Family Missions

When my aging grandmother moved into my mother’s home, I witnessed a beautiful picture of God’s love. My grandmother had fallen and was undiscovered for nearly three days. After a stay at the hospital it was determined she could no longer live alone, so my mother and her new husband took her in. It was very difficult—not because my grandmother was terrible, she just wanted to "go home."

Sometimes loving those closest to us is difficult. The prophet Isaiah admonished the Pharisees for fasting before others so they could draw attention to their sacrifice. He detailed how we should sacrifice by giving food to the poor, providing shelter to the homeless, and clothing the naked. But He says…we should begin at home.  In other words, if you and I are out serving the Lord, working late at the church each night, going on mission trips, and giving to charities, yet neglect our families, we shouldn’t think so highly of ourselves. If we take care of our families and serve them as Christ would, then our light will shine before all men.  

PRAYER: Dear God, help us see when we are out of balance, serving others at the expense of our families.

“Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” Isaiah 58:7 KJV.

Today’s devotion is by Cheri Cowell, Asbury Theological Seminary student, known as author and speaker on the deep questions of faith. Her first book Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life (Beacon Hill) is being called a biblically-sound, no nonsense approach to making God-centered life choices. For comments or to inquire about her speaking schedule, visit www.DirectionAndDiscernment.com/