Messing with the Margins

Monday’s Scripture Readings:OT: Daniel 7-8
NT: James 1
W&W: Psalm 129

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:OT: Daniel 9
NT: James 2
W&W: Psalm 130

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:OT: Daniel 10
NT: James 3
W&W: Psalm 131

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:OT: Daniel 11-12
NT: James 4
W&W: Psalm 132

Friday’s Scripture Readings:OT: Hosea 1-2
NT: James 5
W&W: Psalm 133

Today’s Reflection:
The Apostle James wrote to the church: “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1.22).

Yesterday, at Bethel Nazarene Church, Dr. Jim Johnson of Point Loma Nazarene University challenged us to “Mess with the Margins.” Preaching from the story of blind Bartimaeus, Dr. Johnson reminded us that we are surrounded by people who are in the margins – neglected by our culture and forgotten by the church. Though Bartimaeus was such a man, Jesus was not satisfied to leave him in the margins. Instead, the Lord engaged him and his brokenness, and by so doing he called the church to engage the marginalized of our day.

As the service began, Phyllis – one of our members – challenged us to engage the marginalized by providing Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless shelter in Batavia. After the service, our people responded generously in money, food and time. At the conclusion of the service, Hillary - a high school senior and a very talented artist – stood before us to ask for our support as she engaged the marginalized at an orphanage in Chactee, Guatemala. She will soon be presenting her works at an art show and all the proceeds will to go to the orphanage. It was amazing that Stan – the soloist – chose a song about Blind Bartimaeus to sing – not knowing the speaker’s text and topic! God put the service together! He wanted to get our attention!

The evidence leads to the verdict that God indeed has the attention of Bethel Nazarenes. I’m humbled to be a part of what God is doing in and through the lives of these Christ-followers. They are not just hearers of the word when it comes to messing with the margins. They are doers. God has challenged me. How about you?

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:James 1.22: Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.