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Monday, July 11, 2011

Luke Warm: Wayside Story

Still looking at Luke chapter 8, I want to pick up at the second half of verse five. (Last week we started here)

A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by  the wayside; and it was trampled down , and the birds of the air  devoured it.


Upon first glance I saw the word wayside and assumed that the implied beside the road. However that doesn't make sense because it was trampled and the birds of the air devoured it. So I sought to define it. According to Merriam-Webster, wayside is actually defined as out of consideration; into a condition of neglect or disuse.

Putting the imagery together with the definition of wayside, I thought, this seed, this Word was shared with people that were exposed to the enemy. These people have been neglected or been placed out of consideration by others and their life's problems were trampling them.

Then when you skip down to Christ explaining to the disciples the meaning of the parable he said, "Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved."


It hurt my heart thinking about it, because really I was by the wayside once. I've heard the gospel. It sounded and felt good at church, but returning back to my reality and the problems I faced made it hard to accept and believe there was a better way of life. Now, I think about women that are trapped in prostitution, or children being abused and neglected, or people that are incarcerated, families that are homeless. These people are by the wayside, they are in situation where the enemy is trampling them and beating them down in life. They hear the gospel but they just can't accept it because it is hard to believe there is a God who loves them when they are going through the trails they are facing, or the guilt and shame of their lifestyle.

However as Christians, we need to continue to sow into them, not just by our words but our deeds. When we are able to reach out and give from our substances to Christ's ministry we are able to not only tell them of the love of Christ but show them God's love. By meeting their physical needs we show them God's love isn't just something they've heard but it is real.  We can help them come to know Christ by letting them know you are not neglected. You are not forgotten. You are loved by us and God.

So family, don't turn your backs to those by the wayside. Minister to them, give to them, and every opportunity you have meet the needs of people that are being trampled in this life. If you don't know where to start, may I suggest supporting a ministry. You don't have to go out and start a new organization and build a new center to bless others. You can partner with an established ministry and by funding them you are spreading the love of Christ and meeting the needs of hurting people.

Here are some ministries you may be interested in partnering with:

The Prestige Ministry: a ministry that helps women get out of the sex industry.
Compassion: through sponsoring a child you not only spread the love of Christ but help to eradicate poverty.
Machine Gun Preacher: Angels of East Africa is a non-profit aid organization established to provide a better future for orphaned children of war in Southern Sudan. There is also a link to missions to be supported here in the US as well.

Also, you can take advantage of opportunities in your own community by donating to your local Goodwill or dropping off dry goods to your local food bank. Please look for opportunities spread God's love.


Be blessed and be a blessing,
Kita

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