Not Counting the Costs
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, help me to listen to The Holy Spirit as I consider how I can best serve you by giving to others. Amen.
“The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’” Luke 10:35 NLT
REFLECT:
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to do a seminar for Ukrainian pastors on the Crimean Peninsula. At this conference I met a lady, Sally (not her real name), who was doing medical mission. She was displaced when the peninsula came under Russian occupation and moved to Central Ukraine to continue her ministry. Sally now has had to move her ministry to a neighboring country serving refugees.
She recently forwarded us a unique email that exemplifies the concept of being a Good Samaritan and not counting the costs. Here are a few examples (Portions are edited to protect locations and identities.):
- Because you gave, we are supporting work among refugees in a Ukrainian city where a pastor and his family are transporting in humanitarian aid, food & medication to orphanages.
- Because you gave, we are assisting a church closer to the Polish border to continue their work in housing, feeding, clothing, transporting and spiritually reaching out to 100’s of refugees.
- Because you gave, we are assisting an outreach in Ukraine whose focus is unchurched children.
She ended by sending us to a You Tube link of Ray Boltz singing, Thank You for Giving to the Lord. The whole newsletter reminded those who received it of the importance of not counting the cost when we give to the Lord. It was one of the most powerful missionary newsletters I have ever received.
APPLY:
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16
Whether you give out of your abundance or from your necessities, caring for others is pleasing to the Lord. The verse prior to today’s verse reminds you to offer sacrifices of praise to God – “the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” He is magnified and exalted as you give of your time, your talents, and your possessions. God is to be praised in word and deed. Presidential Prayer Team Devotional
It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay.
Small acts of kindness and love.
― J.R.R. Tolkien
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, help me trust in you with all my heart; and to not lean on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5) as I consider how to best support others who are serving for you. Amen.
WORSHIP: