Many citizens, in the United States, are very concerned about the “welfare” system because it seems to encourage dependency.  So, people who are able to better themselves tend to become more reliant on government rather than being productive with quality work.  The concern for the nation is that people are taking advantage of “handouts” rather than working for a living.  I have actually met people who truly enjoy living on-the-streets without a care in the world except where they will find their next meal.  With these people it is hard to forget the passage that Paul wrote to Christian brethren, “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command:  If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.  For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.  Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12).  

Yet, there are those who are truly in need.  And God loves people who take care of those who can’t make it easily without help.  “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?  Can that faith save him?  If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?  So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:14-17; cf. Exodus 23:3, 6, 11; Leviticus 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:14; 1 Samuel 2:7; Proverbs 19:17; Luke 7:22; Galatians 2:10). 

But the reality is, people tend to feel uncomfortable around others who are not similar to them.  This can include, but not limited to, the poor – even poor Christians.  Part of the reason for this aversion to developing close relationships with the downtrodden is because people tend to forget what makes a person a focus of God.  It’s not their intelligent quotient, good looks, finances, family relations, or education; rather, it is their soul that can be saved through the saving blood of Christ.  Hmm?  I wonder why Paul had to write, “Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited” (Romans 12:16).  Take a permanent stance to associate with all people – even the lowly.  Do it for the sake of Christ.                               

John A. Reeves
www.thelordshumbled.com

A friend of mine wrote poetry before he died. His name was Dallas Brown. He wrote two books: Intimate Voice of God, Heavy Rain and Light Breezes.

The following is an unpublished poem by him for me and my second wife after my first wife passed.

Under His Wing

Under the Wing of God

I found you

My love, my one and only,

We would have been married long

And happily

But your tragic death

Changed all plans.

Why? Why was I bereft

Of my youthful, loving,

My chaste virgin,

Who knew no man,

Who waited until we

Became one in our own home?

My love for her will not fade.

Healing trudged slow

And sadly, until a day

When he touched my face,

With a Light Breeze

Reminding me of his many

Blessings of life.

I could only love again,

By this power of God.

Don't think me rash,

Or hasty, or as giving up

On a dream I once had.

My dream remains

To do His Will!

If a friend join me

As a new wife

In the Lord,

We shall continue on

In His Steps!

The early church faced many problems, but they were also the recipients of great joy.  Some of those joys included a repenting brother, assurance in their salvation through Jesus Christ, and the knowledge of being a part of a family - the family of God.  "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). 

God 

        I just wanted to thank You for keeping Your promises. When I was young, You taught me Your ways. As I grew in age, You helped me to not forget Your teachings. You disciplined me in my arrogance. You helped me understand Your love with respect to those who seem to struggle with godliness.  Funny?! When I asked to be like You - I didn't know it would take sooo long.

(Will I ever get there?)

Anyway - Thank You for teaching me to become like You.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves

        Periodically, I have donated my blood to help those who need transfusions.  My blood type is A-.  It is not the rarest of blood types but it is needed.  I have been informed that my blood also carries "something" special that makes it sought after; especially, for children suffering from cancer issues.  Now, to do this, I not only sacrifice my blood but, also, my time.  Yet, my blood isn't any more special than yours.

        God considers blood special whether it is from animals or people.  "For the life of a creature is in the blood . . ." (Leviticus 17:11).  Blood is needed for atonement.  It is Jesus' blood, however, that makes it possible to receive everasting atonement.

        I have heard it said that Christians don't live under a sacrificial system.  The truth is, we don't utilize animal sacrifices anymore but we still live under a sacrificial system.  It is the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Jesus (Hebrews 9:23-28).  Remember, "It is the blood that makes atonement for one's life" (Leviticus 17:11).