4/23/2013
Serving those who cannot serve you.
"So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink." 1 Kings 17:10
1 Kings 17 teaches us that we are tested in many ways to increase our faith. The prophet of God, Elijah, had no resources for food or water. While the raven fed him for a little while, the water supply completely dried up. God said, “9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath.” (v. 9)
The widow woman to whom God sends Elijah is no better off; she had one son and no means to take care of him. With no income and a drought occurring in the land, she had run out of resources except for a little flour and two sticks she was going to serve the last bit of food on. How could she be a blessing to anyone?
In our Christian fantasy world, we expect a rich person or someone with good means and resources to rescue us, our ministry, or even our life. We have become so worldly, we still believe that only rich people can rescue us. Read the rest of 1 Kings 17 to see how God is able to use two poorest of the poor to exalt His riches!
Here is a challenge to all Pastors, ministries, churches, and congregants: pray that the Lord would help you serve someone or even a group of people who can’t financially help you in any way, shape, or form. Walk by faith, expecting that God will meet all your needs as you reach out to others. God doesn’t want us loving people for what they can give us, but for what we can give them! This is God’s ways; it is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)
Want to know more? Here is the complete audio sermon:
04.21.2013 - A Relieving Grace - Pastor Doug Mann - MP3 Download
In our Christian fantasy world, we expect a rich person or someone with good means and resources to rescue us, our ministry, or even our life. We have become so worldly, we still believe that only rich people can rescue us. Read the rest of 1 Kings 17 to see how God is able to use two poorest of the poor to exalt His riches!
Here is a challenge to all Pastors, ministries, churches, and congregants: pray that the Lord would help you serve someone or even a group of people who can’t financially help you in any way, shape, or form. Walk by faith, expecting that God will meet all your needs as you reach out to others. God doesn’t want us loving people for what they can give us, but for what we can give them! This is God’s ways; it is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)
Want to know more? Here is the complete audio sermon:
04.21.2013 - A Relieving Grace - Pastor Doug Mann - MP3 Download