November 16

Ezekiel 33:1-34:31, Hebrews 13:1-25, Psalm 115:1-18, Proverbs 27:21-22

Pray: Father, I seem to have my own problems, big ones, and they seem to overwhelm me for long periods of time. Help me to understand that in visiting and serving those in prison and helping those who have been mistreated that my problems will no longer overwhelm me. It is in giving and serving that I get set free.

Read: Review Hebrews 11:16. We are to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. One of the basic teachings of the Christian faith found in Hebrews 6 is that we are to “repent from dead works”. Dead works can be good things but not God things. Sharing with those in need is a God thing. This pleases God.

Edify: Obey your spiritual leaders. Know they are not perfect. But God has placed you under them. Honor them as you are commanded to honor your parents. The blessing and promise from God is the same. God promises you will live long upon the earth and that things will go well with you. Ask yourself this question: What kind of report would my pastor give to God about my life?

Practice: Participate in ministry to those just out of prison but who are in many cases in prisons far worse than the ones with high walls and barbed fencing. Sacrifice your time. Offer someone a job. Offer your skills, abilities, and talents. Serve at C.R. Help prepare meals. Visit with those fighting their way out of addictions and looking for God’s grace.