Appointed to the Service of the Poor

MEMORY VERSE:

“No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty,

has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds,

such as bringing up children, showing hospitality,

washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble

and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.”

I Timothy 5:9-10

INTRODUCTION:

God is the Father of the fatherless; He puts favor on the widows. These we know in full confidence. The story doesn’t end there. Even though we are alone in raising our kids or single-handedly support a family, God calls us to take part in ministering to the poor.

I. It is normal for single supporters to feel less qualified to serve the poor.

· They feel less qualified due to lack of financial resources.

· They feel less qualified due to lack of time.

II. Christian single supporters open their homes so they can serve the poor.

· In their homes, they show their hospitality.

· In their homes, they help those who are in trouble.

III. God honors the Christian single supporters who serve the poor.

· God acknowledges their good deeds.

· God acknowledges them as legitimate workers in the Body

of Christ.

CONCLUSION

It is normal for single supporters to feel less qualified in serving the poor due to lack of time and money. Christian single supporters are actually appointed by God to the service of the poor by simply opening their homes to them. God sees their good deeds and considers them part of His ministry for the poor.

REFLECTION: Let us ask ourselves the following questions:

· Do I feel less qualified to serve the poor because I have

less money?

– Why? If not, why not?

· Do I feel less qualified to serve the poor because I have

less time?

– Why? If not, why not?

· Do I open my home to the poor to show them

hospitality?

– Why? If not, why not?

· Do I open my home to the poor when they are in

trouble?

– Why? If not, why not?

· Am I fully aware that God appointed me to the service of

the poor?

– Why? If not, why not?

APPLICATION:

— prayer of commitment –

Dear God, I want to help the poor and the needy. Please encourage me to take part in this ministry even if I lack the time and money. Help me as I open my home to those who need to find rest in You and to those who are troubled. Please do not forget my good deeds. I want to be counted as a legitimate worker in Your ministry for the poor.

— statement of commitment —

Whenever I feel less qualified to help the poor because I have less time and finances, I will focus on what I have rather than what I do not have. I will open my home for the poor and needy. I know that God has appointed me to be of service to the poor.

CLOSING PRAYER