“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matthew 22:37-39
As we build a relationship with the Lord we begin to feel the love He has for us and then we in turn want to share His love with others. I prayed for the Lord to use me in every way. I felt that I was doing my part as a Christian by giving when the Church called for "Special Offerings" to help a Church Member, Special Missions or Needy Families. We were willing to work hard at keeping our own yards, weeding our own gardens, cleaning our own houses doing for ourselves, seeing about our own needs and we didn’t complain a bit if it was something we love to do. That’s the way I started my walk as a Babe in Christ.
Now there were times I gave and helped out of obligation. I went through the motions wanting to do right but not really feeling it in my heart. After 20 years of Serving the Lord--Thank God, He loved me enough to not leave me that way.
Over the last few years God has given me the opportunity to be used in every way (spiritually, physically, mentally and financially) to some "Very Special People" that "HE CHOSE" and put in my path. Many times I was going through my own trials and tribulations and gave when I didn’t really have it to give. It has not always been about the giving of finances. God would send me those that needed encouraging when I had my own share of problems and could of used a little encouraging myself, pushing myself to help out-- doing tasks when I wasn't feeling well in my own physical body. When I felt weary the Lord would say to me, “You take care of their needs first and I will be sure to take care of you.” “Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:24. (NLT)
God has allowed me to stand beside others as they have gone through their hardships, times of lack, unfortunate circumstances and even terminal illness. I’ve prayed, opened my home, given my time, labor, food, finances, and clothing--all so that they would See Jesus and He Would Get The Glory! “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2. There have been many tears shed, sorrows and uncertainty—but my faith in Jesus will not waiver.
I trust the Lord to "Use Me" where He needs me. These days I care enough to recognize the needs of others. I am always looking for ways for "JESUS TO SHINE" and bring some HOPE to those in the midst of their storms. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. When God opens a door for me to encourage, give or help, I don’t question Him or ask how? It doesn’t matter anymore what the schedule or checkbook looks like in the natural, because when you Truly Feel God’s Love and Compassion For Others and have the FAITH TO BELIEVE--He will make a way where there seem to be no way! So keep your eyes and ears open so we can be used in some way whether big or small to Spread the Love of Jesus Christ with Others.
I want to Thank the Lord for Answering My Prayer and helping me to Really See those around me--Through His Eyes. I also had wonderful and anointed Pastors who taught me the word and lead by example for many years. No matter what the Lord would ask of you just know that your reward comes from heaven. “…but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2.3-4. (NIV) Forever Faithful To Jesus, Debra Arredondo Crisp
