Serving Without Pay

"But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Luke 14:13-14

While dining at the home of a prominent Pharisee, Jesus observed that the guests were jockeying for the best seats around the table. The Pharisee had invited people like himself, status seekers and self promoters. Christ rebuked him for his self-centeredness, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment." (Luke 14:12). The Pharisee had given, in order to receive an earthly reward. The heavenly reward Jesus spoke of is not our salvation, for scripture says we are saved by God's grace, not by how many good deeds we do. The reward is a blessing believers will receive from the Lord when He establishes His kingdom on earth at the resurrection. We look forward to that day, but even now there is great joy in serving others who are less fortunate; those who can't repay us.

God's Gift of Visual Delights

"Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; 

Sing praises to our God on the lyre, Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who provides rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains."

Psalm 147:7-8

Do you like to window shop? I do. I like to stroll past stores and look at the various window displays. No matter how beautiful they may be, though, displays in merchant windows cannot begin to compare with God's heavenly production. After the rain last night, the sky burst forth with His glory. He dipped His artist's brush in His marvelous pallet and painted an extraordinarily beautiful scene. It is enough that the Lord waters the earth and causes the grass to grow on our mountain. But I love the fact that God doesn't stop there. He blesses us with visual delights, too. What visual delight has God given you lately?