Daily Devotional for May 11, 2021

One of the great joys of my job is being able to help people who are in financial distress.  This is possible because many of our members give to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund.

Most of the time, the people contacting the church have a legitimate need but every so often, someone will ask for something I consider poor stewardship of the monies that have been entrusted to me.  That’s when I say no.

A few months ago, I got a call from a man who said he needed food.  I told him our church had a fully stocked food pantry and we could help him.  He explained the food we had wasn’t good enough.  He wanted cash to buy his own food.  That’s when I said no.

I recently got a call from a man explaining that he was hungry.  I told him of our church’s food pantry and if he came to the church, I would be able to give him plenty of food.  Only then did he explain he was in New Orleans, Louisiana.  He asked if I would call a restaurant near his house and have a pizza delivered.  That’s when I said no.

One time I got a call from the Temple Help Center warning me of a man who was going to local churches looking for assistance to pay his utility bills.  They explained he made plenty of money and could pay his own bills.

Sure enough, this man showed up at our church.  I told him I could not help with his bills.  He told me I was not fit to be a pastor and that I served a church that wasn’t Christian.  Then he got in his Lexus and drove away.

The good news is that these are the rare exceptions, not the rule.  The vast majority of people who come to our church for help are in a true crisis.  They have fallen through the social safety net.  Luckily, God provides for them through us.  It matters.

The wisest of all people said, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”  (Proverbs 19:17)

If you ever wonder if your church is making a difference, know it is.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please use me to lighten the heavy load others carry.  Fill me with wisdom, grace, and the knowledge to make a difference.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

As part of our church, whether you see it or not, you are making a difference for God.  That’s a good thing.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins