April 1, 2013

• Prayers With Feet

  It is easy to use words instead of taking action, isn’t it? Suppose someone shares that their family is experiencing a lot of sickness, or some other hardship. They need our prayers, but along with that, how about asking if we can do anything? Send a meal. Take the kids for an afternoon. Do some laundry or run some errands for them. Prayer with feet, in a way.

  The Bible is full of action words. Yes, prayer is an action, but I think sometimes we hide behind our prayers rather than getting personally involved. It is so safe to say, “I am praying for you,” and walk away. Is that always enough?  Along with praying, it would be great if we would ask God what else He might like us to do. Sometimes prayer is enough. Sometimes, more is needed.

  There are times when a simple hug has meant the world to me. Other times, friends have stopped by with a bag of groceries, or an offer of help. Getting a “package of love” in the mail from home is so special! All these are love in action.

  (1Jn 3:16 -18 NLT)  We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God's love be in that person? Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

  When you have your devotional time, try asking God to show you where He can use you to show His love through action. It is so easy to get lulled into “comfortability,” isn’t it? We make excuses for why we can’t be bothered. “Oh, if I give money to that guy begging, he will just use it for alcohol or drugs.” Maybe. But, you could take him to a restaurant and buy him dinner, right? You could ask him if he has a place to sleep, and hook him up with a shelter.

  (Mat 25:34 -39 NLT)  "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed Me. I was thirsty, and you gave Me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited Me into your home. I was naked, and you gave Me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you visited Me.’
      Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see You hungry and feed You? Or thirsty and give You something to drink? Or a stranger and show You hospitality? Or naked and give You clothing? When did we ever see You sick or in prison and visit You?'
      And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!'”

  We have become a people who don’t want to “get involved.”  We cite lawsuits or other legalities. We are busy. We have other priorities. Yet, we serve a Savior who gave everything. We worship a King who even cares about the tiny sparrows.  

  What are you doing to put feet to your prayers?

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