hard times many who have volunteered in the past, to go and do mission projects, will feel they are unable to continue.

Many of the groups we work with depend heavily on their volunteer base to help run their many programs. What will happen to these programs if the volunteers do not come? I do not know. I can only trust that the Lord will provide.

I do think we could plan to use our vacation time to do missions. Many of the mission opportunities we work with are family friendly. A trip to the valley in Texas or Helena, Arkansas to help with their summer programs can be most rewarding and cost very little compared to Disney.

Another thing we all can do is look around our own communities and find a place to do missions. There are food banks, rescue or homeless missions, meals on wheels, boys and girls clubs that could use volunteers. Be creative and look for new ways to serve your neighbor. Maybe you could help start a mission opportunity - like a babysitting service for a working single mom, or a "we care" visit each month to some forgotten shut in. Now is a good time to be creative.

One last thought. Don't be tempted to steal. Yes, steal! I am talking about the tenth we owe God - our tithe. Just remember God does not need your money, but He needs for you to display that you truly believe and trust Him. You will never miss the tithe. In fact, I believe the only thing you will miss is a Blessing if you don't.

Nick