Every Day Faith - October 2018
As a PAOC family, here’s how we’re praying this month. Along with our monthly prayer focus, visit www.everydayfaith.ca for encouragement in the disciplines of Bible reading, prayer, generosity and sharing our faith in word and deed. Scroll down for details on the Rise Up Canada prayer initiative in Ottawa, Ontario (and via live stream), on October 6, 2018.
Thank you for your continued participation in Every Day Faith.
October – Spiritual Vitality – Give
Key Everyday Thought:
Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon (Isaiah 58:10).
God’s concern for the poor, the hungry, the marginalized and the oppressed emerges consistently and prominently throughout the Scriptures. He reveals both righteousness and justice as intimately connected dimensions of His character, and asks those who belong to Him to develop character that equally expresses these attributes as well. As we take steps of faith to honour God’s desire, He helps us, and the impact is multiplied. When we take notice and share our resources with those who are struggling to survive, not only is our generosity a gift of hope to someone who may be in despair, but God’s loving nature is revealed and a pathway to Christ’s presence and the truth of the gospel is opened. When we interrupt oppressive practices through advocacy or support for those most harmed, we open the way for the kingdom of God to advance here on earth, shaping earthly life to more closely resemble what God intended it to be. While not everyone who receives our help may hear or accept Jesus’ message, let’s pray that His glory is revealed in our efforts.
Ask and it will be granted…
– That we will grow in character reflecting both righteousness and justice
– That we will have increased sensitivity to available opportunities to give and serve
– That God will raise up more ministries serving into the needs of the poor and oppressed
– That existing ministries will be strengthened and equipped for greater effectiveness
– That those in despair will find hope in Christ as they experience practical help
Last week a communication was sent encouraging participation during the month of October in taking a stand towards ending global hunger. As we all lean in, we can make progress in reaching this goal. ERDO, in partnership with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, has launched the “i care” campaign. Through i care, you and your congregation can rally with us in letting the Canadian government know how much Canadians care about ending global hunger. The i care postcards for your congregation members to sign and mail postage-free to the Prime Minister of Canada are available by request at www.erdo.ca/icare, by emailing info@erdo.ca, or by phone at 1-800-779-7262. We are also encouraging everyone in your congregation to donate a toonie towards ERDO’s school feeding program in Zimbabwe throughout the month of October. Learn more about these initiatives here.
PASSAGES TO PONDER
Matthew 25:35
“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.”
James 2:14-18
“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, ‘Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well’—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
Now someone may argue, ‘Some people have faith; others have good deeds.’ But I say, ‘How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.’”
Deuteronomy 15:7
“If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them.”
Galatians 6:2
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
Isaiah 61:1-2
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me,
for the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.
He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the LORD’s favor has come,
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.”
Next month’s key thought: God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs (Matthew 5:10).
A Call to Prayer on October 6, 2018
Read this invitation from Rev. Stewart Hunter and consider joining Rise Up Canada’s call to prayer across our nation. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Ottawa, Ontario, and will be live streamed on www.ustream.tv/ruc. For more information, visit www.riseupcanada.org or www.facebook.com/riseupcanada.ca. You can also call 416-439-7001 or email admin@riseupcanada.ca.
“My prayer is that every pastor, every staff member, every local church leader, member, and adherent, young and old, will participate in this event coming to Ottawa on October 6, 2018. Remember the encouragement in 2 Chronicles 7:14, ‘If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.’”—Rev. E. Stewart Hunter, Honorary Chairman, Rise Up Canada
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