Another creative quiet time: Clean or unclean

Read Leviticus 11

Make a list of foods - clean and unclean. Avoid all unclean foods for that day. Think about why God would forbid the foods He forbid. What was His purpose? At each meal, consider whether food can defile you.

Reaching out in a time of need...

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:14-17)

It is hard to turn on the TV and watch post-massive-earthquake Haiti coverage.  Thousands upon thousands of people have been killed, thousands more have lost family members, homes, business and churches.  Beyond that, basics for living are hard to come by - essentials you and I take for granted - like clean water and food.

I couldn't help but think of this passage from James, where James points out that those who truly have faith will live that faith out through their deeds.  Yesterday at PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel), we looked at Hebrews 10:24, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works".  So, with that idea fresh on my mind, I want to encourage us all, not to turn a blind eye on the people in Haiti, but from Christian love, let us take action, however we can.

• Perhaps you have skills that can be used and are willing to go help - medically or to rebuild?
• Maybe you could organize an outreach through your church or friends, collecting supplies or money to send to Haiti.  For a neat story on how one group did this, visit my friend Jennifer's blog, to read about their efforts.
• If you can't go, perhaps you can give.  Here are some organizations to consider (all of these are dedicated to meeting physical AND spiritual needs):
• Compassion International
• Samaritan's Purse
• World Team
• We can ALL pray.  There is much spiritual darkness there - let us pray that the LIGHT will shine brightly at this time and that through this devastation, many might be drawn to our Lord Jesus Christ. 

These are just a few ideas - certainly not an all-inclusive list.  Let us not turn our backs on this hour of need - but be stirred up to good works... that others might see our good works, and give our Father in heaven great glory! 

Another Creative Quiet Time: Share the Wealth!

Read Matthew 6: 1-4

Go through your closet and find five things (or more) that you haven't worn recently and one thing that is a "favorite".  Take them to a shelter or a thrift store and give them away.  Don't get a receipt, and don't tell anyone about it. 

Journal about your experience and thank the Lord for all He has provided for you.

Another creative quiet time...

Read 1 Cor. 13:4-7

List out a person for each description of love and how you might demonstrate love to that person.

For example: love is patient ~ I wll listen to "Susie" without interrupting even when she gets long-winded.

Then go and try to do them!

Spice up Your Quiet Time...

Ever feel like you have spiritual attention deficit? You aren't alone! Here is an idea to "spice up" your time with the Lord... I'll be posting different ideas from time to time.

For this - grab your Bible and your camera and head outdoors. Read Psalm 8 out loud - then start walking around looking for examples of things God has created... it could be a beautiful sunrise or an interesting bug. Capture the pictures - and give God praise for all the creative things He has created.