Matters of Faith

A practical application of the Word of God for everyday issues.

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James ‘Loren’ Russell was born in Harlem, New York, and raised in the Bronx, where he and his wife (Evelyn) of thirty-eight years currently reside. Loren began his professional career as a life insurance agent, quickly rising to sales manager and then senior management. To fulfill his entrepreneurial ambitions, Loren established The JLR Company/J Loren Consulting, LLC to provide financial planning services in general, “Biblical Economics” services to the religious community, and motivational and developmental seminars and workshops. He served 7 years with the Southern Baptist Convention as the Northeast Strategy Coordinator, Regional Church Finance Consultant, and Church Planting Coordinator for NYC. Loren earned the Master of Divinity degree from Drew Theological Seminary and received an Honorary Doctor of Ministry from the Virginia University of Lynchburg. Through J Loren R Consulting, LLC, Loren provides financial, strategic planning, and business consultations to churches, not-for-profit organizations, and businesses nationally, with a specialization in urban church strategies. Loren’s spiritual and civic commitment keeps him busy. He is currently providing pastoral leadership to The Evangelical Church of God and continues as an Associate Minister and former Sunday School teacher at his home church, Goodwill Baptist Church. He is the founder of the Back In Stride Ministry, a ministry designed to help ex-offenders to establish their businesses; past President of the John L. Scott Associate Ministers Auxiliary of the United Missionary Baptist Association; founder and Chief Chaplain of the New York State Chaplains Workers Task Force, Inc; President of the 42nd Precinct Community Council, Clergy Liaison, and Moderator for the Ceasefire Initiative all for the New York Police Department; President of the Home/Simpson Street Homeowners Association, Bronx, NY; Board member of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI); 3 times past President of the Yonkers-East Yonkers Rotary Club, NY, and past District Governor for Rotary District 7230. Loren has a chapter capturing parts of his life in the book, Children of the Dream – The Psychology of Black Success by Audrey Edwards and Dr. Craig Polite. He also helped establish and provided voice-overs for the Speaking Community Calendar at Bronx Net Cable, Bronx, NY. Rev. Dr. Russell is an author who writes a weekly column called “Matters of Faith” that appear in several publications, Yonkers Insider, Better Mag magazine, Positve Community Magazine, and Pamela’s Big Heart Newsletter, and on his social media outlets. In addition, he hosts a weekly internet radio talk show, “Matters of Faith: The Radio Show” (Matters of Faith YouTube channel), and authored and published Matters of Faith: The Book. Loren is a frequently sought-after preacher, keynote speaker, motivational instructor, workshop leader, and Master of Ceremonies for a variety of programs. Loren’s favorite quote is by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. which epitomizes his philosophy on life. It states, “We must all learn to live together as brothers, or we will all perish together as fools.”

  • Humility in the Kingdom!

  • Humility in The Kingdom

    By Reverend J. Loren Russell

    Matthew 18:1-4 NKJV

    “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

    Webster’s Dictionary defines humility as freedom from pride or arrogance. Humility has also been used synonymously with words like meekness, submissiveness, compliance, or even timidity. But Webster’s definition correctly interprets humility as the source of freedom from egotism and superiority. 

    The Apostle Matthew illustrates in his writing that humility is personified in the spirit of young children. When Jesus answers the disciple’s inquiry by calling for a little child to sit with them, He flips the script on the tendency we have to associate authority, power, and control with the ability to exercise dominance over people. The Greek word for humble is tapeinoo (pronounced tap-i-no’-o) and is represented by the child who is devoid of arrogance, self-exaltation, or superiority, exhibiting a willingness to completely submit to the will of God. 

    Only those who have submitted themselves humbly and wholly to our God as a child can perceive the truths of the kingdom and realize all the blessings the Lord has planned. The author of Proverbs 22:4. Says, “Humility is the beginning of wisdom.” On the reverse end, pride has no place in God’s kingdom – on earth or in heaven. The Apostle James  says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (4:6).

    In case you haven’t figured it out, the greatest virtue or quality in the Kingdom of God is humility. When we stand in the presence of Jesus, we must be as humble as children. We must come like panhandlers and beggars, with a humble readiness to surrender wholeheartedly to the will of God. Matthew 5:3 reminds us that “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” It is not pride, arrogance, wealth, fame or any vein glory. The Lord only allows humility in the Kingdom.  

    Be Blessed!

  • “Victory That Overcomes the World”

    By Reverend J. Loren Russell

    1 John 5:1-6

    “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

    The Bible says that a good understanding of the Lord is based on fear, but not the kind of fear that paralyzes us or makes us respond in what psychiatrists and psychologists call the fight or flight syndrome. The psalmist writes in 111:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.His praise endures forever.” This is healthy fear; the kind of fear where wisdom is born and a good understanding is given to all who obey the commandments of God. It’s where our praises of Him endure forever. In fact, you can find scripture throughout the Bible that tells us to fear the Lord. They tell us what a healthy fear does for, and to us: 

    • We are no longer slave to our fears:  Romans 8:15 “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
    • The Lord’s light in our lives overpowers our fears: Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?”
    • We can put our trust in the Lord: Psalm 56:3-4 “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?”
    • Even physical death doesn’t scare us: Matthew 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
    • God’s perfect love drives away fear: 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.”

    There is another definition of fear. It is a fear birthed from a strong emotion of anticipation, sensing the presence of danger or evil. That is where the things that I listed about the fear of God and the assurances He gives do not exist. This sense of fear is a False Expectations Appearing Real. It can overwhelm our consciousness and be so all-consuming that every aspect of life is impacted. But I want you to keep in mind that this type of fear is the anticipation of something happening to you, not the event itself. It is a false expectation appearing real. 

    We have a promise of victory! We have an assurance that is so certain that it will turn those fear-filled emotions into faith-filled action. We cannot let a false sense of fear stop us from doing what the Lord has assigned for us to do. If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, know that it is Him whom you serve and that He has chosen you specifically. Your faith is not just a wish; it is the assurance that you have already overcome. Let this truth inspire and empower you every day. You are not expecting victory or waiting for it to come in the future—you already have the victory that has overcome the world. It is your faith! 

    Be Blessed!

    Rev. J. Loren Russell is the Clergy Officiant at the Evangelical Church of God and associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church, both in the Bronx. He is the President/CEO of The JLR Company/J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096). He writes this column  and produces and host’s “Matters of Faith: The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on The Matters of Faith YouTube channel. Be sure to Friend, Like, and Share the column and the channel.  Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177.

  • Your Reputation Precedes You!

    Rev. J. Loren Russell

    Psalm139:1-4 NKJV

    O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.

    Incognito is what a person does when they do not want to be noticed. They may wear clothing that is not common to them, wear a mask to hide their faces, distort their appearance with make-up, or call themselves by a different name, anything to remain unknown. 

    Sometimes, being incognito is necessary, particularly if you are trying to hide something. We might find ourselves ashamed of some past indiscretion and want to keep it under wraps. Or we may not want people to know of the benevolent things we do, preferring to remain anonymous. However, once the word gets out about who you are, your reputation precedes you. Wherever you go, people know who you are. What people interpret about your reputation is entirely up to them, but the things you do that create your reputation is entirely up to you. 

    It is uplifting when someone approaches you and says that someone has spoken so highly of you that they were looking forward to meeting you. Not quite so when they see you and begin whispering about you in hushed tones to others in a derogatory way, “Yea, that’s him/her.” Those are the times we would like to remain incognito. When your reputation precedes you, rest assured, people are watching you, for one reason or another.  

    But it does not matter what you do to distort your appearance or hide your reputation from others, God knows you from the inside out. There are no circumstances and no situations that escape the observation of the Lord. He sees everything and knows everything. He sees and knows everything about you! He knows your abilities and your troubles. He knows when you are going out and He knows when you are coming in! 

    Since you can’t hide from God, and He is our ultimate judge, why not build a reputation that will cause God to say, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’?” The Lord is always looking for an opportunity to be gracious to us. Always remember that He is ever watching! 

    Be Blessed!   

    Rev. J. Loren Russell is President/CEO of The JLR Company and The J. Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial Strategy & Consulting, an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, creator & host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Facebook LIVE and author of Matters of Faith: The Book (eBook available at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177)

  • Kingdom First

    Rev. J. Loren Russell

    Matthew 6:25-33

    “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

    “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

    So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

    “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

    Life is a journey, not a destination. Sadly, as we pass from one stage of life to another, we change our focus from being on the journey to the things we do, our accomplishments, our trophies and our medals. Our conversation starts to describe what we do rather than who we are. We ask our children “What are you going to do when you grow up?” But what we should be asking is, “Who are you going to be when you grow up?”  The journey of life can get confusing.

    However confusing it may get for us, God has never been confused. Life has never been about our doing; it has always been and will forever be about our being. 

    Did I ever tell you the story of TJ? TJ never did anything. He was never an exceptional student in school; never an outstanding employee; never a business success or a sports sensation. TJ never amassed great wealth or made charitable history. TJ was never noted as one who gave water to the thirsty, or food to the hungry. He didn’t make the cover of any newspaper or noted for some outstanding achievement. 

    TJ’s name will not be written in history books, nor be someone people can’t stop talking about because of the impact he made in the lives of others. TJ never “did” anything for himself or anyone else. If God’s primary concern was the things we do, TJ would have been a terrible disappointment. 

    But TJ was a very special person to God. TJ didn’t please God by his doing; he pleased God through his being. You see, TJ spent just 106 days in the land of the dying before the Lord called him home. TJ simply was “being” a baby. 

    We are encouraged in what has become known as the Sermon on the Mount, to seek first the Kingdom of God. That means we are to glorify God in our being. We ought to be so closely related to God that people see the image of the living God when they look at us. When we know who we are and whose we are, doing becomes easy. When we talk, our words should glorify God. When we walk, our stride ought to glorify God. 

    TJ becomes the personification of kingdom first. He did no works, had no accomplishments, had nothing to show for his life. Being a baby was enough. Like the birds of the air, the flowers in the fields, or baby TJ, our being who God created us to be is how we put God and His kingdom first in all things.     

    Be Blessed! 

    Rev. J. Loren Russell is the Clergy Officiant at the Evangelical Church of God and associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church, both in the Bronx. He is the President/CEO of The JLR Company/J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096). He writes this column  and produces and host’s “Matters of Faith: The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on The Matters of Faith YouTube channel. Be sure to Friend, Like, and Share the column and the channel.  Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177.

  • “For the Good of Others!”

    “FOR THE GOOD OF OTHERS!”

    By: Rev. J. Loren Russell                              

    Genesis 39:4-5 (NKJV)

    “So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field.” 

    “What’s in it for me?” If you have not said it yourself, I am sure you have heard someone else ask that question. Some people won’t do anything unless they are personally benefited. If you are prone to think like that, perhaps the story of Joseph may give you a different perspective. 

    Joseph had what we might call a string of bad luck. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, taken to Egypt and there sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. But the Bible says that the Lord was with Joseph. Potiphar noticed that everything prospered in Joseph’s hand, so he made him overseer of everything he had. The Lord then blessed Potiphar’s house and all his possessions for Joseph’s sake. 

    Things took a turn for the worse for him when Potiphar’s wife unsuccessfully tried to seduce him. She accused him of rape and he was thrown into the dungeon of an Egyptian jail. Even in jail the Lord was with Joseph and the jailer showed him favor. He committed all the prisoners to Joseph’s jurisdiction, as well as unidentified operations of the jail itself. Whatever Joseph did, the Lord made it prosper.  

    The Lord blessed Joseph with ability to interpret dreams, which he did for the baker and the butler of Pharoah, who were also incarcerated with him. Joseph told the baker he would be hanged and the butler restored to his position in the palace as chief butler. But when the butler was reinstated, he did not mention Joseph to Pharoah as he promised he would. So the misery continued as Joseph languished in that Egyptian jail, but God’s favor was still with him.

    Wouldn’t you know it, two years later Pharoah had a dream. It was more like a nightmare. It caused Pharoah a great deal of anguish. The butler remembered Joseph and recommended him to Pharoah as someone who could interpret his dream. Pharoah said to Joseph, “I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.” Joseph’s reply revealed that he knew where his ability came from when he said, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”

    The favor God gave Joseph was for the good of others. He benefited also, but his willingness to suffer resulted in others being bountifully blessed. His blessings were a by-product of the good he bought to others. 

    If you are wondering why you are going through, and others seem to be on the receiving end, I suggest that you take another look at Joseph’s life, and the blessings you have been receiving while in the midst of your trials and tribulations. Like Joseph, the Lord could be using the good you do for others as a set up. “And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”

    Be Blessed!

    Rev. J. Loren Russell is the Clergy Officiant at the Evangelical Church of God and associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church, both in the Bronx. He is the President/CEO of The JLR Company/J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096) and is the producer and host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on The Matters of Faith YouTube channel. Be sure to ‘Friend, Like, and Share.”  Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177.

  • It Comes Through Faith!

    Rev. J. Loren Russell

    Acts 3:16 (NKJV)

    “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”

    This passage of scripture is found in the story of the lame man who was daily laid at the gate of the temple called Beautiful. There he begged for charity from those entering. It is the story of Peter and John, who were about to go into the temple but were distracted by this beggar, looking for a few coins to help him along the way. It is the famous story of Peter responding to this poor man’s request with a blessing that changed his life forever; “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

    This passage of scripture captures the large group of people who gathered in amazement to see this man who everybody knew had been lame from birth, now walking and leaping and praising God. They also came to see who these men were who spoke healing into this man. This is the passage of scripture where Peter checks them for their murderous ways, then directs them to have faith in Jesus, the real healer, the one they crucified. He tells them that the lame man was healed by the faith he had in the name of Jesus. What they witnessed and the man they saw healed is the product of faith! 

    Faith comes with many benefits.                                                                      

    • Salvation comes by faith – “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”  (Romans 5:1).
    • The Holy Spirit comes through faith – “that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” (Galatians 3:14).
    • Victory comes through faith – “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).
    • Victory over Satan comes through faith –  “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16).
    • Sanctification comes through faith – “to open their eyes,in order to turnthemfrom darkness to light, andfromthe power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts 26:18).

    If the Bible is true, if healing, if salvation, if the Holy Spirit, if victory in life, if victory over Satan, all come through faith in Jesus, why not have faith? If it is a matter of faith, then I for one choose to have faith. What about you? 

    Be Blessed! 

    Rev. J. Loren Russell is the Clergy Officiant at the Evangelical Church of God and associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church, both in the Bronx. He is the President/CEO of The JLR Company/J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096) and is the producer and host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on The Matters of Faith YouTube channel. Be sure to ‘Friend, Like, and Share.”  Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177.

  • Ears to Hear and Eyes to See!

    Ears to Hear and Eyes to See!

    Rev. J. Loren Russell

    Job 42:5-6 (NKJV)

    “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.”

    The Bible describes Job as a man who was blameless, upright, who feared God and shunned evil (1:1). He heard the Lord clearly his entire life but was offered to Satan by God as a living testimony of faithfulness. 

    While under the attack of Satan, Job was experiencing the worst devastation anyone could imagine. Yet he remained committed to his faith in God. His peers and friends came to support him, but their words were like gasoline being poured on a fire. They offered little in the way of comfort, until his youngest and wisest friend, Elihu, spoke with him. He told Job and his friends, “Hear my words, you wise men; Give ear to me you who have knowledge. For the ear test words as the palette tastes food” (34:2-3). 

    Although a young man, Elihu rebukes Job and his friends for their misguided views on Job’s suffering saying that suffering can be a form of divine discipline. Because God is just and sovereign, He can use any means He desires to bring a blessing into someone’s life. Elihu’s comments highlights the importance of humility and repentance in order to really understanding God’s ways. 

    Then God speaks to Job out of the whirlwind. He confirms Elihu’s assessment and reminds Job of His sovereignty and the limits of human understanding. This leads Job to humbly acknowledge God’s greatness and his own limited perspective. 

    When God speaks, it is amazing what our ears hear, and our eyes see. Job’s statement, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You,” recognizes God’s awesomeness. Through his hearing, Job had only a secondhand and superficial understanding of God’s sovereignty. But when he saw for himself, his ears and eyes were spiritually awakened. When we hear with our spiritual ears and see with our spiritual eyes, we will likewise have a better clarity of God’s sovereignty that will lead us, as it did Job, to humility and repentance. 

    Be Blessed! 

    Rev. J. Loren Russell is the Clergy Officiant at the Evangelical Church of God and associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church, both in the Bronx. He is the President/CEO of The JLR Company/J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096) and is the producer and host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on The Matters of Faith YouTube channel. Be sure to ‘Friend, Like, and Share.”  Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177.

  • Choose to Serve!

    CHOOSE TO SERVE!
    Reverend J. Loren Russell

    Matthew 25: 31-46

    31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
    37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
    41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
    44 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

    In the text, Jesus is speaking “eschatologically,” as my Sunday School Superintendent, Sis. Berthine Dixon at Goodwill BC used to say. What that means is He was speaking of the end of time. In the text, the sheep and the goats are separated to the right and left sides of the King. The right side is for the righteous (sheep), the left for the wicked (goats).

    What caught my attention was that neither the sheep nor the goats seemed to know why they were on the side they were placed. Their lives were parallel. Both had encountered hungry, thirsty, immigrant, homeless, naked, sick, and imprisoned persons in the course of their lives but they responded in very different ways. It was their choices in life that determined which side they would be placed. Those on the right would inherit the kingdom, while those on the left, everlasting fire.

    The text says that the Son of Man said to both, “inasmuch as you…. Both the sheep and the goats had the same opportunities. Those on the right chose to serve, those on the left did not. When we serve, we are really giving, giving our time, talents, and resources. No title is needed to give. No position is too low or too high to give. An abundance of resources is not needed to give. Giving is an act of love, which means that the only thing required to give is a willing heart.

    Both the sheep and the goats had the same chances to serve. They each had the same opportunities. Like the sheep and the goats, what we learn from this text is that the disposition of our eternal residence is determined by our choices to serve or not to serve. We too, have opportunities and the ability to choose to serve or not. I firmly believe if anyone of those who were placed on the left could speak, they would tell us to choose to serve.

    The blessings many of us have today is in abundance. We have worked hard and are now in places of affluence, influence, and authority, but we sometimes need a reminder of what Jesus told a large crowd who had gathered to hear Him speak, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48 NKJV).

    Let me close with this, “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back” (Luke 6:38 NLT). Serving is giving. Choose to serve.

    Be Blessed!

    Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the spiritual leader of the Evangelical Church of God, both in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company/J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096) and is the producer and host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on The Matters of Faith YouTube channel. Be sure to ‘Friend, Like, and Share.” Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177

  • Matters of Faith