2nd Chances

Last Saturday, July 16th, I was wrapped in my work at the office when a young family of a different ethnic group & very pregnant interrupted my work to seek assistance - food, clothes, money. Not having any of those available, I gave them directions to where they could find that assistance. Problem was they understood very little English, verbal or written. They asked me to take them, which I refused to do because I was into my own work. As they drove away, God convicted me that I was more concerned for the 'kingdom of me' than I was for His. I suddenly felt like one of the 'motel' owners in Bethlehem turning down Joseph & Mary.

On Sunday, as I preached on being a follower rather than just a fan, God brought this story to mind, so I shared it & closed my message. As we concluded the service, that same couple came walking back into the church. God was giving me a 2nd chance to do the right thing & teach the church about grace. I didn't miss my God-given opportunity, and the church didn't miss theirs to be a blessing as well.

My sin was putting my kingdom ahead of His. Don't do it! Don't put Him to the test of 2nd chances! Love God - love others - live it out, everyday by being a blessing & looking for opportunity to rescue the dying.

PTH (Pass the Hat) - 7/3/11

After being gone for a weeks vacation I came back to a bunch on messages, one pleading for help with her power bill to keep the A/C on. I prayed and asked for guidance because we just did not have the money available to help. As I prayed I sensed God wanted us to help, and Pass the Hat came to mind. But I no longer had her phone number because the number she used to call me on was the hospital phone number where she worked. So, I again turned to God to have her again call me. 30 minutes later, she called, and we met later that same day.

She was trying to 'get on her feet' after leaving an abusive relationship and needed more than $500 to get the power company to keep her power on in her new residence. She had half of it, & the power company was giving her 'grace' for a week to come up with the money. I told her about 'Pass the Hat' and that she was suppose to get it, but it would be Sunday before I would have any money to give her. I encouraged her to find a church to get involved with. We prayed and she left in search for more monies, determined to make a new start.

Tuesday, I called her to arrange giving her the money. It was her 'due date' with the power company. She needed $100. 'Pass the Hat' was $105.

God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good.