37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did itto one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Matthew 25: 35-40, NKJV
Some years ago, the makers of a popular over the counter ant-acid used a commercial to promote their product that started, "How do you spell relief?" Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were a single pill that would erase all of the proverbial "acid re-flux" caused by the painful realities we are facing in the world today? While we don't have a pill to eradicate pain, God has given us something greater. We have each other...
Today I encourage Shepastor readers to reflect upon the painful realities below and consider how, as individuals we can bring some relief...
Relief efforts in support of Puerto Rico…
American Baptist Home Mission Societies, in response to the devastating impact upon U.S. Citizens in Puerto Rico and Islands has launched, "Rebuilding, Restoring, Renewing Puerto Rico." For details and to give online, click on the link below...
http://abhms.org/mission/themes/puerto-rico-relief/
Relief for those needing access to healthier food and quality of life…
How far do you have to travel to get to the grocery store? Many in urban areas live in "food deserts," meaning that full service grocery stores are over a mile away. This is important because many in those areas don't have vehicles. Some must take three (3) buses, literally, to get to a mainline grocery store. Statistics show that there is a direct correlation between health outcomes and access to affordable, healthy food. Today at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, I had the opportunity to listen to and discuss supermarket access. Learn more about this important discussion and how you can make a difference at www.ccbh.net and type in “Food desert.”
Relief for those lives devastated by gun violence…
Let us pray for all of those devastated by the horrific acts of a single gunman in Las Vegas, NV…the deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history. Let us pray for the courage and the wisdom to re-examine and change current gun laws that allow civilians to purchase fire arms and additional “military like” components that transform basic guns into war weapons.
May we pray for and engage in actions that help to bring relief…relief for those who have lost so much…relief for those who are grieving and are terrorized …relief for those who are hungry. We are the hands and feet of Jesus...
“Hear our prayers Oh Lord, incline thine ear to us and grant us thy peace…”
Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org
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