(3 John 1:3 NASB) - Walking in the Truth

(3 John 1:3 NASB) "For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth."

There were times as a child when I did something, either by myself or as part of a group, that I felt good about. I knew what I (we) had done was something that would be pleasing to others and the Lord.

One particular project involved collecting money for the building of homes in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Our school had adopted a church in Sao Paulo. We were told of stories of poverty beyond what we had ever heard before. People were living in cardboard homes that often were literally washed away in the torrential downpours that area of the world experienced.

Our school decided to collect money for the construction of homes made out of concrete blocks. We were to finance the building of 20 of these homes which would then be sold to members of the congregation at a price they could afford. The result of all this would be that the money collected would be used to finance the construction of other new homes. It was planned that this project, because of the way it was set up, would go on indefinitely.

Since that time I've lost track of how that project is progressing or even if it is still viable. But I haven't forgotten the huge lesson the Lord taught me in giving to those less fortunate than I.

I was a part of a team, and I did my part to collect the pledges that would help ensure our project met its intended goals. I felt good about it then, and I feel good about it today because the success of the project was laid squarely at the feet of the Lord.

In a very real sense, our group of high school students back then was testifying to the truth of Jesus Christ. It was also testifying to the reality of His Family................how when one part of the Family is in need the others come to their aid. Our labors raising money for that project were definitely "walking the talk" of what it means to be a member of the Family. I take none of any glory that may come of any good I do for this undertaking or any other............but give it right back to Him from Whom all good things come.

Love in Jesus,

Jim

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"But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired." (1 Corinthians 12:18 NASB)

"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission."

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This devotional was originally posted on CCI-Devo - Daily Group Devotionals on September 18, 2004 in post #650. It was written by Jim Ross, a former United Pentecostal Church member, who attends Christian Challenge International, the sponsor of the devotional group. The devotional is the copyright of Jim Ross and is reprinted on this site by permission.

Page added July 30, 2005

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