Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

October 4
sunday


GOATS
FOR JESUS

READ:
1 John 3:16-20
________________________________________________

Whoever has this
world's goods, and sees
his brother in need,
and shuts up his heart
from him, how does the
love of God abide in
him? __1 John 3:17
_________________________________________________

When Dave and Joy Mueller felt God prompting them to move to Sudan as missionaries, all they knew was that they would be helping to build a hospital in that war-ravaged land. How could they know that goats would be in their future?

As Joy began working with the women, she discovered that many were widows because of the devastating civil war and had no way to earn a living. So Joy had an idea. If she could provide just one pregnant goat to a woman, that person would have milk and a source of income. To keep the program going, the woman would give the newborn kid back to Joy--but all other products from the goat would be used to support the woman's family. The baby goat would eventually go to another family. The gift of goats given in Jesus' name would change the life of numerous Sudanese women--and open the door for Joy to explain the gospel.

What is your equivalent to goats? What can you give a neighbor, a friend, or even someone you don't know? Is it a ride? An offer to do yardwork? A gift of material resources?

As believers in Christ, we have the responsibility to care for the needs of others (1 John 3:17). Our acts of love reveal that Jesus resides n our hearts, and giving to those in need may help us tell others about Him. __Dave Branon
_____________________________________________________________

``````````````````O Lord, my heart is filled with love``````````````
``````````````````For others who have urgent needs```````````````
```````````````````So help me share in every way````````````````
``````````What I can give through words and deeds. __Hess`````````
_____________________________________________________________

God give us all we need,
so let's give to others in their need.

***********Today's Bible Reading __ 1 John 3:16-20***************

16 By this we know love,
because He laid down His
life for us. and we also
ought to lay down our lives
for the brethren. 17 But
whoever has this world's
goods, and sees his brother
in need, and shuts up his
heart from him, how does
the love of God abide in
him?

18 My little children, let us
not love in word or in
tongue, but in deed and in
truth. 19 And by this we
know that we are of the
truth, and shall assure our
hearts before Him. 20 For if
our heart condemns us, God
is greater than our heart,
and know all things.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Jesus Christ Himself is the standard by which love is measured
because He laid down his Life for us (v.16). God calls most of us,
however, to live in love, rather than to die for it. How can we do
that? Among other things, by sharing with those in need (v.17) and
acting on our love, rather than just talking about it (v.18). Not only
does this life of love display Christ and benefit others, but it also
gives assurance to our own hearts that we belong to Him (v.19).
__BILL CROWDER

[Lani]

*Amen2*

"Love in deed and and truth"

If only all would accept such a thought... this world would be a kinder, safer place for everyone.

Thanks Cimi!!!

Lani