[Julie posts for us today!]
Courtesy of majoringinme.com
I’ll begin today’s entry with a fantastic verse to meditate upon:
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
This was part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. This great speech was meant to teach his disciples and crowds of people gathered around Him about the ways his followers should seek to live their lives.
In the above verse, Jesus points out that we should do good deeds.
It’s the holiday season! There are SO many opportunities to do good deeds all around us.
There are holiday charities that need our help, soup kitchens that need volunteers, and children in poor countries that need to see the love of God demonstrated to them through a Christmas gift – perhaps the only one they might ever receive. There are Santas ringing bells in front of K-Mart, and food pantry bins inside the grocery store. It’s time to remember to share some love.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking. We KNOW we need to give to those less-fortunate. It’s Christmastime. It’s what we’re “supposed to do”.
But.
Why?
Why do we have to give?
Why do we need to give away some of our time, our food, or our money that would make us more comfortable?
Because Jesus told us to shine our lights.
And do good deeds
So that others would see these things
And PRAISE JESUS TOO!
THAT is why we’re to do something good for someone else!
So that they would ask: WHY would someone do something so kind for me?
You wanna know why? I’ll tell you why, you say!
Because Jesus gave the ultimate GIFT: His LIFE! For YOU! And ME!
That fact should make us bubble over with joy – a joy we cannot wait to share with others.
So, I challenge you to give during this holiday season. Check out some links below.
Do something thoughtful for someone else who may not know the Joy of Jesus.
And when they ask you why you would do such a thing, it’s a great chance to share the story of Who it is that supplies our only source of true joy: J.e.s.u.s.
1) Experience God’s joy. 2) Share it with others.
3) Watch Jesus’ love spread.
THAT is the best Christmas gift. SPREADING Jesus’ story. Don’t wait. Try it today.
Links to GREAT GIVING:
-Give a gift to a child whose parent is incarcerated through Project Angel Tree.
-Give to help orphans around the globe with Show Hope.
-Begin sponsoring a child and build a relationship with them though Compassion International.
-Volunteer to serve a meal at a soup kitchen such as Ravenswood Community Services in Chicago.
What other ideas do you have for serving this Christmas season?
[Authored by Julie Gernand]
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