***ASK BILL: Pastor Bill, when we accept the Lord as our personal Savior and still sin, even though we don’t mean to, will we still be judged for those sins? This is very confusing to me and I know it is for others like me.
ANSWER: Christ paid the price on the cross for ALL of our sins. However, when we sin, we forfeit the peace, joy, and abundance we should enjoy, plus, whatever consequences there as a result of our sins. the Bible talks about crowns in Heaven. Little is known about those crowns and rewards, other than they will be for our faithfulness and obedience. We don’t lost our salvation, but we probably forfeit some crowns and rewards.
I want to encourage you someday to take about an hour, sit down with your Bible, and look at all the scriptures concerning care for the poor and needy. One thing I have learned to understand about God and the way He has divinely given us His word, is when you see the same issue talked about over and over, especially throughout the Bible from the Old to New Testament, God is trying to emphasize a point. He could not be clearer as to our responsibility to help the poor.
Now of course, this immediately brings to mind mental images of the homeless, those begging on corners for food, the ones who occupy the shelters at night. But I want you to focus today, not on those who are financially poor, but those who are spiritually poor.
Throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, He reached out to all segments of society. To those who had wealth and resources, He tried to focus them on their bankrupt spiritual life. Jesus said, “What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?” Today, I want you to be aware of the “poor” people you may come in contact with every day, not financially poor, but spiritually poor.
We have a responsibility to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, the hope and love of Christ with these people just as we would share a meal with someone who is hungry. It is not an option, but an obligation we have as followers of Christ to reach out to those who are hurting and need to know there are answers beyond the things of this world.
I am going to pray today that you take this challenge to heart and really focus, not just on the visibly poor you may see each day, but also those who may have much worldly riches, but be broke spiritually. You see, in those difficult times we all face in life, losing a loved one, moving, changing jobs, troubles at home, whatever the issue may be, money can rarely help. Only the strength, wisdom, and love of Christ can get us through those most difficult times in our life.
Open your eyes today and look at those around you who may need a spiritual handout today to make it!
I love you and care for you. Thanks you for all you do. I deeply care about you. Pray today about helping those who are spiritually poor in your life. Also,pray about standing with me today in support of our work here at Liveprayer.com as we feed the “poor” daily. It is no accident you are receiving the Daily Devotional each day, and no accident God is speaking to your heart right now. Listen and be obedient as we give each day to those who need His hope and love!!!
In His love and service,
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Bill Keller
Charles C Christopher
(C)opryright 2012, Live Prayer Church, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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