Someone you know is hungry

This message came out this week from our worship director:

Hello All,

We need your help. We’ve been informed of someone who has been living off of pretty much bread for the last couple weeks (maybe more). We DEFINITELY want everyone to pray for this young man, and at the same time, let’s do something about it.

Faith in Action

James 2:14-17 Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

We will be collecting money to buy some groceries for him. Please give to help this man so that we can show the love of God and not just speak it.

We will collect @ this Thursday’s rehearsal and Sunday as well (This Sunday will be the day for Christmas Giving that has been announced for the last couple weeks as well… We have opportunities to BLESS OTHERS). If you aren’t in the choir you can give whenever you see me.  Please, purposefully be on the lookout for those who are in need.

Be Blessed,
J2

Someone Godly said, "You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving."  I must say I've been heavy hearted this week. I know this someone mentioned in the above note from Jon. And I say without hesitation, someone you know is hungry this week. With unemployment rates above 10 percent, 1 in 10 of us in your circle, is struggling; perhaps to the point of eating only bread. Or maybe that person - one of us, has access to a local food pantry or, thank God, their kids get free breakfast and lunch at school.

SOMEONE WE KNOW IS HUNGRY. Yes, there are hungry people in Haiti, Thailand, Peru and wherever else people are breathing. But someone you know is hungry. Someone you know is worried about putting food on their table; not to even mention buying a Christmas gift for their children.

There are such great organizations that provide an opportunity to give to others in need. Toys for Tots, Angel Tree provides gifts to the children of incarcerated parents, Christian Life Center is giving especially to those close to home & abroad this Christmas, and a myriad of other ways to give. Ask at your church or the church of someone you know. And that's great! Give! Give generously!

But my point is today, in our circle; in your circle, look for opportunities to give to folks in need. Who do you know that has lost their job? What single parent do you know who might be struggling to make ends meet? Who do you know that is sick & without care or comfort? Who do you know that is separated from family during the holidays? Be a tangible expression of love & Christ to them this season.

Thing is though, if you ask, "Hey, do you need help?" Chances are, they will say no. Why say no? Pride. Embarrassment.  They are "trusting God" to meet their needs.  Someone else is always in worse shape. There are several reasons that might keep people from responding truthfully to your "Do you need help" question. 

So how about this: if you see a need; if you sense a need in prayer or someone has brought to your attention someone they know is hungry - do something. Buy a gift card for somewhere like Target that has groceries and necessities; give cash if you can; take a paper ornament off that tree & buy a gift for a kid who might otherwise not have one under the tree on Christmas morning. Give & trust God to do the rest.

Love your neighbor.

You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving.
 

Now, let me wash my face & get to work. Merry Christmas~