Why go to the nursing home? Without a clear and definite answer to this question we may find our commitment and dedication to this calling in jeopardy of waxing cold and loosing its relevance. God word gives the proper perspective that is needed:

"Pure religion (external religious worship expressed in outward acts and that is undefiled in the sight of God) is this: "to visit and help care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need." (James 1:27)

Go (you) into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth shall be saved; and these signs shall follow them that believe, in my name they shall cast out devils; they shall lay hands upon the sick and they shall recover." (Mark 16:15-18)

This most definitely includes the sick, the elderly and the confined at our local nursing homes, retirement homes and hospitals.

What did Jesus do?

Jesus declared, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, He has anointed Me to preach the good news (Gospel) to the poor; heal the broken hearted, set the captives free, give sight to the blind, and set at liberty those that are bruised. (Luke 4:18)

Jesus exercised compassion and loyalty to His Father’s commands and worked the works of Him that sent Him without reservation. (John 9:4)

In conclusion the heart of God is that none perish, no not one, but all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) Jesus came not to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:17)

As believers, we should feel compelled to stir up the Gifts (call of God) and His anointing upon our lives and not neglect it. (2 Timothy 1:6)

The King said, "I was sick and ye visited me." Then said the righteous, "Lord, when did we see you sick and visited you?" So the King said, "Truly I tell you, in as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25: 36-40)

Service will be from 2-3 p.m.

"Christ in Disguise" Matthew 25:34-40

"If sometimes poor people die of starvation, it is not because God didn't care for them, but because you and I did not give. We were not instruments of love in the hands of God, to give them bread, to give them clothing. We did not RECOGNIZE Him when once more Jesus Christ came in distressing disguise --in the hungry man, in the lonely man, in the homeless child, seeking for shelter."

"God has identified himself with the hungry, the sick, the naked, the homeless. They are not just hungry for bread, but for love, for care, to be somebody to someone. Nakedness is not of a lack of clothing only, but they are naked of compassion. Very few people give to the unknown person. Homelessness not just for a shelter made of stone, but homelessness comes from having no one to call your own."

These words are powerful reminders that we are the body of Christ. We minister in his name to them. Jesus said, "whatever you do for the least of these my brothers, you did it unto me." You may have met Jesus today or you may meet Him tomorrow- did you---or will you -- recognize him?

STIR UP THE GIFT!