So, here’s the deal. It’s not easy to come up with new topics to write about day after day. Sometimes I’m in the shower and a thought or word comes to me. Sometimes I’m out taking a walk, getting my steps in, and I get the nudge. Well, my nudge today was the word REFRIGERATOR!!! So here goes…
During this time when we want to limit trips to the store and shortages existing on some items…many of you have refrigerators overflowing with items. And yet conversely for others, the loss of a job or investments means that the inside of the refrigerator looks pretty bare. Hopefully you are reaching out to the food bank and the Royal Redeemer (partnership with North Royalton) Food Pantry for assistance. A big shout out to Terry and Elizabeth who are working tirelessly to help those in need and to work on Saturday’s holiday food distribution day. Of course, we need to daily thank the Lord for providing us with our “daily bread.”
That’s the inside of the refrigerator…but equally important is the outside of the refrigerator. If you are like most people, it is full of love. Pictures of family and special moments, calendars of upcoming events, and a report card or 2. Unfortunately, I would imagine my mom would need to cover my report card up if company was coming over! We should thank the Lord daily for family, friends, scheduled events (which hopefully will resume shortly), and of course teachers! The newer home-grown parents called into teaching and our professional loving teachers. A big shout out to Heidi, Avery, and the fantastic school staff at Royal Redeemer in these uniques times!
But here is my favorite REFRIGERATOR story. For many years Royal Redeemer would have the “Great Generosity Giveaway!” After a sermon on generosity with our time, talents, and treasures…we would take 50 $100 dollar bills and hand them out to worshipers. The only directions were that they could not keep it! They needed to pray on who God wanted them to give it away to and if they should try to grow the $100 by including other donors. To be creative! They would then write up their story for us to publish each week. One of my favorite stories included a REFRIGERATOR. No it was not a story of “cold cash” …and not a story of buying a REFRIGERATOR for someone. This family took a magnet and stuck the $100 bill on the refrigerator waiting for God to nudge them toward the person to help. As time went by their kid’s friends would come over and see the money and ask about it. They would then get to retell the story about the Great Generosity Giveaway and fact that we are all called to help those in need. BY the way, they did many $100 projects with their own money, but kept the original $100 on the REFRIGERATOR as a reminder and a conversation starter to all who visited that house. I know that times may be challenging but take some time right now to thank the Lord for the countless blessings he gives you daily…and for opportunities to reach out to those in need due to the coronavirus! A big shout out to our members who so generously donate food, clothing, and dollars to our Helping Hand Fund…as well as those supporting their church in this time of online worship! A big shout out to George, Marissa & the worship/tech team. Take time right now to pray for those in need and for God to nudge you to watch out for your fellow man.
What does God have to say about all of this?
Matthew 25:34-40…“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Is God nudging you? Are you ignoring Him…or Glorifying Him?
Well, are you impressed…I figured out what God wanted me to say to you today about REFRIGERATORS!!!!
Lord…we look to in these days of uncertainty about the economy, the stock market, and supplies at local stores. We thank you for the countless blessings that we have received from you and look in faith that you will provide for us today as well. If we are in need, help us find those who can help. If we have plenty, show us who to help. Lord use us to be your instruments in our homes, neighborhoods, communities. May we reflect your love to all in our circle of influence. As Holy Week fast approaches, remind us of your sacrifice for us, and your desire for us to respond by caring for others. Amen.