Compassion
TODAY’S VERSE
“He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down. The LORD loves the godly. The LORD protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.”
Psalms 146:6-9 (NLT)
TODAY’S MESSAGE
How the Church has distorted the purpose of God in this world. We have made it all about us. It is our worship of God, it the discipleship of our own, it is care of our buildings and programs that take top priority. Now, obviously we are to worship Him. Certainly God inhabits the praise of His people. We must disciple those who have come to faith in Christ. Christ Himself told us to go and make “disciples” of all nations. Finally, we must take care of the resources God has given us to use. But we have an incomplete picture of God’s purpose if we never consider His compassion He has toward those that are needy. Is it any surprise? God created man and woman for fellowship with Himself, but we have ignored Him and have played all kinds of havoc on this world. So what does God do? He goes after all those hurting and tries to win them to Himself. Today’s passage says, “He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down. The LORD loves the godly. The LORD protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows.” This attitude of God toward those in need is substantiated over and over again in both the Old and New Testament. The question is, will we join Him in His work? God has called you and I to follow Him; let us follow Him by helping those around us that so desperately need our help.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, help me see the needs of others the way You do. Help me to respond in a way that honors you. In Jesus’ name.
Ron Ovitt is an author, ordained minister, pastoral counselor, recovery coach, and President of Empower Ministry. Besides his lifetime experience of teaching and preaching, Ron has given over 500 lectures on habits, addictions, and emotional & spiritual-related topics. For information on his books, videos, and podcasts, go to www.ronovitt.com<http://www.ronovitt.com>
Correct Ron,”For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,”(Philippians 1;29)
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