It rattled the stained glass windows that we call normality in our individual worlds. Eleven teenagers and two adults found out today that what James describes as "pure and undefiled religion" really is our mandate as believers. We were amazed at the way God provides in unprecedented maneuvers. We are shocked over the fact that there are children in this day and time that live through atrocities we cannot even bear to think about. And we were humbled by the generosity in regular people that are simply living out day to day what God commands in His Word:
James 1:27---Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
I asked the question when we finished today..."What does all this mean to you?" These were our responses:
COMFORT
HOPE
THEY ARE COURAGIOUS
FINALLY SAFE
LOVE
WHEN SEEING OTHERS PROBLEMS
YOU'LL GRAB YOURS BACK
REFUGE
STRENGTH
A GLIMPSE OF TRUE LOVE
FAITH, HOPE, LOVE
THEIR PAST WAS DARK,
THEIR PRESENT IS STARTING TO SHINE,
THEIR FUTURE WILL BE BRIGHT
We do not want to be a "forgetful learners". Nothing good comes out of learning for the sake of learning. Lord, help us be the hearers AND the doers.
"God's Word is meant to work"