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The Cornerstone
This is the Stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the Chief Conerstone." Acts 4:11
Pulbished to Support the Work of the West End Church of Christ, Richmond, Virginia
Volume 8 * Number 12* March 23, 2008
Eyes to the Blind & Feet to the Lame
Job was a very kind man and one from whom we can learn a great deal. In Job 29:12, Job says he “delivered the poor that cried and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.” Job had a heart of gold that was very generous and kind to the less fortunate of life.
In Job 29:13, Job says he “caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.” We have a few widows within our congregation and perhaps around our neighborhoods that can use our efforts to lift their spirits.
In Job 29:15, Job says he “was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.” What a marvelous heart worthy of our imitation. Shortly after I moved to Richmond, I stumbled upon a blind man up the road from the building in the middle of the street completely disoriented standing in traffic. While Jesus could heal the blind man, man cannot do so today so I lent my eyes to the blind man. There are people who Christians can shower kindness upon. We too can become feet to the lame.
In Job 29:16 Job says he “was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.” Job took the time to investigate the situation to help the one in need.
Aren’t Job’s actions in likeness of the heart that Jesus revealed and preached unto all of mankind?
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10
Blessings Turned To Blight
Ricky Hudson
"Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." (Acts 14:17) God is surely "able to make all grace abound toward us", so that we have "all sufficiency in all things". He surely "dispersed abroad" and "supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food." (2 Corinthians 9:8-9) Thus God is the source of all blessings - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights." (James 1:17)
So all these blessings ultimately benefit us - RIGHT? Maybe not if we aren't careful. Blessings can be transformed - perverted until they become blights.
There was a farmer who was so blessed with prosperity that his barns would not hold his crops. God made him rich, and then the framer planned his future - without a thought of God. His blessing - his prosperity excluded God, and blighted him (Luke 12:15-21).
Is it possible that similar things happen closer to home? Did you ever know anyone with a similar experience of blighted blessings? Did you ever know someone who was blessed with a good job, generous salary, fine benefits, and good opportunities. And then that job became the most important thing in his life - so important he could find no time to serve God - so important that he could find no time for his family.
Did you ever see someone who was blessed with lots of free time – lots of opportunity? And then he became a "lover of pleasure more than a lover of God?" He was adept at playing, but had no time to serve. "Too busy" for beneficial things, yet his life is filled with "vanity" - empty things. What a blight!
Did you ever see a man blessed with lots of money - more than he needed for living? And then he was infected with the "love of money." He became stingy - a miser - selfish. Did his abundance make him proud, and self sufficient - even with God? Did you notice he could afford anything he wanted, but standing for right - doing right was "too high a price?" Blessed with money - blighted by money!
Have we ever recognized the face of such a person - blessings turned to blight - in our mirror? God has blessed us above measure. Let's not be unaware, careless, or unthankful. God has given us these blessings for our good to be used for his honor and glory.
"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26) Let's be careful in turning a blessing to a blight.
(edited) Electronic Beacon
Love's Labor is Never Lost
Jay Graham
*Not all the Christian life is a "bed of roses". In fact very little of it is, for Satan is trying everything in his power to discourage and weary us from "well-doing". He wants us to feel like we are unloved and unappreciated. He knows if he can convince us that our fellowman, brethren, and even God does not care for the work and labor we are doing, then there is a good chance we will quit. And he watches us go down hill from there regarding our spiritual life.*
Part of the Christian life is realizing God does indeed care. And not only God, but our brethren as well, (at least the ones who are truly brethren). Our Father is interested in the work we are doing; not because of its benefits to Him, but because of its benefits to us.*
God does not "need" anything we can give Him. He does not need our money, sacrifices, time, or even love. He is completely and totally self-sufficient. We are the ones that benefit from our work. For example, it is to my good if I take the time to assemble with the brethren, and when my good works are helping glorify God, (1 Pet. 2:12) it is to my advantage. God knows that.*
Therefore I can be of invaluable asset to my brethren as well. Not only can I help teach, learn, & guide, but the very fact I am a brother gives them an opportunity to serve me as well. In turn this helps them please the Master. Part of my love for the brethren is allowing them to serve me when I am in need, (and how many of us are never in need?). Isn't it arrogant of me to offer to serve my brother and not allow him an opportunity to serve me? Am I so strong I don't need help? (1 Cor. 10:12--"Therefore let him who thinks he stands lest he fall.")*
Consider our labor for the world. Though most in the world does not acknowledge or appreciate our love toward them, our love is never wasted. At the very least it may be observed by a few who are truly searching for an answer to their life. Through us and our answer they may find it. At the most, it helps us grow and mature into a more perfect image of Christ.*
With these thoughts in mind, is our love in any way wasted? The Father cares and is concerned about how we labor with our love. Our brethren are appreciative and thankful for our part in their development. And some in the world may see our example and "glorify God in the day of visitation" (1 Pet. 2:12). And of those in the world who are not interested; remember the world hated Christ first.Galatians 6:9 *"Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."*
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