The Poor Among Us...

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound... Isaiah 61:1 NKJV

Lately, I have found myself preoccupied with thoughts of what ministry GOD has for me. I have to say, at this point, I am still uncertain as to what direction He is leading me. However, my mind seems to return to the needs of the poor around us. We are constantly bombarded with images of starving children in third-world countries, various areas of the world plagued by natural disasters, etc. Don't get me wrong--these are all worthy causes and I am certain there are many good Christian folks supporting them through the leadership of the Holy Spirit. I know that GOD wll reward them for their efforts.

My issue is simply that there are hurting and needy people right here--right outside our doors--that need a touch from GOD. I am reminded of the saying, "Charity begins at home." Within walking distance of my home there are many in need. There are multitudes of financially depressed people hurting and doing without basic necessities due to the economic crisis. There are widows and orphans. There are senior citizens and veterans from many wars. There is a local drug and alcohol rehab center and a work center for inmates doing what they can to help. All these people and more need to know of GOD's love. What are we, as GOD's ambassadors here on earth, doing to meet their needs?

A friend recently made a post on FaceBook that caused me to think. His question simply asked what your church would look like if everyone there was just like you? Would the offering plate be full? Would it be a missions-minded church? Would it reach out to those in need? Or, would it be a place of mediocrity, more of a country club than GOD's House...?

That same friend--Matt Armbruster and his lovely bride, Tara--recently opened Ransom Cafe, a place where any & all are welcome to eat and pay as much (or as little) as they can. This is their ministry to the area. They are living out Luke 14:12-14, "When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just." I find it inspiring and I know GOD is proud!

As we approach the holiday season, let us be reminded of GOD's commandment to love our neighbor. During His time on earth, Jesus went about ministering to the poor and destitute. His mission was to take care of their spiritual needs but He also provided for their physical needs. If we are His People, His Children, His Church--shouldn't we be doing the same?

Blessings!
Tony