Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. --Philippians 2:3-4
This past week, God blessed me to minister to my older sister in New Jersey. She called me because of a business deal that had not gone the way she had hoped. In short, a friend under cut the deal and gained the property in their own interest. For those who do not know my sister, she epitomizes this week's scripture. She is a wonderful person with a free and giving spirit. Over the years, I have and watched as she would give loans to family and friends many of these loans were never repaid. I can not recall one single instant where she has every asked for money back that she has given to me.
She elected to stay in New Jersey to be close to our Mother, while the rest of us moved on and out of Newark, N.J. and til this day, I have never heard her complain or voice any regret for staying. She never forgets a birthday, holiday, or when someone is sick or ill. Still, I wonder how many sets of flowers or cards she receives on her birthday. She has had to bear the burden of caring for family and friends that shows very little in return, sounds a little like JESUS.
Hurt and disappointed again by a friend whom she has known for most of my adult life; her question to me was who could she depend on? Who can she trust? The answer for me was easy... JESUS! The bible says that He will never leave or forsake you! Man will put you down, let you down, pull you down, and just assume leave you there to die. While Jesus, at his weakest moment reached down and saved us, while asking for nothing in return. Jesus said, that we did not chose him but he choose us! I expalined that she should all her trust in JESUS, because as the song says, "If it had not been for the Lord, where would YOU be?"
Just imagine if David had put his trust in man instead of God. Would he have escaped Saul's relentless pursuit? Would he had escaped the advances of his Master's wife? Would he had escaped the walls of prison? I think not! Just put you trust in JESUS and allow God to direct your steps. The steps you take will not always be easy but JESUS will always to have your back!
Now, as far as this business deal is concerned... One question... What profits a man to own the whole world but knows nothing of God? Move on big sister, continue to love and give as you always have, do not allow man to crush your spirit of giving and caring for others. Do not allow the enemy to take away your joy. Put all your trust in JESUS because your riches and rewards await you in heaven, and I can assure you that the real estate there is much better than anything you can obtain here. And when the opportunity presents itself continue to bless those of us who may have done you wrong! (I LOVE YOU!) AMEN.
Have a blessed week!
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