FOR THOSE WHO NEED HELP

Psalm 124:8 “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”


My desk at this New Year’s dawn is in need of “spring cleaning.” The reality is I feel a bit intimidated by the daunting task of reconnecting with so many appeals for help that are represented by the mass of paper sitting before me. A great deal of good was accomplished last year, and many commitments were fulfilled in terms of ministry and service and resources directed to meet needs. But the needs are almost immeasurably great. At times I would like to disengage from them. But then I remember the words of Jesus…”as you did it to one of the least of these…you did it to me” and the more intimidating reminder…”as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” (See Matt. 25:31-46)

So here I write, remembering and praying for those needs to be met…
remembering that God is at work to awaken in many the recognition of His work to be done in this world. So to the teenagers who needed funds to rebuild homes in Louisiana; to Habitat for Humanity, appealing for funds for nails and roofs and timber to build affordable homes for deserving working families; to World Hunger ministries seeking to feed the dying in many lands; to the friends ministering to refugees in war-torn lands of conflict; to those carrying the Gospel to unreached people groups; to those in search of means to gain an education in preparation for Christian ministry; to those buying women out of sexual slavery and teaching them skills by which they can earn a living; to those who are separated from family and friends while serving on military assignments far away; for those who sacrifice daily to share the good news of Jesus….you and many others are all in my prayers, in my heart, in my mind…in my petitions to God for your blessing and encouragement and enablement to do those things which will ever bring glory to God.

It is a New Year. Every day is a new day for sharing the love of Jesus Christ in all the ways we can, to all the people we can, with all the means we have, for as long as God sustains us in his mercy to serve Him in this world.

“Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” AMEN