After reading the devotional "Our Genuineness Shows His Love" you probably realize that we at Healing of a Broken Heart Ministry are passionate about ministering to those that are in need and sharing the love of Christ with them.
The HBHeart Ministry is not large according to size. However, we have a big heart and a desire to help the homeless to see broken hearts made whole. We are a ministry that helps homeless families. We direct them to Christ and compose workshops to encourage them as they transition from being homeless. These programs cannot survive without the help of Gods people unifying to send out the missionaries, to set the programs together.
A recent study shows there are 2 billion people who proclaim to be Christians. I wonder, “Why are Gods people in such need?” If only the 2 billion believers gave $1 a month to church, a ministry, or organization that sets programs to reach out to the poor imagine the issues that could be addressed and resolved.
Do you know about the 319 homes/mobile homes damaged in Yazoo, MS Saturday, leaving many homeless? Have you heard about the minister who died in the tornado or the children who no longer have a mother? Did you know 10 people died in the tornado?
More than an estimated 750,000 homeless people are on the streets any night in the United States and there are only 250,000 shelter spaces available. This situation leaves over 500,000 people with nowhere else to be placed. God is calling this ministry to help so many and we need your assistance.
Today, I want to ask you to partner with me to reach someone who is homeless, who is motherless or who is poor. When you are without you feel like an outcast. You wonder, “Does anyone love me?” It is our responsibility to show the love of Christ to others. What great time to display our genuineness of love by giving.
I pray that you follow your heart today. I ask that you consider partnering with H.B. Heart giving monthly or bi-monthly so that we together can be a light in the world showing the love of Christ compassionately to those in need. Don’t consider what you feel you can’t do. Consider I am rich; I have a place to stay. I am rich, I have food to eat. I am rich; I have a place of employment. I am rich; I even have the comfort to read this publication on my internet.
We welcome you as partners today, you can mail your donation at H.B.Heart P. O. Box 185, Porterdale, GA 30070 or pledge a donation at www.hbheart.org. We thank you in advance may God continue to bless you.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Our Genuineness Shows His Love
As I sat before the window last night, I was in pain as I prayed for the three children in Mississippi who are blessed to have survived the tornado. I thought of the heroic mother that risked her life to save her children's life who is now homeless.
Many are mourning today from the tragic event that took place on Saturday, including myself. I did not know them but that doesn't stop me from desiring to help them in some aspect.
I read a comment posted on a blog and it said “Will you be giving as generously to the victims of the Mississippi tornadoes as you did to those in Haiti?” some replies were as follows:
“I bet nothing fell out of your pockets”
“No, America is a wealthy country and therefore your own government should help its own.”
“There were tornadoes in Mississippi????”
“Good point...I'll bet that NO Americans will donate and certainly NO foreign countries will donate...by the way, neither will I--in this day and age NOBODY looks out for me therefore I ONLY look out for myself and my family.”
This struck me and reminded me of Paul speaking to the Macedonian church about giving to the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. He said to them “I am not saying this as a command but rather by means of diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love,”2 Corinthians 8:8.
He continues in verse 12 saying “If the eagerness is there it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much and he who gathered little did not have too little," 2 Corinthians 8:12-15.
Paul talked to the Macedonians about helping others in their time of need. He talks about having an eagerness to give, getting our attitudes to match our actions. Paul points out that we do not have to have a lot of money to be acceptable givers. Our eagerness is all that is needed; to give from what we do have.
As you reflect on the Scripture above, consider doing a regular “attitude check” in regard to your giving and your service. Do you feel the same as the bloggers quoted above? Or, have you felt God tugging at your heart but you are not quite sure of what to do?
In John 13:35, Jesus said:
“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another. “
Let us show the love of Christ by committing to give back to God the resources He has blessed us with. Paul said you don’t have to give a lot, just match your eagerness with what you give and our heavenly Father will do the multiplying. I know that all we give will be used in bigger ways, according to the Lord, than it could be if we only use it on our own.
Many are mourning today from the tragic event that took place on Saturday, including myself. I did not know them but that doesn't stop me from desiring to help them in some aspect.
I read a comment posted on a blog and it said “Will you be giving as generously to the victims of the Mississippi tornadoes as you did to those in Haiti?” some replies were as follows:
“I bet nothing fell out of your pockets”
“No, America is a wealthy country and therefore your own government should help its own.”
“There were tornadoes in Mississippi????”
“Good point...I'll bet that NO Americans will donate and certainly NO foreign countries will donate...by the way, neither will I--in this day and age NOBODY looks out for me therefore I ONLY look out for myself and my family.”
This struck me and reminded me of Paul speaking to the Macedonian church about giving to the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. He said to them “I am not saying this as a command but rather by means of diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love,”2 Corinthians 8:8.
He continues in verse 12 saying “If the eagerness is there it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much and he who gathered little did not have too little," 2 Corinthians 8:12-15.
Paul talked to the Macedonians about helping others in their time of need. He talks about having an eagerness to give, getting our attitudes to match our actions. Paul points out that we do not have to have a lot of money to be acceptable givers. Our eagerness is all that is needed; to give from what we do have.
As you reflect on the Scripture above, consider doing a regular “attitude check” in regard to your giving and your service. Do you feel the same as the bloggers quoted above? Or, have you felt God tugging at your heart but you are not quite sure of what to do?
In John 13:35, Jesus said:
“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another. “
Let us show the love of Christ by committing to give back to God the resources He has blessed us with. Paul said you don’t have to give a lot, just match your eagerness with what you give and our heavenly Father will do the multiplying. I know that all we give will be used in bigger ways, according to the Lord, than it could be if we only use it on our own.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Get Godly Counsel
A man shared with me that he might lose his job. He starts thinking about his financial obligations, his family and things were not looking so hot. During this time a woman divorced her husband, lost her house, had no place of employment, she had many financial obligations and a family to tend to; things looked upside down. Both of these people were concern with their financial situation wondering what to do next.
In the book of second Kings there was a woman concern about the creditor coming. A widow woman was in distress because her husband died and she knew that the creditor would come to take her two sons to be their slaves. She just lost her husband so the thought of losing her two boys because of not having money stressed her so much but led her to the wise counsel of Elisha.
"So Elisha said to her," What shall I do for you? Tell me what do you have in the house? And she said your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil. Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side,"" II Kings 4:2-4.
In this text, the woman is given instructions of how to multiply the little she has. She says I don't have anything, but I do have one jar of oil. Elisha then tells her how to multiple the little. In order to multiple the little she had to have faith to activate the little to be multiplied. She had to believe that her efforts would be sufficient to cover her debt. It also points out for her to get a lot of vessels. This implies that though she came seeking about handling the matter of the debt, Elisha was instructing her so that she would be free from this concern in the future.
Later in the text we read that the woman followed his instructions and when the vessels stopped the oils stopped flowing. "She went and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left,"" II Kings 4:7.
I find it interesting that after she accomplished the first task she returned to him to ask, "What do I do next?" How often do we return to God to say “I did the first thing, now what next? Do we go to him after we have initiated a plan and failed? He told her first, go sell the oil pay off your debt and then go live off the rest. This widow went from poverty to prosperity.
What is your concern for this moment? Who have you sought out about your matter? Maybe you did the first thing God instructed you to do and rushed without consulting Him afterwards? Perhaps you have been embarrassed hiding from the Lord?
This woman was experiencing a crisis like so many today with finances. However, she sought the man of God to multiply so she could pay her debt. Who are you seeking to pay your debts? Are you writing out what you owe? Have you looked at the budget sheet?
Don't disregard your finances because you say “I don't have any.” Consider seeking out the one thing you do have. Allow God to show you how to multiply it so you can pay off your debts and live happy. Pray to God to get your mind right with your money. Call upon the Lord to center your heart with Him so you all can do wonders together. Partner with the Lord today and seek His directions and plea to sincerely follow His steps. For we should “not trust in oppression And do not vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them,” Psalm 62:10.
In the book of second Kings there was a woman concern about the creditor coming. A widow woman was in distress because her husband died and she knew that the creditor would come to take her two sons to be their slaves. She just lost her husband so the thought of losing her two boys because of not having money stressed her so much but led her to the wise counsel of Elisha.
"So Elisha said to her," What shall I do for you? Tell me what do you have in the house? And she said your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil. Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side,"" II Kings 4:2-4.
In this text, the woman is given instructions of how to multiply the little she has. She says I don't have anything, but I do have one jar of oil. Elisha then tells her how to multiple the little. In order to multiple the little she had to have faith to activate the little to be multiplied. She had to believe that her efforts would be sufficient to cover her debt. It also points out for her to get a lot of vessels. This implies that though she came seeking about handling the matter of the debt, Elisha was instructing her so that she would be free from this concern in the future.
Later in the text we read that the woman followed his instructions and when the vessels stopped the oils stopped flowing. "She went and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left,"" II Kings 4:7.
I find it interesting that after she accomplished the first task she returned to him to ask, "What do I do next?" How often do we return to God to say “I did the first thing, now what next? Do we go to him after we have initiated a plan and failed? He told her first, go sell the oil pay off your debt and then go live off the rest. This widow went from poverty to prosperity.
What is your concern for this moment? Who have you sought out about your matter? Maybe you did the first thing God instructed you to do and rushed without consulting Him afterwards? Perhaps you have been embarrassed hiding from the Lord?
This woman was experiencing a crisis like so many today with finances. However, she sought the man of God to multiply so she could pay her debt. Who are you seeking to pay your debts? Are you writing out what you owe? Have you looked at the budget sheet?
Don't disregard your finances because you say “I don't have any.” Consider seeking out the one thing you do have. Allow God to show you how to multiply it so you can pay off your debts and live happy. Pray to God to get your mind right with your money. Call upon the Lord to center your heart with Him so you all can do wonders together. Partner with the Lord today and seek His directions and plea to sincerely follow His steps. For we should “not trust in oppression And do not vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them,” Psalm 62:10.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Are You Saving?
When I was 15 years old I had my first job. My aunt and I loved to go shopping but one time while we were out on our venture to shop she said to me, “Don't spend all you have to get all you want from one pay check." I did not question her, I decided that each pay check I would put up $10 for a rainy day.
As I developed into a young woman that same principle stuck in my head. While, I was in college I experienced my first time without employment. What a change for me but not a drastic change because I had savings.
Saving money is a crucial principal for managing money. “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has,” Proverbs 21:20.
This text points out that an intelligent household has options but the thoughtless person has no choice because he/she has demolished all the he/she has. This person has irrationally gulped down or disposed everything and options are far from them.
If we are wise we will not spend all our money. Saving for the unknown emergencies as well as potential likely needs is the sensible choice.
My husband and I decided to save to by a van prior to having our fourth child. We have an older version van that is paid for and one day a lady was getting my child out of the van and she said, “I was thinking of the new vans with the doors on each side. Oh, I am so sorry.” I happily said to her, “I am not sorry at all, don’t worry this one is paid for,” and we laughed. I was seriously happy that we have a paid for car and we do not have to make monthly bills to pay it off.
Saving money is not harmful; it does not stop you from living but allows you to live with a sense of security. Not having funds saved for the emergencies allows you to live haunted by not knowing how to make it day by day. As previously mention when I was cut from the my job it did not hit me so hard because I had a savings account with enough for three months of my rent covered.
How are your finances today? Have you been making short term decisions with your finances? Buying the car of your dreams and thoughtlessly don’t consider the possibility of a rainy day. Are you able to get repairs taken care of in your home? Do you have insurance to tend to broken appliances or automobiles? Perhaps today you have income flowing like a river. Maybe you have had a halt in your finances and you feel like you are wandering in the wilderness.
Consider the caution that is established in Proverbs. Pray to God to forgive you for past financial mistakes and seek His wisdom about money. Ask God to discipline you to put aside a portion of your money as He may prosper, so no collections are made when He returns( 1 Corinthians 16:2). Seek the Lord to help you manage what He has given you so you can do what He has for you to do without financial restraints. Pray to God to help you trust Him to trust yourself to manage your money. Four things are small on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: The ants are not a strong people, but they prepare their food in the summer;” Proverbs 30:24-25.
As I developed into a young woman that same principle stuck in my head. While, I was in college I experienced my first time without employment. What a change for me but not a drastic change because I had savings.
Saving money is a crucial principal for managing money. “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has,” Proverbs 21:20.
This text points out that an intelligent household has options but the thoughtless person has no choice because he/she has demolished all the he/she has. This person has irrationally gulped down or disposed everything and options are far from them.
If we are wise we will not spend all our money. Saving for the unknown emergencies as well as potential likely needs is the sensible choice.
My husband and I decided to save to by a van prior to having our fourth child. We have an older version van that is paid for and one day a lady was getting my child out of the van and she said, “I was thinking of the new vans with the doors on each side. Oh, I am so sorry.” I happily said to her, “I am not sorry at all, don’t worry this one is paid for,” and we laughed. I was seriously happy that we have a paid for car and we do not have to make monthly bills to pay it off.
Saving money is not harmful; it does not stop you from living but allows you to live with a sense of security. Not having funds saved for the emergencies allows you to live haunted by not knowing how to make it day by day. As previously mention when I was cut from the my job it did not hit me so hard because I had a savings account with enough for three months of my rent covered.
How are your finances today? Have you been making short term decisions with your finances? Buying the car of your dreams and thoughtlessly don’t consider the possibility of a rainy day. Are you able to get repairs taken care of in your home? Do you have insurance to tend to broken appliances or automobiles? Perhaps today you have income flowing like a river. Maybe you have had a halt in your finances and you feel like you are wandering in the wilderness.
Consider the caution that is established in Proverbs. Pray to God to forgive you for past financial mistakes and seek His wisdom about money. Ask God to discipline you to put aside a portion of your money as He may prosper, so no collections are made when He returns( 1 Corinthians 16:2). Seek the Lord to help you manage what He has given you so you can do what He has for you to do without financial restraints. Pray to God to help you trust Him to trust yourself to manage your money. Four things are small on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: The ants are not a strong people, but they prepare their food in the summer;” Proverbs 30:24-25.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Get Serious
My 7 year old son gets excited when he gets money. Before it is placed in his hands, this little guy has a plan for how he is going to spend it. My 9 year old daughter, on the other hand, has a plan to budget to save, spend and make more money. I am always amazed at the outcome because even when she spends she is looking for a deal while my son is looking for exactly what he wants, disregarding the price.
As a result she always has money and he is always trying to do more things around the house to make money but not to make or save money yet to spend it. My husband refers to this as “Saving to Spend.”
While seeking wisdom about finances I am reminded of the text, “Prepare your work outside and make it fit for thyself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house,” Proverbs 24:27.
In this text it cautions the leaders of the house to do three things to manage the household affairs. First it tells us to “prepare your work.” To prepare is to establish. We are advised to get settled and accomplished in our occupation first.
As leaders in the house we must desire necessaries before conveniences. If our budget says we can afford a ranch for our dwelling place we have to be content, rather than lust or go in debt for the three story house.
This is interesting because we see this exampled when God created Adam. Before he was given Eve and the children, he had a job and became established in his business affairs, Gen 2:18-25.
The second caution in this text is it says “make it fit for thyself in the field.” To make is to prepare, get it ready so that it can grow, develop in the field. In other words, prepare your finances so that they work for you and you are not working for it.
Building first, what we cannot afford is not wise. However, if we “first apply thyself to thy work” it will be wise. Many have gone in bankrupt and lost families by starting financial escapades they cannot finish. Families have been erupted by ditching out money that does not bring anything in.
This next caution is vital because it is one that many too often commit to executing out of sequence. It states, “afterwards, then, build your house.” The key word in this step is afterwards, this implies, the next step after you are set up, not before, but after you are established, then build your house.
To build your house is to establish a home containing a family. Solomon was successful in building the house of God because all was ready. His father initiated the development and Solomon was able to then build,(1 Kings 6:7).
My son is not ready to build a house. As I pray for his wife to be great at planning, I also pray for him to be wise in being content and not hasty to spend. God willing he will be attentive as he develops to a man. Many of the leaders within our world fall in managing the household because we lack knowing what the Word says about sustaining the management of the house.
Maybe you are managing fine and you feel you don’t need a budget. Perhaps you think well the money is flowing, so I don’t have to save. However, we never know when the tables will turn. As wise children of God we must want our necessities before our conveniences, and not go in debt.
Consider not rushing out to buy your self or children the $100 dress or suit at Macy’s for Easter, yet mull over shopping for less. Don’t leap to the stores to buy hasty because it is a special event. Pray to God to forgive you for spending thoughtlessly. Seek the Lord for wisdom before you go shopping and ask Him to help you get established to build. Let us strive to keep our manners, our lifestyle free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what we have, (Hebrews 13:5).
As a result she always has money and he is always trying to do more things around the house to make money but not to make or save money yet to spend it. My husband refers to this as “Saving to Spend.”
While seeking wisdom about finances I am reminded of the text, “Prepare your work outside and make it fit for thyself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house,” Proverbs 24:27.
In this text it cautions the leaders of the house to do three things to manage the household affairs. First it tells us to “prepare your work.” To prepare is to establish. We are advised to get settled and accomplished in our occupation first.
As leaders in the house we must desire necessaries before conveniences. If our budget says we can afford a ranch for our dwelling place we have to be content, rather than lust or go in debt for the three story house.
This is interesting because we see this exampled when God created Adam. Before he was given Eve and the children, he had a job and became established in his business affairs, Gen 2:18-25.
The second caution in this text is it says “make it fit for thyself in the field.” To make is to prepare, get it ready so that it can grow, develop in the field. In other words, prepare your finances so that they work for you and you are not working for it.
Building first, what we cannot afford is not wise. However, if we “first apply thyself to thy work” it will be wise. Many have gone in bankrupt and lost families by starting financial escapades they cannot finish. Families have been erupted by ditching out money that does not bring anything in.
This next caution is vital because it is one that many too often commit to executing out of sequence. It states, “afterwards, then, build your house.” The key word in this step is afterwards, this implies, the next step after you are set up, not before, but after you are established, then build your house.
To build your house is to establish a home containing a family. Solomon was successful in building the house of God because all was ready. His father initiated the development and Solomon was able to then build,(1 Kings 6:7).
My son is not ready to build a house. As I pray for his wife to be great at planning, I also pray for him to be wise in being content and not hasty to spend. God willing he will be attentive as he develops to a man. Many of the leaders within our world fall in managing the household because we lack knowing what the Word says about sustaining the management of the house.
Maybe you are managing fine and you feel you don’t need a budget. Perhaps you think well the money is flowing, so I don’t have to save. However, we never know when the tables will turn. As wise children of God we must want our necessities before our conveniences, and not go in debt.
Consider not rushing out to buy your self or children the $100 dress or suit at Macy’s for Easter, yet mull over shopping for less. Don’t leap to the stores to buy hasty because it is a special event. Pray to God to forgive you for spending thoughtlessly. Seek the Lord for wisdom before you go shopping and ask Him to help you get established to build. Let us strive to keep our manners, our lifestyle free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what we have, (Hebrews 13:5).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
