"The Cause Of The Poor" 

Jeremiah 22:15-17 "So you reign because you enclose yourself in cedar? Did not your father eat and drink, and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him. He judged the cause of the poor and needy, then it was well. Was not this knowing me? Says the Lord your eyes and your heart are for nothing but your covetousness for shedding innocent blood, and practicing oppression and violence."

The Bible is full of references to the cause of the poor and needy. God's eyes and heart are on the oppressed, hungry and disenfranchised. We are not safe, secure or "set up" because of our own doing. The patriarchs of our faith cared for the poor and needy. We need to do justice and be righteous toward those who are least secure, most at risk and most vulnerable. Doing this is literally knowing God. If we know His heart and see with His eyes we will care about others and not be self-focused. If not, we are just like those who persecute and take advantage of others in need. If our eyes and hearts are on ourselves, we will be consumed with covetousness. Me, me, me...want, want, want... get, get, get. Consider what God considers. Do what He would do. Care for the poor and needy.

Today, please take a moment to pray for the millions of people in Somalia and South Sudan at risk of starvation because of drought, oppression and war. Last week hundreds died, just the beginning of a potential catastrophic loss of human lives, if the world does not respond now. I recommend World Vision, Samaritan's Purse or other Christian Outreaches that can respond quickly.

With a heavy heart today,

Pastor Fred