Life is such that one day you will be old too. That’s a reality. As Christians, we need to realize what a blessing it is to be able to care for those that are elderly. James writes, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James is saying that if we want to be religious people (dedicated to doing pious things in spiritual devotion to God), then we need to take care of people in need. Specifically, James provides three examples: 

  1. Orphans who need parental love and care.
  2. Widows who need children (anyone) who love and care.
  3. We who need a Savior who loves and cares for us and who can make us pure and undefiled from the world. 

I know that not everyone who lives at Eagle Mountain Assisted Living here in Batesville is a widow or a widower. Although, I would venture to say that most of them are. But all of them are in need. That is why they live there. It is a place they can call home that will provide assistance in their daily lives (It’s in the name). Personally, I have been here many times for Bible Study, fellowship, visiting, and sometimes just for fun. I have had a few of the residents in my home just for fun and fellowship (pre-covid). I’m not telling you this so that you think anything of me. I just want you to know how enjoyable it has been to serve these good folks. One thing I know for sure is that there are Christians here who love the Lord and that need us. They need us to be there for them and encourage them. 

Specifically, there is a need for men of our congregation to volunteer to offer a time of worship and devotion on Sunday mornings. We need our deacons to step up and volunteer. We certainly need our shepherds to step up and volunteer. We most definitely need any and all of our men to step up to the challenge and volunteer. Don’t think, “Oh, someone else will do it.” If everyone thought that way, then no one would be there to volunteer. 

Here’s how I vision this will work. Men from all walks of life, with different skills and jumping up with excitement to serve the Lord. These should be men of all ages serving the Lord. Wouldn’t it be neat to see a few fathers and sons serving as a team in this ministry? Wouldn’t it be neat to see the youth group involved in this service to the Lord? Wouldn’t it be neat for men of our congregation to get up on Sunday mornings, load up their entire families to go to Eagle Mountain, and serve these people? These would be dads leading and serving with their wives, sons, and daughters are there to support them.

Oh, the good that could come from this!

Let’s not let this opportunity pass us up. 

Hey, Deacons: Give me a call!

Hey Shepherds: Let me know!

Hey Men: Tell me you wanna help!

This is a wonderful way for us to obey the command from James (from the Lord) to serve those who need help. That’s what true and undefiled religion looks like. 

I love you, 

Alex

PS – The devotional begins at 9 am. You will have plenty of time to get to NHCOC for worship at 10 am.