FROM THE PASTORS PEN… 26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:26-27 KJV

In the first century , orphans and widows had very little means of economic support. Unless they had family that was willing to care for them they were reduced to begging, selling themselves as slaves , or starving. The early church put Gods Word into practice by helping these in need.

In today’s world we have many people in need all around us. And as we go about our daily lives we sometimes overlook someone in need . We forget about the little elderly lady whose husband has passed away or the single mom down the street that is struggling to make ends meet. Today the church has many programs and organizations to send funds to for missions and ministries and we give to them without thought thinking we are doing what God has told us to do. And just like that we are doing our Christian duty.

My dear friends if this is what you think is being religious you have missed the mark. We spend time in meetings and giving to programs but can I say our mission field is right outside your and my door. There are people that are in need all around us, and we should not just have church on Sunday and Wednesday but we should be the church Monday-Friday 365 days a year. And as the church , meaning you and me, when we do help someone never expect anything in return or brag about what you are doing or have done . When we give with no hope of receiving anything in return, we show what it means to truly serve others.

May God bless you and keep you all in His Grace today.

Love you in Christ
Bro. Lee Tilton
Pastor, Laurel Heights Baptist Church