we can do this
Yesterday, I taught our faith community regarding the Eight Word of the Ten, "Do not steal." I reflected on the words of the rabbis who speak of stealing as not only taking what does not belong to you, but also speak of not giving what God wants to give through you. This idea is clearly seen when God tells his people to leave the edges of their fields for the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger in their midst. This was God's plan ... he gave enough for everyone.
Today we have developed a mentality that God has chosen to give a lot to some, and chosen to give nothing to others. The first part of this is true. God has given wealth to some people. However, in his economy those who have it, are to recognize that what they have comes "from the Father of heavenly lights" and we ought not to hold on to it as though it is ours. We have ownership issues, and we need to get over them and return to leaving the edges of our fields.
God tells his people through the prophet Malachi that when we do not bring all that we should to Him we are robbing him ... because of this they are under a curse. These are some strong words. Yet today the rich have once again been guilty of robbing God. "How are we robbing him?" We are robbing him in our offerings and gifts.
The division between rich and poor continues to grow in our country. In the last six years it has experience an all time high. Why? We are not leaving the edges of our fields. Remember, God asked for a tenth of all that was harvested ... he also asked for the edges of the field.
So what can be done? There are many places to begin. We can together change the world and eradicate extreme poverty in our lifetime. Visit the following sites, and get involved ... leave the edges of your field. God is not asking for just your money, he is asking for all of you.
HOLLAND RESCUE MISSION -Holland Rescue demonstrats God's love to the homeless and less fortunate. Holland Rescue Mission leads, develops, and inspires men and women to develop lives of independence, as God works through comprehensive programs and local church partnering that responds to the spiritual, economic and physical needs of those who God has entrusted us to serve.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - Do you love to swing a hammer? Volunteer to build beautiful homes for families in your area. Click and find some information to day!
THE ONE CAMPAIGN - This campaign is asking the wealthiest nations of the world to give one percent more of its budget toward extreme poverty and AIDS. That one percent would be worth billions of dollars. Imagine what would happen if the church in America decided that in addition to what we already give, we would give one percent of our collective budgets toward extreme poverty!
BREAD FOR THE WORLD - This relief organzation has been working end hunger for over 30 Years. It is a nonpartisan, faith based citizens' movement of 54,000 people of faith, including 2,500 churches.
CHRISITAN CHLDREN'S FUND - This organization allows men and women to sponsor children in the world's poorest countries. It is only $24.00 per month. An affordable amount to change the world.
BLOODWATER MISSION - Blood and water represent a community-centered and integrated approach to AIDS that include establishing basic conditions necessary for health, addressing the constraints of poverty, and empowering communities to take ownership of their own long-term health development