“Lifting up the spirit of the Poor” John 6:1-14

 After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that everyone of them may have a little.”

One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

This morning I was inspired by the many churches that are coming together for the Holidays to feed the poor.  I am inspired by the men's group that has quietly taken position behind the scenes to serve  the needs of the community.  I am inspired by a young boy who saved part of his allowance to give to the needs of the poor. I am inspired when I see my daughter sharing about ministry to the poor with kids in her neighborhood. I am inspired by the woman who quietly placed her can goods in a bag to bless the mission effort.   I am inspired by the woman who goes to an appartment complex at night to pass out fresh baked bread to help make a difference with local working poor families.  I am inspired by a retired woman who goes to mission centers to help out with homelessness.   I am inspired by my wife who goes to a bakery at Ten 'O clock at night to pickup close to a 100 pounds of bread to feed the poor.  I am inspired by the many men and women that are willing to go into deeper waters to honor God.  I am inspired by the church groups that gives up their Christmas to deliver toys and gifts to kids that normally would have to do without.

It is important that we give thanks by giving.  It is important for the blessed to be a blessing.   It is the nature of God to lift others up when they are feeling down and discouraged in life. We don't have to look far to find the spiritually poor or the homeless.  I believe that when we embrace our neighbor who is hurting, they in turn are encouraged to adopt the same nature  of compassion.

As I reflect on the inspiring  support that is taking place throughout local communitis. I believe the goal of feeding  five thousand families is attainable.

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As caring people, we have the task of discerning the needs of our community. In these difficult economic times, the opportunity to inspire other souls presents individuals with the opportunity to be used as a transformer making a difference.

Your first question might be, how do we begin this awesome task? First, take advantage of every moment God gives you. When the moment doesn't look perfect, ask yourself how can I serve.  No matter how small the gift is, it can be used to help one who has nothing.

Help us Fill His Ark (Link) FillHisArk !  Send what you can to help. 

Jesus can take the smallest measure of a gift and perform a great miracle. As we get closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas season, let us prepare our hearts to be that young boy  who saved part of his allowance to serve the poor or the little boy who gave unselfishly to Jesus. Let us join in a covenant of giving to the poor. Let us reflect on the word of God, Proverb 14:31, “ He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him. ”