Whether you live here in the U.S. or on the other side of the world, God’s grace is sufficient for you and those in your care this week, no matter what. Psalm 119 promises, “Your word, Lord, is eternal. It stands firm in the heavens, and your faithfulness endures through all generations.” Also, Hebrews 10:23 reminds us to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering. For He who promised is faithful.” We serve a compassionate God who has proven faithful to millions throughout history and around the world. This week, let’s bear one another’s burdens in prayer. And let’s use the challenges we face as an opportunity to walk a little closer to Jesus!
We often present you with opportunities to pray for and to help those served by LSM. But did you know that our staff and families in Haiti and Ethiopia frequently pray for you all as well? After all, the reality is that we need their prayers just as much as they need ours. Living in the U.S., we are often bombarded with noise, distractions, and spiritual challenges not present in developing countries, so it can be helpful to be reminded of those who have little more than God to cling to. Let’s pray for the kids whose lives you’ve touched, whose stories touch our hearts in return.
Success isn’t a zero-sum game. If our neighbor achieves success, it doesn’t mean they’ve taken something from us. We know that’s true here in the U.S., where the standards of living have risen for nearly everyone in the last two centuries. Even more importantly, it’s true in the economy of the Kingdom of God. Developing nations like Haiti and Ethiopia haven’t enjoyed a history of seeing everyone improve their circumstances at once, and as a result, jealousy often runs rampant in those cultures. This week, pray for God to reveal that we, who seek Him, don’t need to think of blessings as table scraps to be fought over, but as infinite and overflowing. Pray for Him to bless the hearts in our care with the radical, countercultural ability to wish others well, even when it’s hard.
As a ministry for orphans and vulnerable children, LSM knows the value of a faithful father figure better than most. Godly parents model the love of our heavenly Father for impressionable young hearts. It’s the kind of investment that God can multiply, blessing communities for generations to come! 1 Thess. 2:11-12 reminds us that “a father deals with his children by encouraging, comforting, and urging (them) to live lives worthy of God, who calls (them) into his kingdom and glory.” This week, let’s reach out to a father figure, biological or otherwise, and thank him for his vital service to his family, to the community, and to God!
Difficulties in our lives will knock us down. But God can use these experiences to soften our hearts and fill us with a courage and a tenacity that is found in Him alone. This confidence can increase our capacity to be of service to God and to our fellow man. LSM believes the best place to recover and grow personal confidence, especially for a child who has endured trauma, is within the safety and healthy influence of a loving Christian home. Today we’re changing individual lives; tomorrow they’ll shape the world!
Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, โWho is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?โ Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. He said, โI tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a child in my name welcomes me.โ Matthew 18:1-4
“We received Godโs Spirit when he adopted us as his own children. And now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’ For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are Godโs children!” Romans 8:14-16
In the world’s most hopeless places, LSM brings shelter to the homeless and food to the hungry. Beyond aid, we empower the vulnerable to take care of themselves in the future โ and even to become leaders and teach others. But our ultimate aim isn’t just making sure people have food today or even next week. Above all, John 6:27 reminds us to desire the “food that endures to eternal life.” By raising up young leaders who love Jesus, we’re affecting a scope of change that is not merely generational โ but eternal!
Colossians 3:13 says, “As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” For those who have been abused, forgiveness is unimaginably difficult, possible only by the grace of God. Part of what makes trauma and abuse such terrible burdens is that they cause bitterness. Not only does this create obstacles to success and joy in life, but it can also create barriers to God. Regardless of how deep our pain goes, we know He can meet us there if we let Him. Do you know someone who needs a breakthrough today?
Passing the torch: This emotional moment was captured on move-in day at LSM Tech, as one of our Home of Hope mothers, Mereville (left), entrusted five sons she’d raised as her own into the care of Jean Wesly, Director of our LSM Tech residential campus. May this tender moment remind all of us to be vigilant in seeking opportunities to be gracious and generous with those around us as we reflect God’s love to the world, especially those who may be hurting or in need. Here’s a series of quick, Bible-based reminders about what love ought to look like within the Body of Christ: Love is how Jesus says the world will identify us (John 13:35). Love is patient and kind. It isn’t proud or easily angered. It doesn’t envy, boast, dishonor others, seek its own or keep a record of wrongs (1 Cor. 13:4-5). Love is more important than knowledge (1 Cor. 13:2). Love displays humility, gentleness and patience in pursuit of unity and peace (Eph. 4:2-3). And if you ever need a reminder of what our greatest example of love looks like in practice, just think of the cross (John 15:13). We’re ALL called to live out that kind of sacrificial love. Let’s be attentive to the needs around us so we can be sure to let our light shine when and where it’s needed!
