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What Will You Do?
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By Joni Ames
(3) Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy.
(4) Deliver the poor and needy;
Free them from the hand of the wicked.
(Psalm 82:3-4)
Dear Friends,
Did you ever watch that television program called "What Would You Do?" For those who don't know, there is a hidden camera and they set up various situations where someone is being unjustly treated. Then they watch to see how others around them will respond. Sometimes people stick up for the person, and sometimes they don't. But the camera catches it all.
Life is just like that. There are series of situations that God brings about in our lives to see how we will respond. It may not be shown to the world, but He sees it all.
Not only does he see what is going on, but he hears our thoughts and heart and knows why we do or do not stand up for someone against injustice.
He knows whether we are operating in fear, don't want to get involved in anything outside our own little bubble, are concerned about self-preservation, don't like confrontation, or we just don't want to be bothered taking the time to do something.
There has been a lot of talk about bullying in the schools. But let me tell you, I have seen bullying happen even in the church or workplace to adults from adults. And people just standby and remain silent. It just shouldn't be that way.
What we do for others God will do for us.
Likewise, when we ignore the plight of others and it's in our power to do something about it, we can expect something similar to happen to us so we will know how it feels. The world calls it "karma," but it's Biblical reciprocity.
"Cast your bread upon the waters..." (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6)
When we stand up for someone else, there is something about it that helps to increase our own levels of confidence as well. We feel better about ourselves for being a good person and doing the right thing. When we don't, we can go from feeling like "oh I wish I would've done something" to tossing and turning and not getting a good nights sleep. It's called having a conscience. When we ignore those promptings from the Lord to help someone, we ignore our conscience. That is so dangerous, because after a while, our conscience can then become seared.
"(1) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
(2) Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron...
(1 Timothy 4:1-2)
Can it cause you trouble? Sometimes. But I would rather be in trouble with people then God.
I have also found out that God sometimes test our hearts to see if we are worthy of promotion.
Esther could have stood back in fear and not try to help save her people. What she was asked to do could have cost her life. But here's what she was told:
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
I believe there are many "for such a time as this" times for all of us. If we aren't faithful to try to rescue one person or a small group of people, how can we possibly be counted faithful and worthy enough to help an entire nation?
Is it messy to "get involved?" It can be.
Is it fun? Not unless you are sadistic.
Can it cause you to get into trouble yourself? It could.
But as The Word says, "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." (1 Samuel 15:22)
We are all put here into various circumstances for a reason. We all want to fulfill our purpose, call, and destiny. And when we are faithful in the little, God will reward us with the much. That means that there are many little testings that we go through every day that lead us up to our "greater" purpose.
I love what the Psalmist David said, "Is there not a cause?" (1 Samuel 17:28-30)
What will your "cause" be today? And what will YOU do?
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PRAYER
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Lord let us be mindful of the places you take us to and the people you who's path you cross with ours. Help us to not be so self absorbed that we do not pay attention to the purpose for which you have called us to "for such a time as this." We ask you to please cause us to be faithful in every way, every day, to whatever people and situations you assign us to. In Jesus name, amen.
Blessings,
Joni Ames
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Joni's Address &
Giving Info
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Please continue to pray for me for health and finances.
If my life and ministry are a blessing to you and you'd like to sow a financial gift at this time, you may do so any of the ways listed below. Your support is greatly appreciated.
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NON Tax Deductible Gifts
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Send check to:
Joni Ames
P.O. Box 36667
Rock Hill, SC 29732
Or give via the Cash App. (This is immediate and instantly arrives into my account for use.) Try this link:
cash.me/app/NQJQHMB
Note: My giving tag is $joniames
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Tax Deductible Gifts
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You can send a check to:
Hope Ministries
P.O. Box 470743
Charlotte NC 28247
Important: Be sure to put "for Joni Ames" in memo section
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