Giving to the poor

I am so thankful for all that the Lord teaches me in the course of a week. Man, he's patient with me. It's so humbling.

This past week I feel him showing me what it means to truly be in need. To be poor. I am beginning to think it doesn't really have to do with money at all. If someone has a need for a certain thing, be it physical or spiritual, then they are poor in that area of their lives at that time, right? They have a need to be filled. The cool thing is that God promises to supply our every need.

"Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup. You make my lot secure." Psalm 16:5

And He calls his people to provide for the needs of others. To be His hands and feet.

I think God might intend for that to be a lot less complicated than we make it sometimes. Who should I help? How can I be more involved? Why don't I have more money to give?

It's simple. He provides for every need of everyone on His green earth. We might not always see that or understand how he's doing it (i.e. when we see hurt and suffering). But we have to believe it.

In my simple life, I can see that He is working all the time to provide for needs around me. He places person X in front of me at a given time, to see their need, and to serve him by helping them with it. He gives me an extra amount so that I can turn around and help someone who doesn't have as much, or He does the reverse for me. He makes my path cross with person Y when she is having a really hard day, and I am trying to corral three young boys in a store, and she sees me and I smile and maybe she is blessed. He provides. The Bread of life. He sustains.

How I long to walk with Him, faithfully relying on his provision for my every need. And to give thanks.

"The Lord will guide you always. He will satisfy your need in a sun-scorched land, and will strengthen your frame." Isaiah 58:11

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#184-200

184. my daily Bread

185. watching them play when they think we're not

186. the little boy who spontaneously asked his daddy, "how was your day?"

187. the way the baby says "uh-oh"

188. kissing their chubby cheeks

189. the seeds of courage CD

190. getting back to bible study Wednesdays

191. finishing an amazing book

192. the way their hair smells when i kiss their little heads

193. being able to help a friend

194. a day with nothing to do

195. family wii fun

196. innocent little ones running & laughing in the empty halls of our church

197. his leadership

198. silly jokes from the back of the car

199. learning how to love this boy who tends to destroy things

200. David, a man after God's heart