Helping the Poor In Greater Montgomery

This morning I got a call from an elderly lady here in Montgomery on a fixed income. She was wondering how she was going to pay for her Diabetes meds this week. She has too much income for Medicaid/Medicare insurance and not enough to pay for the meds. What does she do? She has worked all her life. She was a good citizen. She doesn't mooch off anyone. BUT..she doesn't bring in enough to pay for medication.

Most of us say that we don't want the government interfering in our lives and imposing "insurance" on us. Right? But we are not willing to do anything in return for "no government interference".

I would challenge you today to "rethink" your opinions of "the poor" here in Montgomery. Over 17% live below the poverty level. Most are the "working poor" that don't have enough income to make it. Most are hard working people. A lot of our "poor" here in Montgomery have mental and physical disabilities that deter them from "working" enough to make ends meet. Only a "small" percentage of people actually "fit" the stereotype of what most people call "bums". And even then, the Lord makes it very clear in the Bible that there are no "stipulations" to helping the poor.
Here are a few verse to remind us of our responsibility this wonderful Monday morning.

"If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered." Proverbs 21:13

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Proverbs 31:8-9

"He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished."
-Proverbs 17:5

"He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich--both come to poverty."
-Proverbs 22:16

"Jesus answered, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'"
-Matthew 19:21

"He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses."
-Proverbs 28:27

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."
-1 Timothy 6:17-19
What are you doing today to care for the poor here in the Greater Montgomery area???

Just some scripture to ponder and pray over!
Happy Monday!