Brown Bags And Jesus

Last week I left New Orleans with a terrible feeling in my heart. We were asked not to feed the homeless people under the bridge, and some suggestions were given as to where we could volunteer our time that was more convenient for the City rather than for the purpose of serving God. After being told this we took matters into our own hands and didn't seek God first. While we were able to feed the homeless last week it just didn't seem right, while everyone was fed physically, nobody was fed spiritually. Well, this week we returned and to our amazement, even though we were not feeding in the same location, word spread and within minutes we were surrounded by hungry people.....not just people hungry and ready to eat, but hungry for the word of God. I am in church almost every Sunday, and it is not a small church but I have to tell you, today I heard more people praising God in 3 hours than I have heard in church in 3 weeks.

While I was very upset the week before for not seeking God before I acted, I was very comforted by these verse's my pastor pointed out to me.

Matthew 26:40-46 (New International Version)

40Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

42He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."

43When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

45Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

It was encouraging to see that even though Jesus had asked the disciples to pray, yet the fell asleep instead, when it was time to leave He was not upset or mad, he simply told them come on, we have work to do.

Remember, whatever it is you are doing, God has it planned out already....just seek Him and let Him carry out that plan through you!