By Karen Y. Stevens

 

Well, so far so good for the new year.

I’m committed to praising God each morning and throughout the day, and continuing in my fast. I hope you are extending yourself as well, in some way in showing God, that He is important to you.

Everyone of us can do something.

I am diabetic, but I still fast, just in a way that it’s not harmful to me. We can all come up with an excuse why we shouldn’t, or can’t, but we can also find ways to say, “I should, I can, and I will”.

If you can’t fast from food, listen to what God says in Isaiah 58:4, 7-9 – “4) You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 7) What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families.  8) Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage.  9) Then when you pray, God will answer. You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.”

We can all share our food with the hungry.

There are so many out-reaches locally, and nationally, that we can contribute to, if we don’t know someone in need.

The Orange Christian Services is a wonderful place to donate food and clothing. There number is 409 886-0938.

We can all take care of the shivering ill-clad people. If you don’t know anyone personally who needs a coat, Coats and Kettles is sponsored by the Salvation Army, where you can donate your coats.

And last on Gods list, is your own family. Are you available to your family members? Are you praying for them, feeding them, helping them? This one should be the easiest on your list but is usually the hardest.

You know all the needs of your family members, and are probably in close proximity, to help them. Yes, I know you see all their flaws, and mess ups, but they see yours as well. A gift does not have to be hard on your budget. Taking dinner to a family member, giving something out of your closet, or money that you tagged for that new pair of shoes that you don’t need; be creative if money is tight.

The less money we have, the more of our time it will take, to give to someone.

Everyone knows our time is our most valuable commodity, so when we take our time to do something for them, if they don’t appreciate it, God will see, and does. God appreciates our time throughout the day, so let’s try to spend more with Him.

 

Karen Y. Stevens is founder of Orange County Christian Writers Guild