That isn't Biblical. It is empowering but many homeless people or those caught in transgenerational/cultural issues would not think it is empowering.
Rhoni, don't make a bigger deal out of this than is necessary. It's pretty simple. If someone comes to you for food, help them out. If they keep coming to you then it's time to take a look at what's going on that they keep coming back again and again. It could be something as simple as not having a good phone number for a potential employer to call them back for an interview. Then again, it could be they are a mooch who lives off of other people's kindness. With the former I believe we should extend the level of help. With the latter, I think we need to send him on his way.
I deal with this at the church on a daily basis. We do operate a community food bank, but there are those who do make the rounds and try to mooch off of churches for a living. I will generally give food, but not money.
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There are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, Chuck Norris lives in Houston.
Either the United States will destroy ignorance, or ignorance will destroy the United States. – W.E.B. DuBois
I deal with this at the church on a daily basis. We do operate a community food bank, but there are those who do make the rounds and try to mooch off of churches for a living. I will generally give food, but not money.
Sadly this is true, I know someone that has done that.
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If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8 KJV
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2 KJV
I do believe that we should help the homeless and feed the hungry; however, I have made it a rule of thumb to never give an individual cash, unless I feel lead by the Spirit.
Instead, I give to two charities here in Houston a couple of times a year. That way, I know that the money will actually go toward helping those in need and not to the local crack dealer or liquor store.
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Isaiah 53:5: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."(KJV)
"God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves." Dwight L. Moody
I have never, that I know of, been a member of a church that gave out actual cash to anyone, even its members. The help has always been in the form of food, clothing, maybe vouchers redeemable only for gasoline, and help with paying church members bills. Handing out cash is the fastest way to have every mooch with their palm permanently in the outstretched position camp outside the front door of the church.
I have never, that I know of, been a member of a church that gave out actual cash to anyone, even its members. The help has always been in the form of food, clothing, maybe vouchers redeemable only for gasoline, and help with paying church members bills. Handing out cash is the fastest way to have every mooch with their palm permanently in the outstretched position camp outside the front door of the church.
If anyone wants to donate to The TRFrance Fund, I'm ok with not getting cash. A few prepaid gas cards would do the trick right about now.
__________________ http://endtimeobserver.blogspot.com
Daniel 12:3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars for ever.
If anyone wants to donate to The TRFrance Fund, I'm ok with not getting cash. A few prepaid gas cards would do the trick right about now.
Don't hold your breath. I posted a few times about the Feed Rico's Children Fund in the stimulus thread and haven't gotten the first pledge. Buncha tightwads around here!!! Hmph!
No. If you feed them they just keep hanging around..............
Seriously: 2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Men should work if they want to eat and we should help those that need it in their time of need. That sums it up.
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Psa 119:165 (KJV) 165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
"Do not believe everthing you read on the internet" - Abe Lincoln
None of the churches that I have been a member of have had a specific program that feeds the homeless. I would feed some homeless people (at least, no program that I was aware of).
There have been times where I have told the homeless person, "No." I am reminded of a very, very fat homeless lady-- I did not give her any more food.
If my family is hungry, I will feed them. But generally, my fams all have their common sense and are able to take care of themselves. If one became a substance abuser or gambler or just plain irresponsible, I would still fed them, but try really hard to help them to change their lives.
If after my efforts, they still refuse to change, I'd probably not help them, unless they were at the point of death or some other extreme situation.
I would not give to foreign missions while neglecting my family.
Everyone who is able to work and/or find work should do so in order to eat, pay bills, by gas, etc.
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"The choices we make reveal the true nature of our character."
Wow....."are there no prisons....are there no workhouses...." Ebenezer Scrooge
Tis a difficult thing to discern sometimes.....those who to help and those who not to.
I know...from working for years with indigent alcoholics and addicts that many of them FEEL SO HOPELESS that they can only do what we call mooching. Is it right? I don't know. Is it right to allow a moocher to starve to death?...I don't think so. Are we to judge? Hmmmmm I wish I had answers. All I know to do is to follow my heart. I hope my heart is listening to the Holy Spirit at the time!!
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