” And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.” Acts 11:28-30
Devotional Thought For The Day
You will forgive me if I am a bit consumed by thoughts of “disaster relief” these days. We are working, within the structures of our own church body, to participate in the huge “relief” and “rebuilding” processes that are gearing up in Colorado. All three of the larger counties still facing massive challenges in replacing infrastructure and helping people get back to some new form of “normal” [Boulder, Weld, and Larimer] have large inter-agency committees administering funds through United Way, which we are also partnering with, and I am deeply involved in this work in Boulder County. Most people unaffected by the flood [even locally] do not understand that many of the drainages [streams] remain as they were left by the flood waters five months ago, and many of the personal properties decimated by the flood waters remain as they were five months ago when the waters receded. So, many of the victims are still scraping by in temporary living quarters, some in financial and personal desperation, while awaiting processes to be settled that will enable them to begin to assess repairing/replacing damaged real estate, homes, buildings, and possessions. The funds available are woefully deficient, and many people will never truly “recover.” In addition, we are facing Spring run-off at a time when numerous debris piles still obstruct the stream-beds.
In response to the great famine that took place in Palestine in the days of the early church, the “disciples,” believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, “determined” to send relief to the brothers [fellow believers]. No one was compelled, other than by the love of Christ they had experienced through faith. Each contributed “according to his ability” – not jeopardizing personal survival, but freely giving from the abundance and excess of what God had given. In the next few months I hope that many of the “disciples” living in America will do the same – for this process of flood “recovery” will take at least another 12 to 24 months, and there is much need. I hope that as information is once again provided in regard to the heart-rending circumstances that remain here, many will be moved to generosity – both in coming to volunteer time and skills, and also in contributing financially. Already, the response of Christians with this kind of sacrificial giving has been large and heart-warming. Just as the early Christians were eager to help, so the Spirit of Jesus continues to place this same compassion, love, and eagerness to help in the hearts of His disciples today.
The circumstances here in Colorado are quite interesting. Colorado, like much of “the West,” has never been strongly evangelized and “discipled.” Many studies have indicated what those of us who live here have long known, that we are one of the least “churched” areas of the country. It is not that the people here are not civil, and in many ways considerate. But it does mean that many people living here have had no contact with real Christianity, and are very poorly informed as to what Christ has done for them – only they have experienced the warmth here lately that Christ has moved His people to provide for them. The opportunities for continued witness, both in conversation and in love in real action, are immense. Disasters provide a real open door for us to convey the compassion, kindness, and mercy of God to those in difficult circumstances, and along with communicating love with physical and temporal resources, we can provide the greatest love by bearing witness to God’s eternal love in Christ Jesus. So our ministry of “relief” here in Colorado is not only to the “brothers,” but also to those whom God loves, and for whom Christ died, but who are yet to know and believe the love that God has for us. We pray that many will have an earlier faith in Christ revived and revitalized, and that many others will be moved to consider the great love that God has revealed to us in the gift of His Son.
Please continue to pray for the people of Colorado – those who are victims and those who are going to be ministering to them through case work, and the process of providing whatever help and assistance we can muster. The compassion of those serving others is truly heart-warming – many people who could be just sitting on their couches without care or concern, but who are compelled by the needs and woes of others to help. They are worthy of our support, with prayers and encouragement and resources. God will lift them up and give them strength, and He will use us to help with this. Thank you for your determination to show compassion and care as God encourages and enables you.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, You love all people, and You order all things for the eternal benefit of people. We know Your love, the wonder of having the gift of Your salvation, and we too are moved and determined to share all of Your great blessings with those around us. Strengthen us, in the face of the disasters You allow, in our compassion and love, and in our determination to provide relief and aid to those in dire need. Especially bless those who are on the front line in administering Your love. Keep them strong in compassion and determination. Amen.