What Will You Do With What You Have?

A few months back I took my two youngest, Emily & Sarah, on a trip to the local bank. Our mission? To open their own personal savings account. Since they had managed (with dad and mom’s help) to save a little money over the past few years we decided it was time to transfer their money from their home bank to the big bank. To say the least, it was quite an experience for them—especially when they had to let go of their money! Of course, at age seven, they were both very curious about how it all works. I have done my best to answer their many questions and each time they get their small allowance now they want to make sure some of it goes to the bank.

But recently Sarah came to me with news of what she wanted to do with her money in the bank once she was older. She said, “Daddy, I’m going to put money in my savings so that when I grow up I can go around the world and tell people about Jesus.” Wow! I must confess, when my wife and I decided to open their account it was so they would have some money put away for college, a car, etc. But words cannot express the joy I felt when I heard Sarah speak these words. Sarah has such a big heart and a generous spirit. In fact, she has also begun saving additional money to give to our church’s missions offering. Why? Sarah is burdened for those who are lost without Jesus. This is evidenced not only through the giving of her money but also through her prayers. Just about each time she offers up a prayer to God she prays that lost people will hear about Jesus. I am so proud of how God is working in Sarah’s heart.

Sarah’s experience should challenge us all to ask ourselves, What will I do with what I have been given? Will I spend it on what is temporal or invest it in what is eternal? Jesus stated it this way, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). So, where’s your treasure? Wherever it is, there you will find your heart.

You Did It To Me

Recently my daughter, Haley, along with some of the other students in our church participated in World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine. Our students decided to send the money they raised to Mali. In Mali, one in five children die before the age of five due to hunger and malnutrition. In fact, Mali is one of the poorest countries on the planet! I was so proud of our students for participating in this event and for the funds they raised (eight of our students collectively raised in excess of $2100) for the people of Mali.

Although I did not participate in the weekend activities with the students during the 30 hour famine event, I did participate in the actual fast. We went 30 hours without food in order to get an idea of what it was like for literally millions of people around the world who go hungry day after day. Of course, there was one BIG difference: we had juices to drink during our fast. We also knew there was a meal awaiting us at the end of our 30 hours. So although we did become hungry  during those 30 hours we really did not experience what millions experience every day.

Did you know that more than 1 billion people experience hunger on a daily basis? In the last two years, more than 115 million children, women, and men have joined the ranks of the hungry. Worldwide, 1 in 4 children don’t get the nutrition they need.¹  These stats are absolutely heartbreaking! What’s equally disturbing, is that “one in six Americans is fighting hunger.”² Here in America, the land of plenty and prosperity, people are going without food. Recently, a leader of a local food bank said that we not only have a hunger problem but that we have a nutrition problem. He was referencing the county where I live, Carroll County, GA.

So, what’s the answer? Christians need to become aware of the need and then get involved. There are many ways we can help. We can donate food to local food banks. We can serve at a local soup kitchen. We can provide a meal to the person on the street corner holding a sign for help. We can support a child. We can give financially. While there are many worthwhile organizations helping meet hunger needs, the organizations that our family has been blessed to support include: World Vision, SBC’s World Hunger Fund, Samaritan’s Purse, Compassion International.

We would do well to recall the words of Jesus as He described the coming judgment.  
            “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:
                 I was hungry and you fed Me,
                 I was thirsty and you gave Me a drink,
                 I was homeless and you gave Me a room,
                 I was shivering and you gave Me clothes,
                 I was sick and you stopped to visit,
                 I was in prison and you came to Me.’
            “Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are You talking about? When did we ever see You hungry and feed You, thirsty and give You a drink? And when did we ever see You sick or in prison and come to You?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was Me—you did it to Me.’

May God help us to live with eternity in view and not forget the “overlooked or ignored!”

¹ Sources: World Food Program, Food and Agriculture Organization
² Source: Feeding America
³ Peterson, E. H. (2002). The Message : The Bible in Contemporary Language (Mt 25:34–40). Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress.

Focusing on the One Whose Birthday We Celebrate

Just a few days ago we celebrated the 13th birthday of my oldest daughter, Haley. What a fun time it was as we watched her blow out her candles and open her presents as she was surrounded by her family and friends. It was a joy to see the beautiful smile on her face and hear her laughter. It was clear she was enjoying and cherishing the moment. After all, it was her moment. The presents were for her. The birthday cake complete with 13 candles was for her. Everyone was focused on her because it was her birthday! It took me back to the moment we celebrated her 1st birthday. Boy, times have changed though. This birthday she did not have the chocolate icing all over her face and she did not get any toys as presents. My how she has grown!

In less than 24 hours our family will get to celebrate another birthday, but this is no ordinary birthday. We are going to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Long ago an angel appeared to some shepherds to announce a special birth. What an experience it must have been for those shepherds to hear the angel in the field that night, “...behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). What an incredible birth announcement it was; after all, it was joyous news that needed to be proclaimed! I also think of the experience it must have been for those shepherds as they arrived in the stable and got to see the newborn Child. They were no longer focused on their sheep, their eyes were focused on the Christ child, the One who would one day lay down His life as a sacrificial lamb to die for the sins of the world. 

Tragically, among many today, the focus this season is not on the Christ of Christmas. In fact, His birth announcement is growing more silent in our nation. Nativity scenes are no longer being displayed in some public squares. The Christ of Christmas is even being denied and His name used in vain. Many Americans treat this holiday as any other, with no special significance. Most have been busy buying presents for family and friends (nothing wrong with that) but all the while ignoring the One whose birthday it is we celebrate!
So, I thought I'd send along a friendly reminder for us all...it is Christ’s birthday we celebrate! It is He who deserves the gifts. Have you thought much about what presents you will give Him for His birthday? Allow me to share a few ideas. Mary, Jesus' mother, gave herself, allowing her womb to nestle the sweet baby Jesus. She also gave her time during the pregnancy and many years after that. The Magi (or wise men) also gave of their time, investing nearly two years traveling to see the Christ child. These magi also gave of their treasure: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Like Mary and the magi we can give ourselves to Jesus, yielding everything we have, including our time and treasure, to Him.

Some of you may be thinking you don't have much to give. Well, my daughters would agree. They don't have much treasure to speak of, but I have noticed lately that they are giving of their time on a very special project. Each year they present a Christmas play for family. This year it's going to be even bigger and better than before. In fact, from the bits and pieces I have been able to put together, it will be more of a production than a play this year. There will be acting, music, and even solos. Our four girls have been giving of their time to write out the play and to practice. Believe me, it requires much time for a 10 and 13 year old to teach two five year olds their parts! I appreciate how our girls help us all to focus on the One whose birthday we celebrate. I look forward this evening to worshipping and adoring my Savior and I know Jesus will be smiling at my girls as they celebrate His birthday...He too will be enjoying the moment! So, regardless of what you have to give to Jesus, at least give Him some of your time on His birthday! Happy Birthday Jesus! Merry Christmas everyone!