Tuesday, February 24, 2009

It's so hard to follow Jesus example

I visited my first group of homeless people, apparently there are many of these little tent cities across Lakewood, NJ as well as America. Although it has been quite difficult dealing with the cold (deisel engines don't start well in the cold weather), but God has opened a few doors here in NJ so here we will stay here for now. As I researched these tent cities it was very hard not to pass judgement. For example, in Florida one of the tent cities was allowed (against regulations) to exist. The city, however (I think this particular one was St. Petersburg), requested that they dismantle their tents between the hours of 9 AM and 9 PM. This turned into a protest in which many were arrested. In this instance the authorities were made out to be heartless and cruel. The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans to submit to authorities - God has established them. So I begin to go over it in my mind. Then I remember how Jesus, before he reminds us not to look at the speck in our brother's eye and ignore the plank in our eye, tells us not to pass judgement on others, because if we do we too will be judged in the same manner. Jesus walked with people who were thought to be 'the worst' such as tax collectors and prostitutes, and touched the untouchable (lepers). So I set out to accpmplish the task set out before my family by God, and as for the rest . . . God is not only in control of who feeds them, He too is in control of who disciplines them. I thank God for His control of all things. That is why I am where I am, because He is in control.
Peace & Grace
Doug

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