" THE NEEDY "

Good Morning All,

This week has truly been an eventful one. I received many requests for prayer from many hurting people. I sincerely believe that we are in the End Times and therefore we must be prayed up. My heart breaks just hearing of your hurts. I believe that we should be aware of our surroundings and not take anything for granted.

Our responsibility is to care for the needy. Our Father insists that the poor and the powerless be well treated and given the chance to restore their fortunes. As children of the King we should reflect God's concern for the poor by helping those less fortunate than ourselves. My Bible tells me that our attitude when we give is more important than the amount we give. Many times we do nothing, not because we lack compassion, but because we are overwhelmed by the size of the problem and we don't know where to begin. God doesn't expect you to eliminate poverty, nor does He expect you to neglect your family while providing for others. He does expect us to be Christ-Like especially when we see an individual in need. We should reach out with whatever help that we can offer, including our hospitality. GOD SAYS THAT NEGLECTING THE POOR IS A SIN. John 12:8 " YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE POOR AMONG YOU, BUT YOU WILL NOT ALWAYS HAVE ME."

If you're familiar with the Word of God then you're aware that the Bible supports organized system of caring for the poor. Imagine if our country followed the teachings of the Word of God. Now the Lord told His people to use their tithe every third year for those who were helpless, hungry or poor. Now just imagine if we had the courage and love for our fellow man to do the same. I am aware of such men, in fact men in my inner circle. These men care much for their fellow man, their love spills out where ever they go. Now God's directions were designed to prevent the country from sinking under crushing poverty and oppression. Hello, could that be happening in our near future? Imagine if we all accepted the responsibility to care for those less fortunate than ourselves. Families were to help other family members, and towns were to help members of their community. Now back in the day the national laws protected the rights of the poor, but helping the poor was also an active part of religious life. The Father counts on believers to provide for the needy, and we should use what He has given us to aid those less fortunate.

Look beyond your regular giving and think of ways to help the needy. There are some who conclude that people are poor through some fault of their own. This kind of reasoning makes it easy to close their hearts and hands to the needy. Never be ashamed of how much you can give or in what manner. God is concerned about how we give from the resources we have. God gives us resources to use and invest for Him, so remember to listen for that small voice.

Until Next Time...

Jim,