THE HELPLESS, THE HOPELESS, AND THE HOMELESS!

Today marks the coldest day so far in our fair city as we embark upon the winter season. Many will be pulling out their heavier jackets, coats, gloves, and hats as the days grow colder. As well, many will be pulling out those heavier bedding comforters, quilts, and electric blankets. Many will have their cars and trucks winterized in preparation for the cold season ahead. Many who have and love fireplaces in their homes will have their chimneys checked and will store fire logs in anticipation of the colder winter months.

Hopefully, none of us take these conveniences for granted knowing that all that we have belong to God. He simply allows us to be good stewards over what we have in our possession.

And may we be mindful of the fact that many however, cannot afford to have their cars winterized, but will be actually sleeping in their cars to try and stay warm due to unforeseen circumstances. Many do not have the luxury of fireplaces, but will be exposed to outer elements and might have to warm themselves in the cold of winter over fires made in steel barrels.

Those on fixed incomes such as the elderly and disabled might find themselves having to choose between paying higher electric bills, going without monthly medication, or much needed food.

Because children are still growing, it may be difficult for single parents to afford new clothing or even coats, hats, and mittens, much less the uniforms required in many community schools that they attend.

As we sit in our warm homes, let us make a concerted effort to seek out ways to help those less fortunate. James 2:14:16 reminds us in this passage of scripture… What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?   15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,   16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

In other words, sure, we can pray for those less fortunate, but as an example, if we have it in our power to dig deeper in our pockets to pay for the medicines, groceries, or other miscellaneous items of those ahead of us in the grocery store lines, Papa God would be much pleased with us.

I would venture to say that many of us have been guilty of being impatient or indignant of those who have held up grocery store lines and who are desperately trying to find monies at the bottom of their purses or wallets, or truth be told, have had to leave much needed items behind; when actually in retrospect, we have had it in our power to give that $5, $10, or $20 to help that struggling individual.

In other instances, many of us have been reluctant or too busy to check on the elderly, disabled, or single parents, but James 1:27 declares  Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Sure, we have family members that need our help, and of course, they should be our first priority, but, if when we find an opportunity to be of help to those outside of our sphere of influence, we should be diligent to do so.

May we ponder this scripture found in Luke 14

12 Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid.   13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.   14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

PRAYER!

Father God, in heaven, we thank You for every blessing that you have bestowed upon us. We thank You for warm homes, adequate clothing, for health and wholeness and for many opportunities to make a living. But Papa God, may we be ever mindful of those who are less fortunate, to make a concerted effort, and to find creative ways to help at every given opportunity in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Amen and Amen!

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