May 19 - Psalm 82:3

Deeper Life Conference Begins Tomorrow

Maintain the right of

the lowly and the destitute.

Psalm 82:3

How do you do this? You?!

How do you literally maintain the right of the lowly and destitute?

One of the most constant calls of scripture is to care for the poor. How do you do it?

There are lots of ways to care for the poor …

·         Time. Some of us have more time than money.

·         Financial. Some of us have more many than time.

·         Prayer. How does the 90-year-old grandma on a fixed income care for the poor? Prayer.

·         Advocacy. How do you personally advocate for social programs that help the absolutely needy without creating a culture of dependency?

·         Local. The easiest way to help – especially in terms of time – is locally. Real people – our neighbors – have real hurts.

·         National. When tragedies happen – a tornado, for example – our heart’s hurt. That’s a call to give.

·         International. As bad as the needs are locally and across America, even America’s poor are rich by international standards. A few dollars can feed a child for a month.

·         Family. I heard today that 48% of Americans have helped a family member financially this year.

·         Church Family. Every week – in big ways and small – we’re helping out members at Spirit of Joy. Too many people are one paycheck away from disaster. What happens when there’s no margin … and then the transmission goes out … or a doctor bill needs paid? My discretionary account regularly is a lifeline for people in need.

There are lots of ways to maintain the rights, the viability, and the hope of the poor. How are you doing it?

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who tries to do

a little “all of the above”