This morning as I went to the grocery to try and discover what stock had been replaced overnight, I was thrilled to discover the empty meat bin had been filled with chicken and that the spaghetti aisle had a few boxes that had been replenished. Trying to heed the Governors request I “bought for the week not for the month.”
As I was leaving the store, I saw an older couple were walking away empty handed. “Were you able to find what you were looking for?”
“No.” came the dejected reply.
“What were you looking for?” I asked.
“Toilet Paper.” Those words were music to my ears. I’ve been driving around with a few extra packages of toilet paper just in case someone in our church had a need. “Come with me,” I said. “I’ve got some in my trunk in case of an emergency.” Looking back that may not have been the best way to word it. As they protested, I assured them that I had bought this extra toilet paper for just such an occasion just in case some of the seniors in our church couldn’t find some.
We got to my car and I gave them 6 mega rolls of Charmain rolled gold. They both started digging in their wallets and now I found myself being the one protesting. “That’s not necessary; you can have it.” They insisted, “That’s not for you; it’s for your church.”
This morning as I read my passage for today I found these words, Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over—will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
When I bought that toilet paper five days ago, I spent about $7.50 for it after my discount. The man gave me a $20 bill to go in the Lord’s offering plate. But that was not the blessing. The blessing was helping a dear brother and sister in Christ with a real need in their life. Imagine getting to a store at 7 in the morning to buy much needed toilet paper only to discover the shelves already empty.
We will have many opportunities to meet needs in the coming weeks and months. Are you ready for the ways God wants to bless through you? The world needs the presence of Christ now more than ever. Your kind deed may open the door for someone to be introduced to the gospel. Who knows, TP evangelism may be the way God chooses to reach our world.
Dear God, Help us to give as You have called us to give. And may you receive all the glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Announcements:
We want you to know that we are doing everything we can to continue to minister to the needs of our community. Though we were unable to meet on Sunday, the financial needs of our church remain about the same. We want to continue to support our mission partners even in these difficult days. The reality is, ministry needs are probably greater during this time of crises. If you would like to give online, visit our website www.pinerbaptist.org, and click on the giving tab at the top of the page. Your donation is secure and will be deposited in the church’s account.
We are continuing the collection of food to help feed Piner Elementary families during this time. Bring your items to the church by Wednesday, so that they can be delivered by Friday. Jody has requested the following items: Canned Soup and Fruit, Spaghetti and Sauce, Mac & Cheese, Boxed Cereal, Peanut Butter & Jelly, and Crackers.
The Food for Thought ministry continues. We are collecting nonperishable food items for children whose needs have only increased during this recent crisis: Apple sauce, juice boxes pudding, pop tarts, cereal bars, etc. Make sure there are no peanuts in any donations. Thanks for your support of the children in our community.
We will be doing a trial run of three Sunday School classes this Sunday, March 22. The Guttridge’s class, Don’s class, and the Baldauff’s class will be our guinea pigs. If all goes well, we will try to launch Sunday School in full by next Sunday, March 29. If you want to be a part of this trial and are not in one of these classes send an email to mark@pinerbaptist.org.
Don’t forget to join us for worship on Sunday Morning at 10 a.m.