The "Steinkamp Stimulus" contest has just ended. We asked Charlyne Cares readers to share money-saving ideas with other standers. The replies were amazing. Charlyne and I were touched by how frugal the Rejoice family can be. They are pinching pennies because there are not enough pennies to meet the obligations.
We were especially moved by standers describing their food situation. One volunteers at a nursing home because they provide a free lunch. Another purchases cheaper cuts of meat with the bone in so she can use the bone to make soup. Between the lines of these ideas, you can see meals not eaten because there is no food.
I think of the man in the Bible we know as The Good Samaritan who came to the aid of the wounded stranger. He had to choose his attitude. It could have been, "What's mine is mine and I'll keep it." Instead, his actions said, "What's mine is yours and we'll share it."
Please do not read that as, "Send us money so we can feed the world," but if God has been generous in providing for you, be alert to people the Lord puts in your path who you might be able to help. In this economy I would suspect there are people within a few blocks of you who do not have sufficient food for this day.
When we remarried, the sin-riddled third hand furniture from my apartment went into a warehouse. Before long, God sent a family of four to our church who had no furniture. What was my junk was priceless to them.
Charlyne has been at the pharmacy picking up prescriptions when the man in front of her did not have money for his medicine. She discreetly signaled to the clerk that she would pay. I was at the gas station and observed a man putting one dollar of gas in his old clunker. Somehow the gas pump continued on for a few dollars beyond what he had purchased.
I share our examples not to brag on us, because we live on a budget, just like you. But if God puts a need before you, and you feel led to respond and help someone else, remember to always tell them God provided. Two of you will walk away feeling ten feet tall, and our Lord will receive the glory.
