New Beginnings 2022

So much has happened since I last wrote. I am sad that I have let it go so long as it helps me to write.  This past  3 years, I experienced a sudden job loss, a separation (and divorce), brand new career, my youngest son died suddenly, the cat AND dog died in 2019 and 2022 and then just a bunch of little things that went on called life. It has been a few years in the desert but all through it, the Lord has sustained me and I am forever grateful for my relationship with the Lord. It has been amazing that He has loved me through so many of life's troubles and even sprinkled in some joys along the way. I have been a Christian for many, many years(49 to be exact) and I continue to be amazed at His love for me. These past couple of years, I have used a verse over and over again during really hard days. It has become my "life verse" in my older age. A great reminder of whose I am and how precious each of us is to the Lord...

More later...it is good to be back. 
  

God Cares for Those In Poverty

God  Cares For Those In Poverty

The Lord has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.
(Micah 6:8)

People who see a brother or sister in need, yet close their hearts against them, cannot claim that they love God.
(1 John 3:17)

Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don’t have enough to eat. What good is there in your saying to them, “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!” – if you don’t give them the necessities of life?
(James 2:15-16)

Learn to do right. See that justice is done — help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows.
(Isaiah 1:17)

None of you should be looking out for your own interests, but for the interests of others. (1 Corinthians 10:24)

Don’t take advantage of the poor just because you can; don’t take advantage of those who stand helpless in court. The Lord will argue their case for them and threaten the life of anyone who threatens theirs.
(Proverbs 22:22-23)

Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need. (Proverbs 21:13)

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
(Luke 14:12-14)
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Points for Thought:
1. Look around your home. What are you not using anymore that is in good condition? Look through those closets. Share your abundance with those in need. Take in good condition clothes, linens, furniture, household goods to a local ministry to share with others in need.
2. Pray for the opportunity to share your resources with others.. The Lord would be pleased with you.
3. Pray for heart change in the way you see people in poverty. Ask the Lord to show you any thoughts that are not His thoughts and ask for a changed heart.
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“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
― John Bunyan

It Matters To God How We Treat People

No matter what the issue of the day, if you are follower of Christ, here are some words of wisdom from God's Word.

Those who are "strangers in our land" are loved and valued by God. Therefore, if we are a follower of Christ, we are called, by God, to value them.

It MATTERS to God how we treat people individually and as a nation. 

Leviticus 19:33-34 and 24:22 – When the alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”
Deuteronomy 10:18-19 – “For the Lord your God...loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
Deuteronomy 27:19 – “Cursed be anyone who deprives the alien…of justice.”
Jeremiah 7:5-7 – “If you do not oppress the alien…then I will dwell with you in this place…”
Jeremiah 22:3-5 – Do no wrong or violence to the alien.
Malachi 3:5 – The messenger will bear witness against those who thrust aside the alien.
Matthew 25:31-46 – “…I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Romans 12:13 – “Mark of the true Christian: “…Extend hospitality to strangers…”
Hebrews 13:2 "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Ephesians 4:31-32 "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.