(Psalm 41:1)

**DAILY PERSONAL PRAYER FOR YOU: Dear Lord, help me to get through this day and the challenges that I will be facing today. Guide me, strengthen me, and give me wisdom as I make choices throughout this day. Please watch over my family and those I love in this world, and keep them safe. I love you Lord, and depend upon you each moment of each day. Bless me as I go through the day, living my life for your glory. In the name of Jesus I pray…AMEN!

Helping the poor. I want to encourage you today to take about an hour, and sit down with your Bible, and look at all the scriptures concerning care for the poor and needy. One thing I have learned about God and the way that 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 only on those who are financially poor, but also 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 just those who are financially poor, but those who are spiritually poor as well.

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 was hungry. It is not an option, but an obligation that 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 that you may see each day, but also those who may have worldly riches, but be flat broke spiritually. You see, in those difficult times that we all face in life, losing a loved one, health problems, changing jobs, troubles at home, whatever the issue may be, power, prestige, and money are not the answer.

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 just to make it to tomorrow. God has called us to help the poor. Not just the financially poor, but also the spiritually poor!

In His love and service,

Your friend and brother in Christ,

Bill Keller

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