What's on our minds . . .  
   
May I quietly ask you, my Christian friend,  to consider helping the homeless today?
In January of 2004 I had a conversation with a friend who quoted what Jesus said about those among us who are homeless.  Jesus said, in part:

  
"The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want."
Mark 14:7
  

After the conversation was over I was left with the impression that this man felt that the homeless problem is "ongoing" and that helping these men, women and children is somewhat optional for the Christian since "we'll always have them" and we can help them "any time" and not necessarily "today".
 
May I encourage each of you to look more fully, in context,  at what God has said regarding the poor?

"There will always be poor people in the land.
 Therefore I command you
 to be openhanded toward your brothers and
 toward the poor and needy in your land."
Deuteronomy 15:10-11
If our hearts are not already hardened ("I don't know any homeless people and, furthermore, I don't care"), then the question really becomes "How and where do I help these people who are so dear to the heart of God" who has clearly said:

"The poor and needy search for water, but there is none;
their tongues are parched with thirst.  But I the LORD will answer them"  Isaiah 41:17
  

Often we are tempted to give money to a homeless person but this, ironically, is usually a mistake.  Yes, a mistake.  If you would like to know how to truly help the poor go here.  If you are in Rhode island there is a homeless Rescue Mission located in Providence at 627 Cranston Street.  Web site is here.
 

God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. Acts 10:31

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