Proverbs 16:9 in His Mind a Man Plans His Course, but the Lord Directs His Steps

CHRISTIAN SERVICE WHERE, Part 4

Proverbs 16:9 In his mind a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps

Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise. Daily, in Christian Service, we gaze into the eyes of so many who may have just one last hope for help. Every person is welcomed equally and with respect, with particular attention to maintaining the person's dignity. In helping people for any services, we do not discriminate in regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, physical disability, medical condition, political affiliation, veteran's status, national origin, ancestry, socio-economic status, or source of income. No one is required to work, pay or pray for services delivered from Church of the Holy Spirit/Christian Service. As we know to trust in the Lord, we can be certain that He has directed the steps of our brothers and sisters to Christian Service, so we are to provide guidance, assistance and support. Our parish, is "Where".

A beautiful girls new shiny purple bike was donated to Christian Service for Christmas to give to a family in need. Although we did not have a family requesting a bike from the Giving Tree, I was certain the Holy Spirit would guide me toward its destination. A kind father of four children came to mind. He had just lost his wife, lost his very good job, and experienced additional traumatic episodes of crisis all at the same time. The Grace of God kept him standing. I knew he had one girl who would be the perfect age for this bike. Upon calling him to see if he would like this bike, he responded, "My three children have bikes, but my 8 year old girl's was stolen last year." Eight was the perfect age! Again, we can be certain the Lord will direct our steps. The Holy Spirit, is "Where".

This week Christian Service visited the Hope Warming Center in Pontiac. We prepared servings, for 60 residents, of honey/brown sugar ham, green bean casserole, pasta salad with bountiful fresh veggies sprinkled with feta cheese and chopped onions, applesauce, rolls with butter, and to top that off, a brownie covered with ice cream, vanilla cookie and chocolate syrup. The visit was delightful and the people who received, were extremely grateful. The smiles doubled when we were able to double the food to those with larger appetites. Our steps were directed elsewhere. An outreach location, is "Where".

Christian Service has its role in Spiritual Works of Mercy. As we administer works of kindness, people have considered religious education, signed up for "NEW", joined with us in Mass, received prayer quilts, baptism and confirmation. Our steps are directed to our inner self. The greatest of these is Love. That's "Where".

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Gayle Greene/Christian Service, 248-887-1441