Meditation

04/25/2024

“But a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God If anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1^st Timothy 5: 4, 8)

Biblical faith places a high priority on the family. Meeting the physical needs of one’s family is a part of Christian stewardship. Christians should manage personal resources in a responsible way to care for family needs. To fail to fulfill family responsibilities is sin, making one as untrue to the commitment of faith in Christ. Even non-believers provide necessities of life for their families.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “How Important Is It to Take Care of Family?? It is and always has been very important for families to take care of one another. It is especially true that as parents and grandparents age, that responsibility increase. It is considered a sin to ignore family needs. Always remember that when you were young, it was your parents and grandparents that shared with you, that they were patient with you, that they loved you and taught you how to love others. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, and/or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Being a servant is a free choice that not all are willing to accept. Will you?”

KNOWING GOD:

“The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles. The Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, ‘Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with unclean hands?’ He replied, ‘Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’ You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.’” (Mark 3-5, 8-13)

True understanding and commitment to God’s word brings outward and inward change. Jesus was dismayed and angered that the religious people pretended with outward gestures to believe God but showed no change of heart so that love and forgiveness did not live in them. They pretended to be converted with outward signs only. Pleasing other people by obeying human rites and rules does not please God. Providing for the physical needs of one’s family is as important a part of Christian stewardship.

SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these? ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’ Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you truly love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’ The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love ou.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.’ Jesus said this to indicated the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, ‘Follow me!’Take care of my sheep.” (John 21: 15-18)

Being a follower of Jesus Christ has only one requirement. We may be followers of Christ if we love Jesus so deeply we are willing to do what He asks. Each time Simon Peter answered Jesus’ question concerning loving Him, the Lord gave him a task to do. When Peter asked what John was to do, Jesus said that should not concern Peter. Love for Jesus leads us to serve other people. Every disciple has a task. My primary concern is to do the task the Lord has given to us because we love Him. The Lord will give others whatever assignment pleases Him. In other words, we don’t need to concern ourselves with what other people are doing, we are to focus on what He has each one of us doing, that matters in the overall plan. Crystal clear???