❤️ SHE TAUGHT ME HOW TO GIVE—LONG BEFORE I HAD ANYTHING TO GIVE!
A Great-Grandmother's Nuggets of Wisdom, a Lifetime of Lessons, and a Mission That Reaches Beyond Borders
Scriptural Foundation: Colossians 3:17 (KJV)
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
By James Langston | Senior Pastor, Pilgrim Outreach Ministries International
1. SOME OF LIFE'S GREATEST LESSONS COME FROM PEOPLE WHO NEVER STOOD BEHIND A PULPIT
I've had the privilege of learning from many people throughout my life.
Teachers.
Pastors.
Military leaders.
Friends.
Family members.
And individuals whose wisdom came not from impressive educational credentials, but from years of walking through life's joys, disappointments, victories, and struggles.
But one of my greatest spiritual teachers was my great-grandmother.
Until the day she passed away, she had a way of dropping what I affectionately call little nuggets of truth along my path.
She didn't always deliver long lectures.
She didn't need to.
Sometimes, she'd simply say something that would stay with me long after the conversation ended.
And like a child nibbling on a piece of candy, I'd slowly chew on those nuggets, discovering their meaning as I grew older.
Some were simple.
"Be faithful and true."
"Be on time."
"Be consistent."
"Work hard, even when nobody's watching."
"Put God first in everything."
"Pray."
"Read your Bible."
"Think carefully about what you're going to say before you say something you'll regret."
And then there was one that helped shape my understanding of the world.
"Have a global vision. The United States isn't the only country in the world!"
Friend, those weren't just sayings.
They were seeds.
And over the years, I've watched those seeds grow into principles that have influenced my family life, military career, ministry, writing, and missionary work.
Today, as I sit here in the Philippines, thousands of miles from the country where I was born, I find myself remembering those conversations.
And I wonder whether I'd even be here if I had ignored what she taught me.
SOMETIMES GOD USES THE QUIET VOICE OF SOMEONE WHO LOVES US TO PREPARE US FOR A CALLING WE HAVEN'T YET DISCOVERED!
2. "WHATEVER YOU DO"—NOT JUST WHAT YOU DO AT CHURCH!
Colossians 3:17 has become increasingly meaningful to me.
Notice the opening words.
"AND WHATSOEVER YE DO..."
Whatever!
Not just what you do on Sunday.
Not just what you do when the pastor is watching.
Not just what you do when somebody is keeping score.
Whatever you do.
At home.
At work.
At school.
In your marriage.
With your children.
With your finances.
In your conversations.
And in your service to others.
Do it in the name of the Lord Jesus.
My great-grandmother understood something that took me years to fully appreciate.
YOUR CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY IS NOT SIMPLY WHAT YOU SAY YOU BELIEVE. IT IS WHAT YOUR DAILY LIFE REVEALS ABOUT WHAT YOU BELIEVE!
When she told me to be on time, she was teaching responsibility.
When she told me to be consistent, she was teaching faithfulness.
When she told me to work hard when nobody was watching, she was teaching integrity.
When she told me to think before speaking, she was teaching self-control.
And when she told me to put God first, she was teaching me that every other priority in life must be measured against my commitment to Him.
Those lessons became especially valuable during my 27 years of service in the United States Navy.
They helped shape my approach to leadership, responsibility, and accountability.
But their greatest influence may have been in preparing me to serve the Lord.
Because ministry requires more than enthusiasm.
IT REQUIRES FAITHFULNESS WHEN THE EXCITEMENT WEARS OFF AND NOBODY IS APPLAUDING!
3. THE NUGGET THAT CHANGED MY UNDERSTANDING OF GIVING
Of all the things my great-grandmother taught me, one statement continues to resonate in my heart.
She would say:
"IF YOU GIVE YOURSELF FIRST, THEN YOU WON'T HAVE NO PROBLEM GIVING YOUR MONEY TO THE LORD."
I can still hear the simplicity of those words.
And the longer I live, the more I appreciate their depth.
She wasn't merely teaching me about offerings.
She was teaching me about surrender.
Because giving to God begins long before we reach for our wallets.
It begins with our hearts.
Second Corinthians 8:5 describes believers who "first gave their own selves to the Lord."
There it is!
Before the gift came the giver.
Before the offering came the surrender.
Before the sacrifice came the commitment.
My great-grandmother understood that when a person genuinely gives themselves to the Lord, their time, talents, abilities, possessions, and resources become part of that commitment.
Not because someone pressures them.
Not because they're trying to impress others.
And certainly not because they're attempting to purchase God's favor.
But because love produces a willingness to give.
GOD IS NOT MERELY INTERESTED IN WHAT WE CAN PLACE IN AN OFFERING PLATE. HE DESIRES HEARTS THAT ARE WILLING TO BELONG TO HIM!
And that's a lesson I wish more Christians understood.
4. GIVING IS MORE THAN MONEY—IT'S AN INVESTMENT OF YOUR LIFE!
Over the years, I've discovered that some of the most valuable gifts I've ever received had absolutely nothing to do with money.
Someone gave me their time.
Someone listened when I needed to talk.
Someone prayed when I didn't have the strength to pray for myself.
Someone offered encouragement when I was ready to give up.
Someone believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself.
Those gifts mattered.
And they still matter.
When I think about giving today, I think about much more than financial contributions.
I think about the investment of our lives.
Giving someone an hour of your time.
Helping a struggling family.
Teaching a child to read.
Praying with someone who has lost hope.
Visiting the sick.
Encouraging a discouraged believer.
Sharing the Gospel with someone who has never heard it clearly explained.
Or simply sitting beside a hurting person long enough to hear their story.
YOU CAN GIVE MONEY WITHOUT GIVING YOUR HEART. BUT WHEN YOU GIVE YOUR HEART TO GOD, GENEROSITY BECOMES PART OF HOW YOU LIVE!
That's what my great-grandmother was trying to teach me.
And I believe she was right.
5. DON'T BECOME SO FOCUSED ON TOMORROW THAT YOU MISS TODAY!
Being on the frontlines of missionary work has taught me something else.
DON'T GET SO FOCUSED ON TOMORROW THAT TODAY PASSES YOU BY!
I see it all the time.
People are busy.
Busy working.
Busy planning.
Busy earning.
Busy worrying.
Busy trying to make tomorrow better than today.
And somewhere along the way, we forget how short life really is.
We assume we'll have another opportunity.
Another conversation.
Another Sunday.
Another chance to forgive.
Another chance to say, "I love you."
Another chance to help someone.
Another chance to tell somebody about Jesus Christ.
But tomorrow is not guaranteed.
James 4:14 reminds us:
"For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
I've prayed with many people over the years who found themselves facing circumstances they never anticipated.
And I've heard words that can break your heart.
"IF I ONLY HAD MORE TIME..."
More time to spend with family.
More time to repair a broken relationship.
More time to serve the Lord.
More time to accomplish something meaningful.
More time to say what should have been said years earlier.
Friend, listen carefully.
YOU CANNOT GO BACK AND RECOVER YESTERDAY. AND YOU HAVE NO GUARANTEE THAT TOMORROW WILL ARRIVE. BUT YOU CAN DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL WITH TODAY!
Make the telephone call.
Offer the apology.
Forgive the offense.
Encourage the discouraged.
Help the person in need.
Tell your family you love them.
Pray.
And if God has placed something on your heart to do, don't automatically assume you can put it off until another day.
TODAY IS NOT MERELY SOMETHING TO GET THROUGH ON YOUR WAY TO TOMORROW. TODAY IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE GOD!
6. "HAVE A GLOBAL VISION!"—A LESSON THAT FOLLOWED ME ACROSS THE PACIFIC
I often think about another nugget my great-grandmother gave me.
"HAVE A GLOBAL VISION. THE UNITED STATES ISN'T THE ONLY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!"
I wonder whether she realized how far those words would eventually carry me.
Today, my wife Cecilia and I are in the Philippines, continuing the missionary calling God placed upon our hearts.
We encounter people whose language is different from ours.
Whose customs are different.
Whose daily experiences may be very different from those of people living in the United States.
But I've learned something that should never be forgotten.
DIFFERENT LANGUAGE. DIFFERENT CULTURE. DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES. SAME HUMAN DIGNITY. SAME NEED FOR LOVE. AND SOULS OF ETERNAL VALUE!
Every person we encounter has a story.
Every family has concerns.
Every child has hopes.
And every individual deserves to be treated with compassion, respect, and dignity.
As a Christian missionary, I believe every person should have an opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Not through coercion.
Not through manipulation.
Not because receiving assistance depends upon accepting our beliefs.
But through sincere love, faithful witness, and a willingness to share the hope we have found in Christ.
Jesus commanded in Mark 16:15:
"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
Notice those words.
ALL THE WORLD!
Not merely the communities we're familiar with.
Not simply the people who speak our language.
Not only those whose customs resemble ours.
The world.
And sometimes that world is much larger than we've allowed ourselves to imagine.
MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER TAUGHT ME TO LOOK BEYOND MY OWN BACKYARD. JESUS CHRIST GAVE ME A REASON TO GO!
7. WHAT WE SEE ON THE MISSION FIELD CHANGES HOW WE UNDERSTAND GIVING
There is something about being physically present among people facing hardship that changes your perspective.
It's one thing to read about poverty.
It's another to sit with a family struggling to meet basic needs.
It's one thing to hear reports about destructive storms and flooding.
It's another to encounter people trying to recover and rebuild their lives.
It's one thing to speak about missionary outreach.
It's another to be there, listening, praying, encouraging, and helping wherever possible.
And I've learned that sometimes the greatest need isn't the one we initially expected.
A person may need food.
Another may need medicine.
Another may need assistance with schooling.
Another may need someone to listen.
And another may simply need to hear that they haven't been forgotten.
That is why I believe missionary giving must involve more than sending money.
Money is important.
There are real expenses associated with feeding families, providing supplies, supporting outreach, and meeting practical needs.
But FINANCIAL SUPPORT WITHOUT COMPASSION MISSES SOMETHING ESSENTIAL ABOUT CHRISTIAN MINISTRY.
We must see people, not merely projects.
We must recognize individuals, not simply statistics.
And we must remember that the ultimate purpose of our outreach is to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ in both word and deed.
8. YOU MAY NEVER COME TO THE PHILIPPINES—BUT YOU CAN STILL BE PART OF WHAT GOD IS DOING HERE!
Let me speak directly to those who follow and support Pilgrim Outreach Ministries International.
You may never board an airplane bound for the Philippines.
You may never visit Asia.
You may never stand in the communities where we're ministering.
You may never meet the families whose lives intersect with ours.
But that doesn't mean you cannot participate.
WE ARE YOUR EYES, EARS, MOUTHS, HANDS, AND FEET IN ASIA!
When we visit communities, you can be part of that outreach.
When we pray with families, you can stand with us in prayer.
When we share the Gospel, you can help make that ministry possible.
When we provide practical assistance, you can participate through your generosity.
And when we encounter needs beyond our immediate resources, you can help us respond.
This is what partnership means.
Not everyone is called to travel overseas.
But every believer can consider how to participate in God's work through prayer, encouragement, service, generosity, and faithful support.
Some can give financially.
Others can volunteer.
Some can help share our ministry updates.
Others can introduce us to churches, organizations, and individuals who may want to partner with us.
And everyone who is willing can pray.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO CROSS AN OCEAN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF IT!
9. PLEASE HELP US HELP THEM—NOT JUST FINANCIALLY, BUT SPIRITUALLY!
I want to make a personal appeal.
Our missionary work here in the Philippines involves genuine needs.
We are committed to helping families, supporting children, sharing the Gospel, and providing practical assistance as resources permit.
And yes, financial contributions help make that possible.
But I don't want anyone to think that money is the only gift we value.
We need your prayers.
Pray for wisdom.
Pray for strength.
Pray for protection.
Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel.
Pray for the families we encounter.
Pray for the children whose futures are being shaped by circumstances beyond their control.
Pray for those who are sick, grieving, struggling, or discouraged.
Pray that our ministry will remain faithful to its calling.
And pray that we never become so consumed with the work of ministry that we forget the people we're called to serve.
You can also help by sharing our ministry messages, encouraging others to become prayer partners, and connecting us with individuals or organizations interested in supporting missionary outreach.
For those who wish to contribute financially, our ministry website provides information about available giving opportunities.
No gift is too small to be offered sincerely, and no act of faithful service should be dismissed simply because it cannot be measured in dollars.
Second Corinthians 9:7 reminds us that God loves a cheerful giver.
We want every contribution to be voluntary, prayerful, and motivated by genuine compassion.
WE ARE NOT ASKING EVERYONE TO DO EVERYTHING. WE ARE ASKING EACH PERSON TO CONSIDER WHAT GOD HAS PLACED WITHIN THEIR ABILITY TO DO!
10. MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER IS GONE—BUT HER NUGGETS ARE STILL WORKING!
There are days when I wish I could sit down with my great-grandmother one more time.
I would love to tell her about the places I've been.
The people I've met.
The experiences I've had.
The lessons I've learned.
And the ministry opportunities God has allowed me to experience.
I would love to tell her how those little nuggets she dropped along my path became much more important than I ever imagined.
Perhaps I didn't understand all of them when she first spoke.
But I understand more of them now.
And the one about giving?
Well, I believe I'm still learning that lesson every day.
Because giving yourself to the Lord isn't a one-time statement.
It's a continuing decision.
A decision to be faithful when things become difficult.
To serve when nobody notices.
To give when the sacrifice is real.
To keep your word.
To work diligently.
To think before speaking.
To pray.
To study the Bible.
To put God first.
And to remember that the world is much larger than the little corner we happen to occupy.
SHE GAVE ME NUGGETS OF WISDOM. GOD GAVE ME A LIFETIME TO PUT THEM INTO PRACTICE!
And if sharing these lessons encourages just one person to surrender more fully to the Lord, then I'm grateful for the opportunity.
🙏 A PRAYER OF GRATITUDE, SURRENDER, AND SERVICE
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the people You've placed along our paths who have helped shape our lives.
Thank You for parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, pastors, teachers, and faithful believers whose words and examples continue to influence us long after they are gone.
Lord, forgive us when we become so focused on material things that we forget the value of giving ourselves to You.
Teach us to be faithful.
Teach us to be consistent.
Teach us to work with integrity.
Teach us to think carefully before speaking.
Teach us to put You first in everything.
And teach us to recognize the opportunities You place before us today.
Father, help us remember that life is short.
May we not become so consumed with tomorrow that we fail to appreciate and use today.
Bless the people of the Philippines.
Comfort those who are grieving.
Strengthen those who are struggling.
Provide for families facing hardship.
Protect the children.
And open doors for the Gospel to be shared with love, wisdom, and compassion.
Bless our ministry partners and prayer supporters.
Some have the ability to give financially.
Others give their time, prayers, encouragement, and service.
Lord, receive every sincere gift offered in love.
And help us remember that our ultimate responsibility is to honor Jesus Christ in everything we say and do.
In His precious and holy name, we pray.
Amen and Amen!
❤️ A FINAL WORD: WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH THE TIME GOD HAS GIVEN YOU?
Friend, before you close this message, I want to ask you three questions.
FIRST: WHOSE WORDS OF WISDOM ARE STILL GUIDING YOUR LIFE?
Perhaps a parent.
A grandparent.
A pastor.
A teacher.
Or someone whose name the world may never know.
Don't forget what they taught you.
SECOND: WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THE TIME GOD HAS GIVEN YOU TODAY?
Don't become so busy preparing for tomorrow that you overlook the opportunities right in front of you.
And finally:
THIRD: HAVE YOU GIVEN YOURSELF TO THE LORD—OR HAVE YOU ONLY GIVEN HIM WHAT YOU THINK YOU CAN SPARE?
My great-grandmother used to say:
"IF YOU GIVE YOURSELF FIRST, THEN YOU WON'T HAVE NO PROBLEM GIVING YOUR MONEY TO THE LORD."
I've carried those words with me for many years.
They helped shape my understanding of service.
They helped shape my understanding of sacrifice.
And they helped prepare my heart for a missionary calling that would eventually bring me across the Pacific Ocean.
Today, I want to leave you with a nugget of my own:
DON'T MEASURE YOUR LIFE ONLY BY WHAT YOU'VE ACCUMULATED. CONSIDER WHAT YOU'VE GIVEN, WHOM YOU'VE HELPED, AND WHETHER YOUR LIFE HAS POINTED SOMEONE TOWARD JESUS CHRIST!
Because when our journey on earth comes to an end, the most meaningful legacy may not be what we leave in a bank account.
It may be the lives we've touched.
The prayers we've prayed.
The sacrifices we've made.
The truth we've shared.
And the love we've demonstrated.
GIVE GOD YOUR HEART. GIVE OTHERS YOUR LOVE. GIVE TODAY YOUR BEST. AND TRUST THE LORD WITH TOMORROW!
📖 Colossians 3:17 — Whatever you do, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus.
🌏 PARTNER WITH PILGRIM OUTREACH MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
You may never visit the Philippines, but you can still help us reach those who live here.
We invite you to become an active prayer partner, share our ministry updates, encourage others to participate, or contribute financially as the Lord leads.
Our ministry welcomes support through GoFundMe, GiveButter, Cash App, PayPal, X Tips, and Facebook Messenger. Visit our ministry website for giving information and available links.
Cash App: $joybells49
PayPal: pom_ministry@yahoo.com
X: @joybells49
Facebook Messenger: pastorjameslangston
Pilgrim Outreach Ministries International
Your Feet to the Nations.
Help us help them—one soul at a time.
🌐 Ministry Website: https://pomitaly.homestead.com
📚 Ministry Bookstore: https://thewilltosucceed.homestead.com
✍️ Ministry Blog: https://joybells49.blogspot.com
📣 Suggested @mentions
@YouVersion @BibleGateway @OurDailyBread @SamaritansPurse @Compassion @WorldVisionUSA @ChristianityToday @TBN
📣 Suggested hashtags
#Colossians317 #GiveYourselfFirst #ChristianGiving #FaithInAction #MissionaryLife #PhilippinesMissions #GlobalMissions #PrayerPartners #ChristianGenerosity #SpiritualLegacy #MakeTodayCount #ServingOthers #PilgrimOutreachMinistries #YourFeetToTheNations #ToGodBeTheGlory
Comments
Post a Comment