Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Are We Too Ashamed to Beg?

We trust God for finances, but would we do whatever we could to feed our family – even begging? If we would work our fingers to the bone, work extra jobs, and even beg to care for our little ones, would we do the same for others?

Richard Baxter wrote, ...let not want or charity hinder you at any time from giving,though want of ability may hinder you, and prudence may restrain you,and must guide you. If you say, “Alas! We don’t have it to give.” I answer: (1) Do what you can. (2)Show by your compassion that you would, if you could, take care of your poor
brethren. (3) Beg of others on their behalf, and encourage those that can do it.


Are we too ashamed to beg?*

As we pray for food and the Gospel for needy children, what are we doing to put action to our prayers? There are 160 million children living on the streets of the world and 143 millions orphans who have no one to care for them. Of these orphans, 13 million are AIDS orphans in Africa. What are they eating? When we put our children to bed tonight, where will they sleep?

Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans . . . in their troubles . . . (James 1:27 NLT).

Will we beg God and others on behalf of the needy today?

*[Quote from Richard Baxter in Puritan Sermons (Volume 2)]

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