Who Are Really The Poor?

I was thinking about who the poor people are that Jesus commands that we serve. Is it just people living in certain circumstances or only those people who have less than a certain income. I don’t think that Jesus defines being poor by the arbitrary standards set by governments or service organizations. I think we are to serve anyone who has a need and anyone that doesn’t have what we have. That significantly raises the bar for whom we should serve. You see, God does the same for us. God bestows His blessings upon us out of His grace and mercy, because we are in need of what He has.

Psalm 41:1-3 says, “Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him; the LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.” The Lord has a special love and compassion for the poor. He promises to deliver from trouble, protect, bless, sustain, and heal the person who serves the poor. He blesses all of us who are poor in His eyes and gives us what we need.

Walk With God

One of my favorite things to do is to take a walk on a nature trail while speaking with God, the creator of all that I see. Enjoying the beautiful scenery while thinking about God and all that He has done for me draws me into His presence. I am reminded of His promises and His grace extended to me.

Psalm 119:58-59 says, “58 I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.   59 When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies.” Prayer and meditation are essential ingredients of a close walk with God. Prayer is having a conversation with God as He speaks of His promises. Meditation is concentrated thinking on God’s Word and His works.

Not Hiding

As kids, we would play hide and seek. We would try to find clever places to hide and to keep from being found. Some of us think that is what God does with mankind. We think that God is keeping Himself from being found, so we devise all these clever ways of finding God. We use meditation, positive imaging, good works, religion, idols, etc. in our efforts to know God. The truth is that God wants us to seek Him, but He is not hiding from us. He has revealed Himself abundantly through creation, abundant blessings, and, of course, the cross and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. The problem is that we don’t want to know God on His terms, but on our own.

Acts 17:26-28 says, “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for in him we live and move and have our being.” God’s purpose for us is simply to seek Him. He gives us life in order that we may know Him and walk with Him. Seek Him wholeheartedly and honestly today. You will find that He stays very near to you.

Doing Good For Goodness’ Sake

It is natural to want some kind of attention and reaction to the good things that we try to do. But, if we are honest, just the feeling that we get for doing good for others and the knowledge that we did the right thing are sufficient rewards.

I Samuel 26:23 says, “The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness.” While it may not always be easy to remain faithful to God and walk in His ways, the rewards of doing so are abundant and everlasting. He gives us eternal love,  mercy, and grace that strengthens us and gives us hope.

Emergency Services

In our area, we are blessed with fantastic emergency services. They are located just down the street and we hear their calls often. They respond quickly to distress calls and are equipped and trained to handle most emergencies. With a hospitable nearby, most situations are quickly and effectively addressed.

Psalm 107:28-31 says, “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble; and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man.” When we are in the midst of a struggle or distress, God is always available to our call. He alone can deliver us to our desired safe haven. When we are thus delivered, we must remember to thank Him for His wonders and steadfast love.