Isaiah 58 Fast Encouragement

Isaiah 58:7
"Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him,and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"

This verse for me is a clear reminder that we as followers of Jesus Christ, are all called to really love (not just in word, but with action), and to give to the most vulnerable and often most overlooked in our world. It is not the government's job to provide and care for people--it is the job of the Body of Christ. If we want to be like Jesus, we must go to where people are hurting, meet their needs, and love them where they are. I know that I have not taken the time in a long time to give of my time to someone who was really in great physical need--and I am looking for opportunities to do so as a part of this fast. Our church (The Church at Shelby Crossings in Calera) serves meals often at the Firehouse shelter in downtown Birmingham, which is a great opportunity in which I have never taken part. Everyone who I have heard talk about being a part of that ministry says how awesome it is to meet the people there and hear their stories and develop relationships with them. So, I thought I would list a few other great ministry opportunities as well as opportunities to give of your resources to help clothe the naked and feed the poor and provide the wanderer with shelter as we are told to do in verse 7. These all are great organizations that use the resources you give them wisely and also encourage you to volunteer.

Jimmie Hale Mission and Jessie's Place in Birmingham, AL
http://www.jimmiehalemission.com/

The Old Firehouse Men's Shelter in Birmingham, AL
http://www.oldfirehouseshelter.net/

World Vision, a Christian relief organization that helps children and families worldwide
http://www.worldvision.org/

Samaritan's Purse, an International Christian relief and evangelism organization provides spiritual and physical aid to victims of war, poverty, natural disaster, and disease.
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

In sharing this encouragement today, I would like to thank you for your continued prayers. God is truly at work all around us, and we are so grateful to our friends and family who take time to lift our family and Anderson to Him even when you have so many people with needs all around you. We pray for you and your families as you seek to follow God's purposes for your lives. Please email us at jeffandcasey1@netzero.com if you have specific needs about which you would like us to pray. We love hearing from you, and it is so important for us to encourage one another even in the most difficult of times. We would never share your requests with others or on this blog out of respect for your privacy, but would love to lift your needs specifically to our Father.