H.D.M. Spence: The world’s way is to take without working; God’s way is the opposite, work so that you have to have something to give.

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Ephesians 4:28

“Christ calls us to work in order that we may have something to give away. Paganism would rob others of what is rightfully their own; Christianity leads me to give to others what is rightfully my own. This different genius of the two systems appears here very clearly. Observe the true use of superfluities—look out for the needy, and give for their relief.”

The very Rev. H.D.M. Spence in Pulpit Commentary on Ephesians, notes on Ephesians 4:28.

“Let us give with glad and generous hearts. Giving has a way of routing out the tough old miser within us. Even the poor need to know that they can give. Just the very act of letting go of money, or some other treasure, does something within us. It destroys the demon greed.”

Richard Foster in The Challenge of the Disciplined Life: Christian Reflections on Money Sex and Power (New York: HarperCollins, 1985) 35

“This abundant blessing, then, which God has caused to rest upon our labours among the Orphans, year after year, has greatly encouraged me, among other reasons, to seek yet more to enlarge this work. The longer I live, the more I am enabled to realize that I have but one life to live on earth, and that this one life is but a brief life, for sowing in comparison with eternity, for reaping. The consideration of these truths, while they have practical influence upon my life, in general, so they also lead me in particular to labour for Orphans, poor destitute Orphans, who have no helper and friend.”

George Mueller in The Bristol Orphan Houses, Ashley Down by William Elfe Tayler, 139.

He heals the brokenhearted
He binds their wounds
He is love

He finds those forgotten
Those have been abused
He is love

He knows your name

A father to the fatherless
A healer of the brokenness you make
Beauty from the ashes

A helper to the helpless
A fighter for the hopeless you love
Those who are alone
Those who are alone

He comforts the lonely
He hears their cry
He is love

He holds the children
Through out the night
He is love

He knows your name

A father to the fatherless
A healer of the brokenness you make
Beauty from the ashes

A helper to the helpless
A fighter for the hopeless you love
Those who are alone

Gives us your heart, Lord, help us love the unseen
And give us your eyes, Lord, help us love those in need

You’re a father of the fatherless
A healer of the brokenness you make
Beauty from the ashes

You’re a helper to the helpless
A fighter for the hopeless you love
Those who are alone
Those who are alone

He knows your name

Esterlyn: Esther YouTube Music Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_3ugn0Imlc

As many of you may know, we returned from Guatemala last night, were we were serving the poor as Treasures made in the image of God. We were profoundly impacted through ministering to them in the name of Jesus. En route home, Sammy was finishing a book for school and shared this quote with me, so I share it with you.

“Multitudes of church members in the West are satisfied with giving their minimum to God, not their maximum. I’ve watched men and women during offering time in church. They open their fat wallets and search for the smallest amount they can give. This type of attitude will never do! Jesus gave his whole life for us, and we give as little of our lives, time and money as we can back to God. What a disgrace! Repent!”

Brother Yun in The Heavenly Man (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2002) 297.

We believe there are areas in our lives as a family where we may need to repent. For us, we have agreed to take time over Spring Break (March 23-30) to pray and discuss the implications what God may be saying to us. We invite you to do the same.

Also in sharing this meditation he found, I wish to honor my son, Sammy, for his deep dedication to the LORD on this, his 16th birthday.

“Tenth, shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the kingdom of God.”

Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1998) 95.

“Ninth, reject anything that breeds the oppression of others.”

Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1998) 94.

“Eighth, obey Jesus’ instructions about plain, honest speech…if you consent to do a task, do it.”

Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1998) 93.

“Seventh, look with a healthy skepticism at all buy now, pay later schemes.”

Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1998) 93.

“Sixth, develop a deeper appreciation for the creation.”

Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1998) 93.