Good Morning,
Wonderful service yesterday! Thanks to all of you who came out for our Annual Business meeting. Last night I shared about our desire as a church to do outreach into our community. One of the ways is to reach out to those who need it the most. How do we come to a place of having a compassionate heart for ministry? Psalm 41:1 says, "'Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor" Even in a bad economy most of us are still better off than others, and better off than we have ever been. We may lack the latest, the biggest, the finest and the fastest, but we seldom lack the necessary, right? God doesn't 'guilt-trip' us, but He does want us to 'Consider [remember, be mindful of] the poor.' The Bible says, 'He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered.' (Proverbs 21:13 NAS) Could this be a key to your prayers getting answered? To be comfortably provided for is a blessing, but you must not forget those in need. What is God's attitude toward the poor? And what does He expect of us? 'If there is a poor man among your brothers...do not be hardhearted or tight-fisted toward [him]...and give him nothing...you will be found guilty of sin.' (Deuteronomy 15:7-9 NIV) Helping others is an obligation, not an option. In Scripture the tithe took care of God's work and God's servants, but it was also to be shared with '...the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat...and be satisfied.' (Deuteronomy 26:12 NIV) God said: 'If one of your countrymen becomes poor...unable to support himself...help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you.' (Leviticus 25:35 NIV) The truth is, we've been called to feed, shelter and clothe the needy (Isaiah 58:5-12). God is compassionate and generous to the poor, and He asks us to follow His example.
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