Burden or Blessing?

17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. Proverbs 19:17

We are called to help those who are less fortunate, to serve where we see a need, to be His hands and His voice. Yes, this includes the world's poor, but I believe that it also means the poor in spirit. The richest person you know may be the most miserable as well. Happiness has nothing to do with one's bank account; it has everything to do with the peace and grace that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ. When I have no money or wealth to "lend to the poor," I have the ability to tell them about my Savior. My spiritual "bank account" is always overflowing with wealth and riches, and it will never be overdrawn. Every time that I make a withdrawal from my account to bless others, He just blesses me with more. Now that's what I call an interest-bearing account!

My husband and I are discovering more and more each day that our assignment from the Lord is to take care of His people. We were blessed recently to participate in Feed the Bay, a program in our area that restocks the food banks that help feed the hungry. It was so wonderful to see families shopping together, filling up special bags with food and necessities for those who have been hit hard by the recent recession.

God started dealing with me in the wee hours of the morning today about how I could bless others, and not just once a year. We always think that someone else is going to take care of the poor and the hurting. "Why don't they do something about the homeless?" "Why don't they do something about hungry children?" You know what I finally figured out? We are the "they"! It's time for the Church to take a stand against hunger, against poverty, against homelessness. And when I say the Church, I mean the people who know Jesus as Lord!

40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40

Every time we donate food or clothing to help the needy, it is the same as giving to the Lord. Every time we go out of our way to help a neighbor with a need, we are showing the love of Jesus. It is more important for others to see the gospel in action than to hear a sermon from a fancy pulpit. There are hurting people who may never step inside a fancy building with stained glass - we must take the Word to them. When we treat others with respect and show them that we care, they will begin to see that we serve a loving and awesome God!

Do you know the most important way to serve others? Tell them about the Lord. Tell them what He means to you and how he has changed your life. Tell them how to have the assurance that they will spend eternity with Him. The gift of eternal life is for everyone; it is God's gift to us. The source for this gift comes from Jesus alone:

6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

What is your assignment? Where is God leading you? Who can you touch with the love of the Savior? Who can you reach? When will you start? Just know this: God will bless you beyond belief when you begin to bless others!

Lord, Thank You for every blessing that You have bestowed on me today! Every breath, every step is a gift from You. Let others see Your love in me and through me every day. Give me boldness to let those around me know that the way to eternal life with You in heaven is through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Give me the discernment to see through false pride to the hurt that is deep inside. Show me how to help when I see a need. Keep those who are serving You safe, and meet their every need. I pray this in the Name that is above all names - Jesus Christ~ Amen