Thursday, February 26, 2015

GIFTS FOR THE JOURNEY

In 3 John 5 & 6, we read: “Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of our love before the church. If you sent them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well.”

We watched from our window at the Waffle House as the old station wagon, pulling a U-Haul, chugged in, steam escaping from under the hood. The occupants began to pile out. Kids, ranging in age from four to ten years old, and the mother with a newborn. But then the father opened the back door on the driver's side and leaned in. He lifted a child, twisted by birth defects, gently and lovingly, and followed the family into the restaurant.

The group filed in and quietly took the largest table available. The older children helped the younger ones, with smiles and teasing. The father ordered for the family and they patiently waited to be served.

“What do you think?” My husband asked. My granddaughter looked at him.

“Definitely, we should do it.”

“What?” My granddaughter asked, watching as my husband signaled to our waitress who came over with our check.

“A slight change, please,” my husband said. “We would like to pay for the family that just came in.” He nodded in their direction.

“I’ll call my manager,” she said. “I’m not sure we can do that.” The manager came over, quickly agreed and with excitement made the arrangements for payment.

“We’re not going to wait to see...?” Granddaughter asked.

“No,” my husband said. “All we do is give. The reaction is another matter.”

We are on a journey--maybe you are in a fancy motor home or in a dilapidated station wagon. As we go we will have many opportunities to share the love of our Lord Jesus and allow His Love to show through us.

Kingdom Thinking. You have in your hands many gifts. Gifts from the Lord Jesus for our journey. Gifts to be given to others as we go. Your supply is abundant, from the Lord Jesus, Himself. He loves you with an Everlasting Love. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Are you ready to journey with the Lord Jesus?