Last Tuesday night the weather forecast was for severe thunder storms with possible hail and tornadoes. Many that showed up dressed appropriately for the weather even though most of the storms did not materialize. Given the potential of bad weather, our turn out was down from previous weeks. We served 75 meals and plenty of hot coffee for all of those that did show up. Fortunately, we did not have any shortage in volunteers. We had 18 cheerful friendly folks volunteering their time. We are grateful for our volunteers who not only prepare and serve food, but also spend time with our downtown friends. They do that by talking and praying with them. Food for Life has always been more than fixing and serving food to the less fortunate. Our focus is about sharing the Gospel and being a Ministry of Encouragement to all.
Preacher Paul began his teaching by giving an over view of Romans chapter 12. This chapter is about being a living sacrifice and how it is reflected in a Christian’s life. The Word calls us to live in harmony with each other. To accomplish this requires humility and to constantly resist our tendency to vindicate ourselves in the face of criticism. When we continue to justify ourselves, we are saying we do not need God. Romans 12:19 instructs us not to avenge ourselves because the Lord says, vengeance is mine, I will repay. We should not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. Preacher Paul gave a personal example in his own life where he had to rely on God to resolve some issues with others. Then Paul had everyone turn to the scriptures and read about Stephen in Acts, and Jesus in the gospel account of Luke. Their resistance to vindicate themselves resulted in glorifying God.
During Paul’s teaching, I observed many different reactions. One individual kept interrupting even though many kept telling him to have some respect. He finally did leave to everyone’s relief. I could see others with their Gideon Bibles staring intently at the words as Paul was teaching. That is so rewarding because you know that God’s Word is changing lives. It can be a very difficult environment with interruptions and people constantly coming in and out of the room, but it can be very rewarding when we see God changing a person’s life for eternity.
~Marc
