A prayer ...

Our food pantry at Arlington United Methodist Church helped thirty-two people on Thursday, January 22, 2009. Of course, such brings prayer of both thanksgiving that we had enough because of gifts that had been given unto us from both laity and local businesses; and tension over our nation's current economic condition.

With that in mind, a couple of Scripture readings caught my attention ...

‘Because the poor are despoiled, because the needy groan, I will now rise up,’ says the Lord; ‘I will place them in the safety for which they long’ (Psalm 12:5).

And ...

"There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet" (Acts 4:36-37).

For me, such demonstrates making these words of Jesus alive ... "love your neighbor as yourself".

Thank you Lord for those who has given us the food to have enough. Now may we also feed their hunger for love not only from us, but also from you by sharing the good news of Jesus.

May you give the Lord thanks as well for what he has provided you.