1 Timothy

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NASB	1 Timothy 2:3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
AMPLIFIED 2015 2015	1 Timothy 2:3 This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

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Bible Question: These are very hard times for many people, and Christians as well. We have started sharing food with those who are struggling just to pay for housing, utilities and food and gas. This has opened a door for us to show our good deeds and Christian love for our neighbors. We open the door to those people in need with "AMISH FRIENDSHIP BREAD". We are deeply concerned at the number of older persons in serious financial need. Their spiritual need is even greater as we have discovered.

All of the people we have been able to meet with do not qualify for EBT cards, which is the new food stamp program.
Most all make too much for financial State help. Seven hundred dollars is all our state allows for a couple to make and get a little help. Local food pantries are maxed out, even some churches have financial shortages as well.

My question is has anyone found another way to open the door to reach those in deep need. We don't just see this in unsaved people but many Christians are living in faith depending on the Lord for their needs day by day.

We live in an area that basically is settled by hard working people, or those who are retired. Many who are retired can no longer live on what retirement brings in. We personally are blessed and the Lord is good. We are looking into ways to help we have not thought of.

We are touched by the saying, No one cares how much you know; Until they know how much you care. This is not orignal to us we read it some where.

Any ideas would be gladly be appreciated.

justme

Bible Answer: When I worked at a church I became acutely aware of the people who went from church to church either through the phone book or down the street. How does a church determine who to help with their limited resources?

I have pushed for an area wide church coop system to deal with non-church members/attendees. The local churches collectively support a central aid organization and any time someone from outside their influence seeks aid, they are directed to the same organization as every other church in the region or city. This organization could help those in need and follow-up with them so they no longer need help. After all, true compassion is measured by how many people no longer need our help, not on how many are currently receiving it.

Individual churches, regardless of the above, should know how to effectively help their own people and be ready to do so, and they should do that long before they help those who do not attend. If aid is a witness, than what witness is it when we neglect those who are in our family to help those who are not? The true witness would be for neighbors of those in true need seeing their local church community coming along side them through that time.

Aside from all of that: It’s important for the church to teach what the Bible says about consumer debt. How you are not able to help others and be the blessing God wants you to be for others if your “cup isn’t over flowing.” The church should encourage and respect people who are successful and able to help rather than immune them as less than righteous; as if they became a success on the backs of others. Imagine if everyone in our church was debt free except maybe their home. Who could we help then? (note: I am not suggestion prosperity preaching here.)

I think maybe this is a raw nerve for me. I shall digress.

MJH

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1 Timothy