If there is anyone in need

 If there is anyone in need

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

"If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted towards your needy neighbor… 

Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land." Deuteronomy 15:7, 11 

In the book of James we read,

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  

If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” James 2:14-20

Tony Campolo wrote,

"These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change." Tony Campolo.

So do you do your best to help the poor, either by supporting a reputable charity or even giving to a homeless person on the street?

Could you do more?

Please think about it.

The Shepherd of your life

 The Shepherd of your life

The Psalmist writes,

“The LORD is my shepherd, 

I shall not be in want. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, 

he leads me beside quiet waters, 

he restores my soul. 

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; 

your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 

You anoint my head with oil; 

my cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, 

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” 

                                                                                        Psalm 23.

One of the thing I like about being a believer in Christ Jesus is having God as my Shepherd. He is someone who protects me. He is there for me even in my darkest moments in life. Additionally He is there in the high points of my life and everything in between. 

Henry William Baker penned this poem,

“The King of love my Shepherd is,

Whose goodness faileth never;

I nothing lack if I am His

And He is mine forever.”

                                                Henry William Baker

Is God the Shepherd of your life?

Can you say with confidence...

 Can you say with confidence...

In the gospel of Matthew we read of this conversation between Jesus and a rich young man.

“Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 

“Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’’” 

“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” Matthew 19:16-22.

If you are a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus do you think you could give up everything you have and follow Jesus by faith?

Now here’s another question. Many evangelist especially here in North America are wealthy; of the ones you know and support, do you think they could give up all their wealth and follow Jesus relying only on their faith in God to supply their basic needs?

We as followers of Christ Jesus are called to have complete faith in God to supply our needs. While being rich is not a sin and there are many wealthy people within the church that do great good with their wealth. Love of money can cause problems. The apostle Paul stating,

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10.

In the book of Hebrews we read,

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5,6.

Can you say with confidence “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid”?

Please think about it.