Idol Gives Back

So I like American Idol. I'm not sure why but I get suckered into shows like that.
Basically 24 & American Idol are what I waste my time on these days.

I'm not sure how many of you watched tonight's American Idol, Idol Gives Back show.
At the last tally they had already raised over $30 million.

I found it encouraging.
(1)First because so much of Hollywood got together to do something good for a change.
(2)Second because they were able to talk about the plight of the poorest of the poor on a prime time slot (basically unheard of now days, because it makes us uncomfortable to see what the rest of the world suffers under).
(3) Third because they encouraged us to do something.
(4) Because it was powerful, which to me shows an example that it is better to give than to receive.
(5) Because it encouraged us to DO SOMETHING!

I am thankful for imperfect men like Bono who have seen injustice and done much to make a difference.

My prayer is that God would ignite the hearts of christian men and women who treasure Christ more than comfort, security, and earthly temporal dreams and that they would fight for the orphan, widow and the ones who have never heard the good news of greatest joy and show the world that we care as much and more than rock stars when no cameras are around and no glamour is found in your acts of love.

As Pastor John Piper says if you are a christian you have Three Options 1)Be a Goer 2) Be a Sender 3)be Disobedient

The great news is the church is active in the world but the task is huge and the harvest is plentiful.
AIDS is at pandemic levels in Africa, many have never heard of Christ Jesus and his work on the cross to ransom a people for himself, Poverty & Starvation ruins much of the world, education is sparse in much of the world to name just a few things.
The organizations are to numerous to list here but Louie Giglio of Passion Ministries has a great link section on their site that can link you to many great Christian mission and relief and development organizations.

What can you do?

Get involved in Global perspective & missions - Seek to know what is going on with the body of Christ around the World and not just in your denomination or state or even country.Take a Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class this fall. Fight injustice that your brothers and sisters face around the world.

Sponsor a Child - Where your treasure is their will your heart be also. Don't turn away!

Volunteer- At a church, shelter, ministry, for a mission fundraiser, at an elderly neighbors.

Serve your neighbor- Love him as yourself - You neighbor in St. Paul & Syria, Yemen & Uptown, Minneapolis and Malawi & Mexico.

Pray- That God would help you to see that it is better to give than receive.

Consider - Going to the needs! Long term, short term, supporting the field workers.

Give - To whom much is given, much is required. Invest in eternity.

Life is a vapor!-
Don't Waste it seeking treasures that will never last! Don't let the Moth & Rust destroy your life!