The Elisha Project

We have gathered in this house of mourning in memory of a young man who departed this earth on **** 2013.

It is with a heavy heart that we meet here today. Heavy with the pain of a life interrupted, a family torn with grief over the loss of one of their own. A mother who must now must face life without her baby boy.

Psalm 46:1-7 states:

1 “God is our refuge and strength,   an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way  and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5 God is within her, she will not fall;  God will help her at break of day.

6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Funerals are always sad occasions, but nevertheless, it is fitting that we should come and mourn and grieve together. That we should sympathize and lend encouragement to the bereaved…it is biblical.

When Job’s three friends heard of his trials and pain and loss they made plans and came to mourn with him and comfort him.

Words cannot suffice at a time like this.

The bible says “Rejoice with those that rejoice and weep with those that weep.”

So today we weep…and still some will rejoice in the eternal promise that is salvation.

Sure…we try as best as possible to sympathize and even empathize, but the realization that his life is no more is a stark reminder of the fragile nature of this existence.

There are no words that we can say today that will have any bearing on the eternal destiny of this young man; funerals are for the living!

So we leave all those matters in the hands of a God who does all things perfectly.

I asked family members and friends about Jonathan and they said this young man loved life. He was well loved by family and friends alike. He was funny, a leader and above all things, passionate about people.

But like all of us…imperfect.

The word of God says in Romans 3:10:

“No one is righteous—not even one.”

And this boy was no exception.

But I will tell you what he was…he was a mother’s son, a fathers son, a sisters brother, an aunts and uncles nephew, a cousin, a friend, a grandmothers baby.

He was someone made in the image of God. Now, he is no more.

What we have left is memories of a life lived too soon.

So what will be his legacy?

The dictionary defines the word Legacy as:

: a gift by will especially of money or other personal property : bequest

2: something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.

Synonyms for legacy include: birthright, heritage, and inheritance – to name a few.

So what will his legacy be?

He didn’t have any children nor wife…so what will be his LEGACY?

This young man had an uncle whom he never met that was also killed on the streets of this city at a tender age more than 30 years ago. LEGACY!

And while I was not at that funeral…I am sure that some of the things that we are experiencing here were experienced back then. Some of you here were present as young people back then. I am certain that there were tears and that there were many questions.

Just like today.

The countless whys? The countless… what could have been done differently? The questions that echo in our hearts about what might have been.

As I look across the room I can’t help but wonder how many here will look at this scene and think about your own legacy.

What kind of life are you living?

What are you doing with your time?

How do you love these days?

Before this night is over many of you will be doing exactly what you did yesterday…good bad or indifferent.

Many of you will mourn this young man and yet, be completely unaffected in your daily life.

Not His Mother…Not His Family!

This scene has become so commonplace in our American landscape that we are no longer sensitive to it.

Another life lost…another FAMILY mourns.

The bible teaches us in John 15:13 that:

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

When I was a young man like this, running the streets of NYC with my brother we believed in this creed.

To Lay Down Your Life For One’s Friends!!!

If somebody got us…then we got them.

An eye for an eye.

And I even believed that if you did it on the field of battle…than that was an amazing legacy to leave behind. I fantasized about coming over the hill and going out in a blaze of Glory.

How foolish…

Brothers and sisters…there is no glory in dying for the sake of dying. There is no glory in even living for the sake of living.

But living in a way that is filled with love, peace, understanding and compassion…that is truly laying down your life…laying down your selfish wants and desires…laying down your needs for someone else…Giving your all and your best in the service of others. That is what our Father calls for!!!

It is a selfish act to take a life.

It is a cowardly act to take a Life.

If we were forced to see the results of that action…if we could fast forward to the day of the funeral…this day…if we could fast forward to the cemetery…this day…if we could fast forward to the screaming mother…crying…years from now…very few would do it…Very few.

Is a legacy of death what we are leaving behind for our children?

A legacy of godlessness?

Is that going to be your legacy?

I have heard people say that he was a good boy. I have heard strangers just assume the worse of him also. What was he doing out late that night? Who was he running with? The answer to those questions won’t bring him back.

What is going to be his Legacy now?

This boy also had a cousin, consequently, the son of that murdered uncle that was also shot in the prime of his youth…legacy…but did not die. Instead lived…instead was given a second chance…instead stands today…preaching the funeral of a departed cousin. Changing Legacy.

You hear people say things like…”no one knows what tomorrow may bring.”

James 4:13-14 says

“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.

What is your life?

You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

A Mist That Appears And Then Is Gone!

A Mist That Appears And Then Is Gone! You hear me…gone.

Do you believe that perhaps like you this boy had plans…had dreams…had hopes and aspirations?

I KNOW HE DID.

LIFE can end at any time…are you ready?

Your casket could be here tomorrow…are you ready?

What will be your legacy?

What will they say about you?

You all have an opportunity today to forget about everything that you have done wrong in your lives in the past, repent, call on Jesus and shape your own legacy.

Just as the children of that murdered uncle have changed his legacy from negative to positive by leaving behind the hate and death.

If you loved…really loved this young man…than don’t die for him…live for him.

Live your life in such a way that he would be proud to call you friend. Love people in a greater way than he did and he was both love-able and love-filled. Do not waste your life in useless pursuits.

As I prepared for this sermon today I thought of all of you…and how many of you would think that I was just another preacher who doesn’t really no what’s going on. How many of you don’t believe in God at all? How many of you can’t wait for all this to be over so you can return to what you were doing…life before this tragedy.

But that didn’t move me. No sir.

Almost every picture that I could find of this young man, he was wearing a cross necklace.

I saw wooden ones, metal ones…even a plastic one. You see, right now at this very moment this boy knows what some of us believe by faith and some of us deny…that there is a GOD!

RIGHT NOW…Jonathan is not confused about that. RIGHT NOW…he is not worried about what others think. RIGHT NOW…he is not searching for who he is. RIGHT NOW…he is not worrying about people making fun of him…RIGHT NOW…he doesn’t care what crew you belong to…

You see…

We can be coy NOW…we can be fresh NOW…we can make believe He doesn’t exist NOW…but on that day…oh yes, on that day when you come face to face with He that was there in the beginning…He that was slain – there will be NO DOUBT.

If this body lying behind me were to be given voice, he might cry out like the man in Luke 16:19:

“Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.” – you are all those brothers.

That is not to say where this young man’s soul is for we leave his eternal destiny as I stated, in the hands of God. But he is crying out to all of you young people right now. Regardless of where he is, he knows that God is reaL AND THAT WE ARE IN NEED OF A SAVIOR!!!

Listen to me…we have an eternal hope that is Christ Jesus.

The finality of death in this world is trampled by the words from 2 Corinthians 5:8, we know that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

Eternity in the arms of Jesus.

The time to come to God is at hand. I am sure that Jonathan did not start that fateful day with any expectation that it would be his last.

Yet, we can all be comforted by the comforter in the hope that on the precipice of those final moments a merciful and gracious God was waiting for his child to come home.

I offer that to you Mother…take comfort in that.

Don’t let his legacy be one of sadness…let it be one filled with the joy that passes all understanding. The joy that can only come from having a right relationship with Jesus the Christ.

The one thing that we can all be assured of…regardless of what you believe…is that we are all going to die some day.

But you can make a choice right now –

Instead of death…life…

instead of anger…compassion…

instead of weakness…strength…

instead of hate…love…

instead of fear…boldness, to stand out and do that which is right.

“For God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of peace, love and a sound mind.”

Get right with God…today…right now…this moment will echo in eternity. You are no longer ignorant about the saving grace of Christ Jesus.

For all who call on THAT name will be saved. You have heard the truth. You have been told. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

You may never get another chance.

Come now…

John 16:22 reminds us that:

“So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”

Leave a legacy of love and self-sacrifice…that is what he would have wanted.

Come Now…quickly…COME.

Let us pray…

GLO

Christ ELISHA PROJECT FUNERAL Jesus
Week 33- Easter week. In our small way, The Elisha Project continues its mission to sacrifice for others as Jesus sacrificed for us. It’s a wonderful gift that we all can share His love through service.

“And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. And they were conversing with each other about all these things which had taken place. And it came about that while they were conversing and discussing, Jesus Himself approached, and began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.” (Luke 24:13-16)

Happy Easter – Week 33

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A story about the resurrected Christ.. The road to Emmaus.. How many of us are on that road? Where are we going? We at The Elisha Project are here to help you recognize Jesus on whatever road you may be taking.

113 lunches this week.. now at 2804 lunches given to date – Keep those Gives coming and Thank You for spreading the word!

And it came about that when He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him.. (Luke 24:30-31)

Thank you all for your continued support for His project and we welcome your prayers -
- That this ministry will continue to serve those like Tee Tee. We are not alone, like the two travelers in scripture; Jesus is with us- we just don’t always recognize him.
- A simple bagged lunch has the power to change all of our hearts, the power to see Him more clearly.
The most amazing thing is that it is changing the very people who set out Saturday mornings to change the broken…it is on that mission, in that place that we realize that we are the broken…IMAGINE THAT!
Give. Love. Live.
The Elisha Project

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Share your food with hungry and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help. (Isaiah 58:7)

Week 34- As the weather warms up, please consider volunteering and joining us some Saturday. Put aside your opinions, assumptions, political views of the needy- The Who? How? Why? And just feel the power of Giving. There is brokenness all around us and when we open our eyes to it and see it through God’s perspective, it can change our hearts.

Inspiring families and their children is our focus- they look to us for leadership and guidance. Our actions more than our words lay the foundation for their Christian faith. Love through giving and service has the power to change a generation.

Train children how to live right, and when they are old, they will not change. (Proverbs 22:6)

The power of God can work miracles through our hands and feet. 109 lunches given this week now bringing our total to 2813 lunches given to date. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. This project continues to grow through the power of Him in us.

“Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal.

Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.

Then when you call, the Lord will answer.

‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply (Isaiah 58:8-9)

Christ Jesus
I got up Tuesday as I do on most days and headed to church to take care of church business. The head deacon John was already waiting for me, as was our mission’s board leader, Elizabeth. When I arrived I noticed that the door to the sanctuary was ajar. I thought it strange and proceeded to investigate. As I opened the outer door I could see that there was an old man admiring the stained glass windows.

As I walked in quietly he did not turn around, but somehow knew that I was present. He did not stop admiring the windows but took a couple of steps forward while using his left hand to gently touch the pews. I felt strange, almost like I was the visitor. I finally got myself together and politely asked,

Pastor: “Can I help you Sir?”

He didn’t return my gaze but replied,

Visitor: “What kind of house is this?”

I was taken aback by the question, as he was too old to not recognize the building.

Pastor: “Well, it’s a church Sir…have you never stepped foot inside of a church?”

Visitor: “I can’t say that I recognize it.”

Pastor: “I have a meeting that I have to get to…how did you get in?”

Visitor: “Those are amazing windows…they must have set you back quite a bit.”

Pastor: “Well…yes, they have been here for quite sometime. I am unsure who donated them.”

Visitor: “Amazing…and these chairs…real mahogany? I’ve always liked mahogany.”

Now I found myself walking with this man and playing tour guide. My patience was running thin but yet I did not stop.

Pastor: “Sir…I really have to get going. You are welcomed to come back for service on Wednesday evening or Sunday.”

I tried to hand him a bulletin. He didn’t even look at me.

Visitor: “What’s this thing on the platform with all the carvings?”

Pastor: “That’s the place where we preach from…”

Visitor: “Oh…so there are more of you? And what about all that gold and crystal up there…what is the purpose of all this?

Pastor: “Well…we honor God that way. That is the sacred altar for God.”

Visitor: “So God lives on that altar?”

Pastor: “Well. No, not exactly.”

Visitor: “Ok. So why is it there?”

Pastor: “I really don’t have time right now to explain the history of altars and Abraham and all of that. Is there a purpose for your visit?”

Visitor: “Of course…but one last question. How many hours per week is this room used?”

Pastor: “I would say about…3 on Wednesday…3 on Sunday…can’t count prayer meetings because we don’t do that except in January…about 8 hrs in total.”

Visitor: “Ha…just as I thought. I have an idea… could you please endure me for a couple of minutes more.”

Just then John and Elizabeth walk in looking for me.

Visitor: “Hello John & Elizabeth, how are you doing?

John: “Hello…do I know you?”

Pastor: “Sorry John, this is Mr.…what’s your name again?”

Visitor: “I am happy that you are all together. I have a proposition that I think you are all going to love. Please sit down and hear me out.”

We all took a seat in the front pew as this man walks toward the altar and stops at the first step and offers the following:

Visitor: “Why don’t we rip out all the pews and replace them with folding chairs. Then we can put them away when they are not in use and put in 100 rollaway beds. Then we can sell the gold and crystal on the altar and use the money to feed the people in need that will be in those beds.

“We can also get rid of the windows as I imagine they will fetch a nice price in a museum somewhere and we can pay for some more staff and the increase in utility bills. If all your CHURCHES did this than there would be no one in need in this community.”

We sat dumbfounded as this man spoke with authority. He was speaking as if it were his church and not ours. John finally spoke up, as I did not have the courage or breath to do so.

John: “Sir, how dare you come in and here and even intimate that we would desecrate the house of God in such a manner.”

Elizabeth: “Yes, this church has stood for over 100 years and my family has called it home for 3 generations. There are enough government and private organizations to take care of those people. This house belongs to the Lord.”

Visitor: “Ah…of course, not your problem.”

With that he looked at the altar, shook his head and proceeded to walk back up the aisle. I got up to defend our position but he was almost at the door.

John: “You know we are a good church and we give to the food bank every month and the soup kitchen!!!”

The visitor turned around and with a tear in his eye and said,

Visitor: “Yes…I know. It is the same thing that I heard from the church in Laodicea…”

The visitor left that church and took His glory with him.

GLO

Christ Christians Homeless Jesus Laodicea Sardis Spirit The Dead Church the elisha project
Week 35 was a great week where the kids had an opportunity to speak a little about what makes EP so important them. Our music comes to us from “Royal Tailor” and “Jeremy Camp”.

Please pass this video along and remember that we are feeding people simply because of your LIKES.

Homeless Jeremy Camp Love Ortiz Providence Royal Tailor Solutions Inspired
I had a whole lot of ideas for the post following our 52nd week @ EP. But when I started writing I realized that there was so much that I could not cover it all. So a decision was made to show you. We put together our 1st EP short documentary. We hope and pray that you will be blessed by it:

The Elisha Project

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Week 32.. An amazing week where the hand of God is becoming more and more evident to all of us…the project continues to move according to His ways and for His glory. Through Him all things are possible – no vision is unattainable.. no need too great!

Saturday morning brought a cold wet March day with drizzle trying to damper our spirits. It was decided, with the forecast as it was, that in lieu of our usual spot behind Crossroads, we would take a small group and venture into the streets of Providence. Given the weather conditions, and to ease our physical load, we packed 54 lunches with 2 cases of water and started out…5 adults…2 children to minister to those in need. As always, prayer was essential especially given the unknown nature of our journey.

Wild Bill, an elderly gentleman, was encouraged by our offer of a lunch and readily allowed us to pray with him. Tears were visible on his cheeks as he walked away from us.

What a great power the Lord has to change lives.

Despite the cold and rain, we were all touched and encouraged. Eddie, a familiar face, obviously stricken by addiction welcomed our offer of a lunch and a prayer. Traveling west on Broad St, we ministered and prayed to many, on the sidewalks, in the streets – we met them where they were at and gave them a little light and hope in their darkness. Many lost, many wounded, all His children…life changing experiences for us all. Praise God.

Need knows no age constraints, a car packed with young adults and a baby pulled up and flagged us down. They eagerly welcomed the lunches and listened while we testified to how Jesus could change their future. Then there was the young basketball player next- a scholarship in hand, he was unsure of his future as the streets tugged him to stay- South Dakota seemed too far for him. We pray that he will seize the opportunity he has to break free and step forward in his life with no fear.

And the young couple walking among the fallen headstones of the cemetery – life in a dead place.

They could easily fit in on any college campus but there they were- together, alone, walking aimlessly. They stopped 10 steps after they met us to eat- we pray that Jesus will fill their hearts with spiritual food that surpasses all understanding.

Earl from Brooklyn (the same housing complex as our own George Ortiz) – Thank You! A welder from New York, who saw firsthand the horrors of the 9/11 World Trade Center bombings. He ministered to us for 20 minutes about his journey- we pray that you will find work, that you will join us on Sundays and that we will see you soon. Take care my friend.

We thank you Lord for your protection today and for the unbelievable gift that 54 lunches gave to us all. 54 lunches in the rain was life changing. Traveling to meet those where they were was a experience in seeing His spirit at work through us in this project. We continue to pray that we will humbly serve you through service to others- that souls may be healed- that our eyes continue to be opened. Thank you Lord for your grace that we may share it with others.

Thank you all for your continued support of The Elisha Project – that’s 2591 lunches in 32 weeks! We hope that our story is inspirational to all that read it- may it change your hearts…

“Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one of them claimed that anything which he possessed was [exclusively] his own, but everything they had was in common and for the use of all.” (Acts 4:32)

Homeless Jesus Lind linkin park Solutions Inspired the elisha project
Let us pray…

Lord, give us your heart and eyes. Stretch us in every way so that we can come to a place where we know without you all things are impossible.

The word of God makes it clear when it comes to how we are to live our lives. I have found that every situation is covered in that word of God. In my early days of being a believer I really looked at the bible as something that gave me clues and pointers to stay on path. However it was not something to take literally. Well of course, through God’s grace and apportioned faith that has changed.

These days not only do I know that His word is the only thing that matters, I also understand that everything that I have is from Him.

The bible says in Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”

So Jesus clearly went through all the troubles, temptations and challenges that we face…but did not sin. He was sinless. Perfect in every way. He is God.

When you talk about temptations people seem to immediately think about the ones that are obvious…like flesh. I seldom hear some one come to me for counseling and talk about pride as a temptation, or over-eating, or even flattery. That’s right, flattery.

For it is written: “A man that flatters his neighbour spreads a net for his feet.”

Consequently, that is not what I am talking about. Today I would like to address a temptation that most of us experience every day but seldom see it as what it is – FEAR!

Who of us can honestly say that we do not experience some form of fear every single day?

Psychology Today defines fear in the following manner:

“Fear is a vital response to physical and emotional danger—if we didn’t feel it, we couldn’t protect ourselves from legitimate threats. But often we fear situations that are far from life-or-death, and thus hang back for no good reason. Traumas or bad experiences can trigger a fear response within us that is hard to quell. Yet exposing ourselves to our personal demons is the best way to move past them.”

For the record I am not in favor of exposing anything to demons, per se but I think the message there is we have to confront that which we fear.

A website called Self Help Collective listed the top ten fears like this:

01. Fear of flying
02. Fear of public speaking
03. Fear of heights
04. Fear of the dark
05. Fear of intimacy
06. Fear of death
07. Fear of failure
08. Fear of rejection (my own #1)
09. Fear of spiders
10. Fear of commitment

I found many lists and they varied a bit, but for the most part stuck to the same lines. Dr. Denis Burke I thought outlined a more realistic list of 5 that we can all relate to:
- Fear of Rejection
- Fear of Criticism
- Fear of Failure on the Job or Business
- Fear of Decisions
- And the dreaded one that grips our American dream – Financial Fear
Interestingly enough, in ministry you face all of these and then some. But as a Christian I would say that we evangelize less, if at all, because of the first two: Rejection and Criticism. Unfortunately, that is not my focus today. My focus today is on the FEAR that most of us experience above all else and really challenge the Holy Spirit for first place in our hearts…our treasures…our moola…our loot…our MONEY.

This Elisha Project ministry has taught me more about this verse:

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24

than I could have ever learned if I had just continued my path in the business world. In that world money is god. There is no masking it nor is there any real other agenda than to make more profit. And it really is a simple formula. You sell goods or services in exchange for monetary compensation. If you can repeat that formula and keep more money coming in than going out, you will be a success. It is a formula that I learned extremely early on the streets of NYC.

But the bible is clear about money…and the love thereof. There is nothing wrong with having it…there is something wrong when it HAS you. What Jesus was saying in Matthew 6:24 was that nothing outside of your Lord should consume you.

In Matthew 6:21 he stated, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

How true that is… my brothers and sisters it takes faith to do live this life as a Christian.

Wikipedia defines a Christian like this:

A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

Now, is that how you define your self?

Perhaps in coming days that definition will be changed to reflect modern American Christianity that is best depicted this way:

A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on some of the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as per their interpretation; but not to interfere, disrupt or in any way alter their life, lifestyle, circle of friends, employment or financial security.

Isn’t that really the truth for many? Let’s be perfectly honest. As you hear this look around you. No one knows what you are feeling at this moment except you and God.

WHICH ONE OF THOSE DEFINITIONS TRULY DESCRIBES YOUR CHRISTIANITY?

It is the fear of pouring out our lives for His kingdom that keeps us holding on tight. Sure some of us tithe our 10%…some. Then we are done. And I have heard some pastors say that they don’t care with what heart you give the money, as long as you give it, let God deal with you!!!

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7:

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

I depend on the Lord for everything; so if you have a reluctant heart please do not give this ministry anything. Understand something, when you say no to God He doesn’t stop the plan…He just picks someone else to do what you would not.

It is that fear of losing our treasure that keeps so many in spiritual bankruptcy. It is the fear of not having enough manna for tomorrow that caused the Israelites to sin against God (Exodus 16:20). Consequently, their manna began to smell and was filled with maggots. How is your manna?

I’ve learned these lessons the hard way and I thank God for them now, even if that was not always the case.

But let us examine the real fear here. Is it a fear of not having enough money?

Brothers and sisters…I do not believe that is the truth.

You see the fear that we are letting permeate our hearts and minds is the fear that God will not do as He says!!!

The fear that God will not provide for our needs!

The fear that God is not the same today, yesterday and always!

The fear that God is not in charge!

The fear that the Lord will fail us some how!

Why are you so surprised? There were those who walked the earth and worked along side Jesus and yet, they doubted and feared. How much harder for you that has not seen, right? (Look up John 20:29)

We are the same people that jump in a car and expect it to start. Than expect that same car to drive at speeds of up to 80+ miles per hour carrying our precious loved ones and not fall apart. Of that we have no fear.

We get on airplanes that weigh 180,000 lbs. and not only expect them to keep us safe but pay handsomely for the privilege of risking our lives and yet often never even see the pilots.

But we fear our Lord will not provide for our needs. Now how does that translate to believing Him for healing, prayer, miracles…SALVATION? Do you believe that He will one day come out of heaven and take us home…but can’t pay the mortgage.

Come on…that does not make sense. Romans 1:25 says that, “they exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator–who is forever praised. Amen.”

Which lie have you exchanged His truth for? Which lie is embedded so deep in your heart that it has become truth?
- That you are doing your best?
- That you need all those “Guys/Girls nights out”?
- That you deserve it?
- Or the one that we hear every week without asking, “We wish we could help more but the economy.”
We do not ask people for things…we ask God and He sends people. Furthermore, we don’t spend our time praying for money at all. Instead we spend our time praying for God to break us even more. We pray for the God of heaven and earth to bring us more people in need so that we can seed and water; for God brings the increase (1 Cor 3:6).

What breaks my heart is not those that we feed that are in need but those that think they are NOT in need. Those that have money for pets ($53 Billion 2012…I love animals but), vacations, extra houses, extra cars, dining out, entertainment, and even a 20% tip to the waiter/waitress (and they deserve that) but find it difficult to stretch past their 10% (if that) to God. Those that call me to pray for their needs but never ask if there is something they can do or give for His work and kingdom.

Those that call me and ask me questions like, “If I received this money and it was not technically from my employment…do I still have to tithe?” As if God were running a division of the IRS in heaven. For the record when I receive those calls I generally don’t respond. I stay silent until they are uncomfortable. I pray the entire time until they answer it themselves or they simply hang up.

Brothers and sisters…God doesn’t need your money or treasures. He simply desires to be more important to you than your money. He seeks a relationship that dwarfs everything else in your life. There is nothing that can compare to the love that fills your heart when you are truly a follower of the living Christ. It’s worth more than all the riches of the earth. As the devil tempted Jesus in the desert he is still tempting us in this desert. Jesus won that battle in the desert and ultimate victory on Calvary. If you pray and ask Him to give you the strength to overcome these temptations He will. The Holy Spirit will give you what you need to overcome all things. If you are offended, take it to God. My hope is that you leave changed in some way. If you walked in happy and leave angry…fine. If you walked in angry and leave happy…fine. I just don’t want you to leave like you were never here.

Have no fear.

For it is written:

“For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Amen.

GLO

servant
I start the week 46 blog post by reflecting on the story of the widow in Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4. In the story she gives her last 2 mites or less than a cent. It is a story that is often used in churches before the stewardship campaign. The story itself has many different moving pieces that most of us have no interest knowing about – so I will try my best to not bore you (dear wife) with the historical facts. It is a topic that is not often discussed and in my research I could not find much written about.

You may be asking as to why I am writing about this and not what happened on the streets week 46…but you can watch the video for that. This is a reflection on what happened behind the scenes on week 46.

The Case for The Widow

A successful business associate approached me last week and posed this question,

“Who pays for the lunches?”

I explained that when families come for EP Saturdays they are encouraged to look at the EP Lunch List and do the shopping themselves or we can do it for them.

So he asked,

“Does every family have to buy lunches?”

I then explained that no one is forced to do anything but that this program is designed to stretch people regardless of where they are in life and teach that we can all do something. So we expect people to what they can. His next statement is what inspired the post and the study on the widow. He said,

“Come on George, you know most people will only give you scraps if you let them. They will not give ‘til it hurts…me included.”

He laughed and said his goodbyes.

I stood there shaking my head and wanting to say so much…but I said nothing. You see there was some truth in what he said. At least for him it was true. Maya Angelou said, “The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them.” I do.

According to data from the IRS generally speaking, people in lower income brackets give a higher percentage of their income to charitable organizations than people in higher income brackets. My friend above would agree whole-heartedly.

The widow at the temple in Mark’s story gave out of her means. There are some that question her intelligence, some that question which part of the story to focus on, and then there are some that question the true meaning. Well, that is all left for debate. What stands out for me is the fact that we can take away something from the story to be used here at EP and in life.

To often we find ourselves prioritizing our lives. We prioritize our schedules, exercise, and even relationships. However, do we prioritize our giving?

When I say giving, I mean GIVING. Giving of our finances, time, smile, love, encouragement.

This widow in the story gave than less than a cent. In fact, the amount was so small that there was no monetary equivalent in the imperial system. She gave all she had at the time. Consequently, that is not what I want you to take from the story. Instead I want you to focus on the fact that her gift was a lot for her to part with…regardless of whether it was right or wrong.

The point is that she gave when she could have easily said, “I need this for something else.” For you Christians reading this it speaks to obedience, which speaks to love. The act in itself was an obedient one as the story does not let on to what her spirit was like. Regardless of what you believe in we can all agree that giving with a cheerful heart is better than giving with an angry one.

Now back to the widow – her gift stretched her and was not an easy thing to do. That is what we are doing at EP. Every week we are being stretched in our faith and our love. We do EP every week and every week people want to come and participate but can’t afford to pay for a Saturday ($200.00). So those are the Saturdays when the EP team chips in and buys the lunches, because we long to see people changed by the experience. We also speak to many people that want to participate, can buy lunches but for whatever reason do not want to buy anything. We take all kinds at EP. We refuse to believe that once someone experiences EP they will not want do more.

We encourage and are appreciative of everyone. The fact that they want to come is a testimony to the amazing transformational power of Giving. The truly special feeling that comes over you when you have personally stretched yourself beyond your comfort zone for someone else. Not just doing what you can do, but also going above and beyond in order to be a blessing. There are no trumpets blowing here…no fanfare. There is simply the realization that instead of a lottery ticket, coffee, wine/beer, movie, or another meal at your favorite restaurant…someone other than you is eating.

Fun Fact – According to Bloomberg news, Massachusetts residents spend $860.70 per adult (more than three times the U.S. average) on lottery tickets. I thought New Englanders were supposed to be frugal and wise with their money.

So…where do you match up? If your last day were today…would you be proud of how you spent (time, talent, and treasure) your yesterday? There is no one here but you and I. Let’s get real right now. Are you really supporting the things you love and/or believe in? Are you ready to say that you are being stretched in any way or are you merely staying where it is comfortable? Only 2 people know the real answer.

I like comfortable…but I like joyful so much more. Actions are not words. Let how you live your life be a testament for your family, friends, colleagues, and community.

You have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself. As you look in the mirror who do you see? Right now, take a look at your checking account, your calendar and relationships…what do they all say about you? Where did you spend the bulk of your time, talent and treasure over the first 6 months of this year? Be honest. Be certain that you need not tell anyone of your findings…the fruit of your life has already told them all they need to know. I pray that the fruit reflects your words.

EP is a place where people come to Give and find in the process Love; which ultimately allows you to Live a much more fulfilled and joy-filled life.

Give. Love. Live. – The Elisha Project

GLO

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The Elisha Project.

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