A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to speak at Watermark Community Church located right here in Erlanger at Dixie Heights High School.  It was a blessing to be able to take some of the Lifeline team and share about our past, our present and our mission for the future with one of our supporting churches.  Check out the podcast of the service at: http://wccnky.org/podcast/the-big-give

“He who gives to the poor will lack nothing.” Proverbs 28:27 NIV

THE BLESSINGS OF THE COMPASSIONATE HEART

When it comes to charitable giving some folks say, “That’s Old Testament doctrine. What’s the New Testament teaching?” Glad you asked! Jesus launched His ministry saying: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18 NIV). And it didn’t stop with Jesus. The New Testament church carried out Christ’s mission of mercy on a daily basis. “All the believers…shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.” As a result, they experienced “great joy” (Acts 2:44-46 NLT). You say, “Won’t that leave me financially strapped?” No. Because of their compassion and generosity: “There was not a needy person among them” (Acts 4:34 NAS). The giver and receiver were both blessed. The rules of God’s Kingdom are: “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Pr 11:24-25 NLT). It seems counterintuitive, especially when you are struggling financially, but God promises that the generous will prosper. Your giving initiates God’s giving back to you. So look for someone in need, give, and watch it come back to you. The Bible says, “The Lord blesses everyone who freely gives food to the poor” (Pr: 22:9 CEV). “He who gives to the poor will lack nothing.” Try it. Next time God nudges you to show compassion and give, do it. Then when you have a need, pray, “Lord, I have honored You, now I believe You will honor me.”

Bob Gass - Word for Today

Our ministry volunteers have been blown away by the sheer number of people seeking prayer during the Christmas season.  Here's an exhaustive list of needs made known to us.  Please take time to remember these collectively in your quiet time with God this week.  Thanks and Merry Christmas!

Angela asked prayer for her Mother's depression and would love to see her come to know Jesus.  Also pray for her finances.

Lesa is thankful that Teresa's cancer is in remission.  Pray God will heal her completely. For Mae who just lost her husband. Blessings for Lesa's family.

Pray for Kelly M's addiction.

James for the bullies to stop picking on him.

Pray for Larry S. who is terminally ill.

Destiny: Please pray for Amanda H.

Ricky: prayer for Ricky's health and the health of his girlfriend Brenda.

Donnie: pray for my mother Tina who just had surgery and is in bad shape; also for my grandpa who is dying of brain cancer.

Arnie: Please pray for Amie and her children that they be reunited soon.  Pray that God walks with me and protects me.

Jennifer: Kristie's child is in Northkey and is suicidal. She is very lost.  Pray for my husband and children also.

Crystal: Having a very hard time with bills and Christmas for Grandchildren.  Living on $674.00 a month.

Sammie: I want my Mommy to get a good job so we can have more money.

Andrea needs a good job!

Danelle: Unspoken prayer for Nadeen H.

Raul: I love you Mom!

Kenia: My Mommy needs a better job.

Angela: The Lord's will in my life and strength & knowledge to get through college.

Aaron: Want's Job's patience so badly!

Deneen: Pray for our 14 grandchildren; pray we get our home together.

Lakisha: Me and my family are striving to do right and to be successful; we have had minor roadblocks along the way; pray for direction.

Norman: had foot surgery recently; dealing with much pain; needs another epidural soon for pain management.

John & Sharon: please pray for addiction in our lives.

Tonya S: My Mom has cancer; Kenny is very sick; God please cover my family.

Robert P: To find financial security and to have God's wisdom.