Cleansed

Cleansed
“When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him.  A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.  
Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” Matthew 8:1-4.
Here we have one of many incidents in which Jesus healed a person. In this case a person with Leprosy the only other record of an Israelite being healed of Leprosy is Miriam in the Old Testament (Numbers, 12:10-15).
We don’t known from the narrative how the man knew Jesus healed people. However the man had obviously heard that Jesus had healed people. That he had faith in what he had heard or perhaps seen.
The key is the man’s faith. He didn’t just have an intellectual knowledge he had a heart knowledge. The key being the man said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” it showed an act of faith on the mans part. He also left his healing up to the will of Jesus. As a result the man’s faith was rewarded.
Jesus then told the man,
“See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” 
Jesus told the man to obey the law of Moses. To keep silent until he’d seen the priest who would testify to the healing. Then offer the sacrifice to God. Ensuring God received the glory for what had happened.
This was a key to the ministry of Jesus he did not break the Law of Moses or abolish it. Jesus himself said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17.
The law in the  Old Testament is eternal. They are universal truths for all time.
One commentator I read said what Jesus is saying here is he has come if you will to “fill out” the law.
Jesus fulfills the law in several ways,
1/ He obeyed it perfectly and taught it’s meaning correctly.
2/ He will one day fulfill all the Old Testament prophecies.
3/ He provides a way of salvation that meets the requirements of the law.
The reason for Jesus coming to this earth was to show the way to heaven. The miraculous healings were there to show he was anointed of God.
The Gospel of John records Jesus as saying,
“The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.  
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.  
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  
I and the Father are one.” John 10:24-30.
John the Baptist is recorded as saying of Jesus,
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”  John 1:29.
C. S. Lewis one of the great English Christian teachers had strong words to say about Jesus in his book Mere Christianity. He said,
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.
The Choice as to who you think Jesus is, is entirely up to you the reader.
Please take some time to think about it.

On "The Rock",

On "The Rock"
Jesus said,
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.   But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”Matthew 7:24-27.
As a Christian I am called to build my house, my faith, on the teachings of Jesus. That in doing so my faith will grow. This is not entirely a new thing.
The writer of Proverbs tells believers,
     “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”Proverbs 3:5,6
Christians believe that Jesus is God incarnate. God in the flesh which is another reason we should follow Him.
The teachings of Jesus are for the most part simple. They are Love God, your neighbour, and even your enemy.
Jesus told his disciples and through them us,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.
Telling people about Jesus and making disciples is an important part of Christian life.
As Christians we believe that Jesus is the way to heaven and as such is the most important message we can present to the world.  Someone who can give you rest for your soul.
Jesus said,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

 and I will give you rest.  

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for

 I am gentle and humble in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls.  

For my yoke is easy

 and my burden is light.”

 Matthew 11:28-30

Having Faith in Jesus, in God also gives us strength to go through the good and the bad times.  The writer of Psalm twenty-three states,

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.

As a Christian now for over forty years I can testify to the fact that no matter what we go through God does indeed bring us through and give us peace.
Please think about it

Watch Out

Watch out
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?  
Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” 
Matthew 7: 15-23.
Jesus here warns believers to watch out for “false prophets”, false teachers. He notes that  “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Christianity today in the twenty-first century like any faith or group of any kind that has been around a long time has people who call themselves Christian but are not.
They say they follow the teachings of Christ but one look at their life and lifestyle tells you they are a long way from Christ.
Now it must be said here the average Christian is far from perfect. However as someone once said

“Christians may not be perfect, but they are progressing

 toward what Jesus want for them in their life.” 

It can be hard for a non-believer or for that matter true Christians to tell who is a true Christian and who is not.
However I believe there are several things that mark a true believer in Christ. In brief they are,
1. They Love.
Jesus said,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
2. They love even their enemy
Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,...” Matthew 5:43,44.
3. They obey Jesus who said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
4. They truly believe Jesus when He said

,“I am the way and the truth and the life. 

No one comes to the Father except through me.” 

 John 14:6

   5. They believe you get to heaven by the grace of God through faith. The apostle Paul saying,

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith

and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

 not by works, so that no one can boast.”  

 Ephesians 2:8,9.

6. They believe in living at peace with all men. The apostle Paul saying,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone.”

Romans 12:18

7. They will be subject to the rulers and authorities living a good life. Paul writing,

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, 

to be obedient, 

to be ready to do whatever is good,

  to slander no one, 

to be peaceable and considerate, 

and to show true humility toward all men.”

Titus 3:1,2.

A true Christian will also want to tell you about the most important thing in their life Jesus Christ. Obeying the words of Jesus who said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.
A true Christian will do all of the above not only because it is what God requires of them but to show the non-believer the way to heaven. And that to a Christian is of paramount importance.
Please think about it.

The Gate

The Gate

“Enter through the narrow gate. 

For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, 

and many enter through it.  

But small is the gate and narrow the road

 that leads to life, 

and only a few find it. 

Matthew 7:13,14.

I as a Christian believe Jesus is that small gate and narrow road.
Jesus speaking to one of his apostles said,

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. 

No one comes to the Father except through me.”  

John 14:6.

Jesus speaking of Himself said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. John 3:16-18.
These are clear statements saying Jesus is the way to heaven. Christians believe we cannot work our way to heaven. That we cannot live a life good enough to get to heaven.
Put simply this is how Christians believe you get to heaven,
  Paul writing to the Romans said,

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

 and are justified freely by his grace 

through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

 Romans 3:23,24.

Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God.
 The apostle John noting,

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins 

and purify us from all unrighteousness.  

If we claim we have not sinned, 

we make him out to be a liar

 and his word has no place in our lives.” 

1 John 1:9,10.

Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith

and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

 not by works, so that no one can boast.”  

 Ephesians 2:8,9

Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, 

because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 

and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”

Hebrews 11:6

Faith defined as,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see.” 

 Hebrews 11:1

This indeed is a narrow road to heaven and I know many in the world today do not believe it is the only way to heaven. However if I am wrong about it, no one has to worry. If on the other hand I am right then there is a lot, to at the very least think about.
As C. S. Lewis states,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” C. S. Lewis.
Please think about it.

Seek and Find

Seek and Find
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7,8.
In our twenty-first century many people are saying they don’t believe in God. However I believe many are saying this because they are not actively seeking God.
I think in our modern western society many times people are not seeking out God not necessarily because they are atheist. Rather it is because they simply don’t care about God. God and eternity at this point in their life has no relevance. That it is something to think about closer to ones death.
Having such an attitude toward God however can be dangerous. Very few people know the time of their death.
Jesus here tells us that we should seek God. That we should knock as it were on heavens door and ask God to truly show Himself to us.
Jesus notes,
“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” Matthew 7:8.
God is not far from anyone of us. All he requires us to do is turn to Him in faith. The writer of Hebrews stating,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see.”  

Hebrews 11:1

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, 

because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 

and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 

Hebrews 11:6.

The key to finding God is having faith that he exists. However having faith in someone we cannot see, especially in the materialistic twenty-first century world we live in is a very hard thing in deed.
Then again perhaps that is why God asks us to have faith. For people who have true faith in anything are the loyalist of followers.
Please think about it.

Do not Judge

Do Not Judge
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
Jesus here is speaking to believers but it is something everyone needs to think about. Jesus is not saying we should refrain from judging things entirely. There are times when we need to judge whether or not a thing is good or bad for us. Whether someone talking to us is being truthful and such.
What Jesus is saying, it’s easy to find fault with people. There seems to be no end of people who will show you every fault someone else has. This should not be so. Especially if you claim to be a Christian.
The apostle Paul warns Christians,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Christians have the right to judge those within their faith especially with respect to what an individual claiming to be Christian is teaching. Such judgement is needed to ensure the teaching is correct.
However Christians have no right to judge those outside their faith especially when it comes to where a person will spend eternity.
The warning of Jesus in Matthew 7:1,2, is not to have a “judgmental spirit”. To constantly be criticizing others.
Jesus warns us,
“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2.
By criticizing others you are giving them the right to criticize you in the same way. Jesus summed this up when he said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
So to judge others is to essentially tell others they can judge you in the same way you judged them.
On the other hand if you want to be treated well, to be treated fairly and honestly you must do the same to others.
I believe  the words of Jesus I quoted, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
The so called “golden rule” is something everyone, Christian and non-Christians can understand. Something if followed it is a rule that makes everyone’s life better.
Please think about it.

Your Treasure

Your Treasure
Jesus said,
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.  
But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
Matthew 6:19-24.
Where is your real treasure? Jesus states here that we are to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven. Noting that where our treasure is there will be our heart.
Now let me state there is nothing wrong with having wealth in this world. The apostle Paul makes it clear,
“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.
Note Paul states “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” That it has caused some to wander from the faith. This is what Jesus is alluding too.
Wealth in and of itself is not evil or good. Money and material things can be used both for good and bad. It can all so keep you from getting to heaven depending on what your relationship with your wealth is.
Our true treasure must be laid up in heaven. As a Christian I believe this is following the teachings of Jesus. Putting my faith first in all I do.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“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?” 
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.  
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” Hebrews 13:5-8.
As a Christian I believe we should be content with what we have at any given time. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to better our position in life. At the same time however the urge to better ourselves should never pull us away from our faith.
Jesus when asked,
 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment.”  Matthew 22:36-38.
If we truly love God we will want to do His will. The apostle Paul writing to Christian believers in Corinth said,
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”  1 Corinthians 9:24.
As believers in God, believers in Christ our prize is eternal life in Heaven with God. It is a prize we will only get if we keep our hearts and minds fixed on God and the saving Grace Jesus brings.
The most important treasure in our lives must be in heaven. For as Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Please think about it.

Post Script,
If you are not a Christian where is your treasure?
The prophet Isaiah wrote,

“A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” 

“All men are like grass, 

and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall,

 because the breath of the LORD blows on them. 

Surely the people are grass. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall, 

but the word of our God stands forever.” 

Isaiah 40:6-8

Our life on this earth is but a momentary mist in eternity. All we have materially in this life will one day be left to others while we go to stand before God.
When you meet God will you meet Him as your Lord and Saviour or as your judge?
The apostle Paul writes,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
It is by the grace of God we get to heaven, through faith. Not our works. So where is your faith. The writer of Hebrews tells us,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

 and certain of what we do not see.”  

Hebrews 11:1

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, 

because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 

and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 

Hebrews 11:6

So two questions must be answered,
Where is your faith?
Where is your treasure?

Love your Enemy

Love your enemy
Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Matthew 5:43-47
Here is a very Christian trait. Loving your enemy. Perhaps one of the hardest things we can do. Yet God did it to us when we still enemies to Him.
The apostle Paul writing to the Romans said,
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!  
For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  
Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” Romans 5:6-11.
What Paul is saying here is we as mere human beings could not live a life that was good enough to have fellowship with God. We are by nature sinners and sin separates us from God. It if you will, makes us enemies to God.
However God knowing it is impossible for us to live perfect lives entered this world in the form of Jesus, His one and only Son. Who died for our sins. The writer of Hebrews telling us.
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3
Paul writing to the Corinthians said,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
We get to heaven by the grace of God through faith in the saving Grace of Jesus.
Now I have said all of that to say this is why we especially if we claim to be Christian, should love our enemies, because God set the example. As Christians we believe we know the way to heaven.
As Christians I believe we have the most important message in the history of mankind that being, The Way to heaven.
We cannot get this message out if we do not love all those we come in contact with, even our enemies.
Paul even tells us to pray for our persecutors for he knew that they too needed to know of the love of Jesus, the Love of God.
The Apostle Peter reminds us,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
Loving all we come in contact with is a positive sign even if you are not a Christian. Martin Luther King Jr. the American civil rights leader once said,

Love is the only force capable 

of transforming an enemy into friend.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Please think about it.

Prayer

Prayer
The gospel of Matthew notes Jesus said,
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:5-8.
Praying is an act of faith. As Jesus said, God knows what we need before we ask him. However God want to us to show our faith in him by acknowledging Him in Prayer and praying, for our needs.
The writer of Hebrews states,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see.”  

Hebrews 11:1

Prayer is acknowledging God is real in good times and in bad. Acknowledging God will meet our needs even when we cannot see Him.
Our prayers should go up to God not just in the bad times but in the good times.
The apostle Paul states,
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12.
The book of Acts states of those early believers, 
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” Acts 2:42.
Leonard Ravenhill noted,

"If weak in prayer,

 we are weak everywhere." 

Leonard Ravenhill

As twenty-first century Christians we need to pray. I like what Francis of Assisi said,

“We should seek not so much to pray

 but to become prayer.” 

Francis of Assisi.

Please think about it.

Giving to the needy

Giving to the Needy
“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:1-4
There are approximately 2000 scriptures commanding us to look after the poor.
As Christians we are called to help the poor in what ever way we can even if it’s only giving a glass of water.
Christians are one of the largest contributors to helping the needy. However there is much we can learn from our Jewish friends. Who for centuries have been among the largest contributors to helping the poor irrespective of their faith.
There is however an interesting concept from Judaism that Christians and others should latch on to. Its called Tzedakah
The following is as good an explanation of Tzedakah, from a Jewish website,
“Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for acts that we call charity in English: giving assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes. However the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity. The word “charity suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and the powerful for the benefit of he poor and needy.
The word “tzedakah” is derived form the Hebrew root Tzadei-dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act, it is simply and act of righteousness, performance of a duty giving the poor their due.
The Obligation of Tzedakah
Giving to the poor is an obligation in Judaism, a duty that cannot be forsaken even by those who are themselves in need. Some sages have said that tzedakah is the highest of all commandments, equal to all of them combined, and that a person who does not perform tzedaka is equivalent to an idol worshipper. This is probably hyperbole, but it illustrates the importance ot tzedakah in Jewish thought....
According to Jewish law, we are required to give one-tenth of our income to the poor. This generally interpreted as one-tenth of our net income after payment of taxes. Taxes themselves do not fulfill our obligation to give tzedakah even though a significant proportion of tax revenues in America and many other countries are used to provide for the poor and needy. Those who are dependent on public assistance or living on the edge of subsistence may give less but must still give to the extent they are able; however, no person should give so much that he would become a public burden.
The obligation to perform tzedakah can be fulfilled by giving money to the poor, to health care institutions, to Synagogues or educational institutions. It can also be fulfilled by supporting your children beyond the age when you are legally required to, or supporting your parents in their old age. The obligation includes giving both to Jews and gentiles...  Judaism acknowledges that many people who ask for charity have no genuine need. In fact, the Talmud suggest that this is a good thing: if all people who asked for charity have no genuine need we would be subjected to punishment for G-d for refusing anyone who asked. The existence of frauds diminishes our liability for failing to give to all who ask. Because we have some legitimate basis for doubting a beggar’s sincerity. It is permissible to investigate the legitimacy of charity before donating to it.
We have an obligation to avoid becoming in need of Tzedakah. A person should take any work available, even if he thinks it is beneath his dignity to avoid become a public charge.
However, if a person is truly in need and has no way of obtaining money on his own he should not feel embarrassed to accept tzedakah. No person should feel to proud to take money from others. In fact it is considered a transgression to refuse tzedakah. One source says that to make yourself suffer by refusing to accept tzedakah is equivalent to shedding your own blood.
Levels of Tzedakah
Certain kinds of tzedakah are considered more meritorious than others. The Talmud describes these different levels of tzedakah, and Rambam organized them into a list. The levels of charity from the least meritorious to the most meritorious, are: 

Giving begrudgingly

Giving less than you should, bu giving cheerfully,

Giving after being asked

Giving before being asked

Giving when you do not know the recipient’s identity, but the recipient knows yours

Giving when you know and the recipient’s identity, but the recipient doesn’t know yours.

Giving when neither party knows the other’s identity.

Enabling the recipient to become self-reliant. 

As Christians the above is something we should consider. It is perfectly in line with Christian belief.
The Apostle James tells us,
“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.
 Please think about it.

Walls

Walls
Matthews Gospel records,
“At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” Matthew 12:1,2.
Here is an example of “religious legalistic leaders”.
Jesus and his disciples were walking through a grain field on the Sabbath, picking some of the heads of the grain rolling it in their hands to remove the outer shell and then eating it.
The Pharisees who were extremely legalistic interpreted this as them harvesting, threshing and eating a meal. The harvesting and threshing of the grain being considered work and not allowed on the Sabbath. It is a classic example of “religious leaders” taking things too far.
It happens in the church today. Many churches have rituals and traditions that quite often take the place of what God wants us to do. Traditions and rituals that when first introduced had a purpose even illustrated points from the Bible.
Sadly however many of these traditions and rituals have lost their meaning over the years and in the twenty-first century actually keep people away from God. We as Christians need to be aware of this.
Something I’d never really thought of at one time, was dressing up for church. That was until a person told me. They didn’t have a suit to wear to church. Which is why they didn’t go.
     No one should be discouraged from going to church because they don’t have “the right clothes”.
Fortunately that is changing in many churches especially here in Canada. The church I attend has a come as you are policy. Even our pastor will preach wearing blue jeans. Workers are nearly all casually dressed.
God does not care how you dress but what you believe.
Another thing is the lack of inclusiveness in the church. Some groups are reluctant to go to evangelical churches in particular, because they feel they are being centred out as “special sinners”. This should not be so.
Matthews Gospel records this incident,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13.
In Christ’s day the “special sinners” the Pharisees pointed to were tax collectors and others.
In today’s world there are Christians who refuse to sit down with members of the LGBT community or with those of other faiths. They feel in doing so they are guilty by association. When really there is no guilt involved on anyone’s part.
Many from the LGBT community do not feel welcome in Evangelical churches especially. This should not be so.
As Christians we must not become “religious” we must follow the example of Jesus and the apostles who associated with everyone. Who pointed people to heaven in word and deed.
We must not erect barriers that would prevent even one person from coming to know Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Please think about it.

Workers Needed

Workers needed
“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.  
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the    Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9: 35-38.
Are you working for God? Anyone who truly believes in Jesus can work for God. Can win souls for Christ.
Years ago I use to teach ten year olds in  Sunday School. A young girl once asked me, How can she could win someone for Jesus. She said, “I’m just a kid and don’t know the Bible very well.”
I told here she didn’t have to know the Bible very well to win souls for Christ. All she had to do was invite them to Sunday School or church. From there the pastor and the Sunday School teachers could tell them about Christ.
That young girl took what I said to heart inviting numerous of her friends and family to church. Some of which committed their lives to Christ. That ten year old girl worked for Christ as good as any pastor or evangelist. In her own way she was an evangelist.
We can all be like that young girl. We can all invite someone to Church. Even if it’s not church you can have an informal bible study in your home.
Francis of Assisi tells us,

“Preach the Gospel at all times 

and when necessary use words.”

Francis of Assisi

He also said,

“The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

 Francis of Assisi 

As Christians our daily lives should reflect the love of God. Jesus said,
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
The apostle Peter tells us,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
This is how we can work for Christ.
Pleases think about it.