Jesus went out of his way to minister to the people that others went out of their way to avoid. He ministered to the down and outs, those left for dead. He shared the good news with the poor.
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? James 2:5 It is those who realize that they are poor. Spiritually we are bankrupt without Jesus
Take this one step further in Luke 4:18-20
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Do you see Him anointing you to proclaim the good news…He has! Luke 10:1 He appoints, He anoints, He commissions. Matthew 28:19,20 He has given you the authority and the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8
The wonderful extension of this is realized in the realization that too whom much is given, much is required. Luke 12:48
Jesus came to bring freedom from the prison house of sin, freedom from evil spirits, freedom from slavery to sin
Do you just see Him as the one who has made you free – free from the prison house of sin and selfish tendancies?
Do you see him as the one who has given you “spiritual eyes” eyes to see things from His perspective?
It has been 150 years since slavery was abolished but did you know that modern day slavery is a real issue. Slavery today in its various forms from bonded slavery to the sex slave trade is a 32 billion dollar industry. There is an estimated 27 million slaves worldwide. The worst forms of child labor affects an estimated 126 million children around the world in work that is harmful to their health and welfare.
check out notforsalecampaign.org
20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
Do you see Him anointing you to proclaim the good news…He has! Luke 10:1 He appoints, He anoints, He commissions. Matthew 28:19,20 He has given you the authority and the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8
The wonderful extension of this is realized in the realization that too whom much is given, much is required. Luke 12:48
Jesus came to bring freedom from the prison house of sin, freedom from evil spirits, freedom from slavery to sin
Do you just see Him as the one who has made you free – free from the prison house of sin and selfish tendancies?
Do you see him as the one who has given you “spiritual eyes” eyes to see things from His perspective?
It has been 150 years since slavery was abolished but did you know that modern day slavery is a real issue. Slavery today in its various forms from bonded slavery to the sex slave trade is a 32 billion dollar industry. There is an estimated 27 million slaves worldwide. The worst forms of child labor affects an estimated 126 million children around the world in work that is harmful to their health and welfare.
check out notforsalecampaign.org
Are you ready to make a difference for those caught in slavery, prisoners to injustice?
The acceptable year of the Lord – not a specific year, but the realization that Jesus would usher in the new covenant. Your voice needs to be heard!
We live in a global village. The good news is not just for us, it is for our world. The truth is out there and we cannot allow ourselves to become immune to it. There is a lot of concern over the desensitization that our children are learning to graphic violence in video games and on TV. To me, what is more scary than that is the great need that is out there for even the most basic of needs…water itself.
We must never let the gospel be reduced to just words that we agree with. We enter into a new and living way, a redeemed way of looking at other people. When Christ went to preach, He went to heal as well. When He went to proclaim, He went to minister to the poor and oppressed. It is a holistic gospel that affects us right to our very core and the things that move us to respond.
I’m giving you gift giving ideas today!
Here is a challenge for this Christmas - Give as much money towards gifts for Partners, Samaritan’s Purse shoeboxes, World Relief Canada as you do spending on presents for families and friends.
This might mean that we actually may spend less on each other, but you can still wrap up presents that you give to missions with your friend’s name on it. Just make the box, really big, with lots of colourful wrapping paper!!
Do not try to justify your wealth. God saves you by His sacrifice, not yours.
Recognize that the more you give and the more you simplify your own lifestyle, the more freedom you will gain and really it will become that more easier.
As you enjoy the blessings God has given you, be sure to invite others to share in what God has given you. Open up your home, (maybe more of us need to become foster parents) treat others, pay it forward ultimately to heaven!
Each day press on towards the goal of being the kind of person who gives hope,
One pastor said it best...we need to learn to live more simply so others can simply live
2 comments:
Jack, Thanks for a great post. While it may not seem like it to most of us, compared to people living in the developing world, say in Haiti where I was recently, we are all stinking rich. And while the issue of slavery may be daunting I hold Isaiah 49 in my mind:
"This is what the LORD says:
"In the time of my favor I will answer you,
and in the day of salvation I will help you;
...
to say to the captives, 'Come out,'
and to those in darkness, 'Be free!'
The number of slaves in world that you mention comes my research, and I wanted to share with you that I have published a new book this week that sets out a 25 year plan to end slavery forever. It is called "Ending Slavery: How We Free Today's Slaves" and you get see it on Amazon or our website - www.freetheslaves.net.
Warm wishes,
Kevin Bales
(Pres. Free the Slaves)
Hi Kevin,
Thank you for making me aware of this. I will definitely pick up the book and look forward to being part of this great calling!
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