" BURDEN(S) "

This week we will be looking into " Burden(s)." The Merriam - Webster Dictionary defines Burden in this way: Load; also: Care, Responsibility 2: Something oppressive: Encumbrance 3: Cargo; also: Capacity for cargo. " Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our Salvation " (Psalm 68:19). " Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ " (Galatians 6:1-3). No Christian should ever think that he or she is totally independent and doesn't need help from others, and no one should feel excused from the task of helping others. The body of Christ -The - Chruch - functions only when the members work together for the common good. Do you know someone who needs help? Is there a Christian brother or sister who needs correction or encouragement? Humbly and gently reach out to that person (John 12:34-35). Sometimes our burdens seem more than we can bear, and we wonder how we can go on. Now God is the great burden-bearer. God is able to lift us because (1) his greatness is unsearchable (Psalm 145:3); (2) he does mighty acts across many generations (Psalm 145:4); (3) he is full of glorious splendor and majesty (Psalm 145:5); he does wonderful and awesome works ( Psalm 145:5-6); (5) he is righteous (Psalm 145:7); (6) he is gracious, merciful, patient, and loving (Psalm 145:8-9); (7) he rules over an everlasting kingdom (145:13); (8) he is our source of all our daily needs (145:15-16); (9) he is righteous and loving in all his dealings (145:17); (10) he remains near to those who call on him; (11) he hears our cries and saves us (145:19-20). If you are bending under a burden and feel that you are about to fall, turn to God for help. He is ready to lift you up and bear your burden. Until Next Time... Jim,

" ARE YOU CONSIDERED TO BE GENEROUS "

Giving should come from a generous heart. Now I'm put in mind of the time when the tabernacle was constructed in the Old Testament. Moses called all the sons of Israel together and shared the things that the Lord has commanded them to do. I love it that those whose hearts were stirred gave cheerfully. With great enthusiam, they gave because they knew how important their giving was. Airline Pilots and Computer Operators can push test buttons to see if their equipment is functioning properly. Now God has a quick test button he can push to see the level of our commitment - our pocketbooks. Generous people aren't necessarily faithful to God. But Faithful people are always generous. Because God has showered us with his blessings, we should give generously to others of our Time, Love, and Possessions. Giving should be second hand to us; Jesus has given us a principle to guide our actions as we minister to others; " FREELY YOU RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE." It is easy to ignore the poor or forget about those who have less than we do. But God desires generosity. In what ways can you show your generosity to those in need. Until Next Time... Jim,