How do you take the load off your feet?
A footstool. A humble piece of furniture that brings comfort to your tired feet.
Isaiah 66:1 (NIV)
This is what the LORD says:
“Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.”
As your footstool is to you, our world is to God. Not a chore. Not a stepping stone. Not a doormat.
A comfort.
Every now and then, someone crosses my path who seems to have no connection to any people of faith. I wonder if this lost soul is on anyone’s prayer list.
James 5:16 (KJV)
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
“Availeth,” in Greek, energeó. Energizes, like electricity powers a light bulb.
Turn on the power. Light a dark soul. Pray.
Lord God, I don’t know what’s happening behind this person’s angry face. You do. Turn on the light, sweep out the garbage, flood every cell with your power, shelter this soul in your love.
Be content with my lot in life, yes. But not with everything.
For example, not content with our inner city schools. In this Detroit High School, 90% of incoming freshmen read below the 5th grade level.
That’s simply not good enough.
Proverbs 23:17 (MSG)
Don’t for a minute envy careless rebels;
soak yourself in the Fear-of-God.
Not just contented . . .
immersed in the wonder and awe of God’s glorious plan.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NASB)
In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you.
Envy and gratitude can’t share the same space. A contented person is a thankful person.
What do you want?
Do you look at someone else’s life and think you deserve what they have?
Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
It isn’t about what you have. It’s all about who you are.
There are over 400,000 foster children in America. Their own parents are unable, unwilling or unfit to care for them. Some kids spend a few weeks in the foster care system. Others are in foster care for years, sometimes bounced from one placement to another.
God calls us to get involved:
Psalm 82:3-4 (NLT)
Give justice to the poor and the orphan;
uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
Rescue the poor and helpless.
Are you called to share your space with somebody else’s kid? To be a friend to a foster child? To be an advocate for better care? To pray?
More than 400,000 children, Lord, and you know them all by name. Keep them safe, meet their needs, hold them close to your heart.
“Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.”
Daniel Webster Whittle (1840-1901)
Let’s plead for the showers.
