It was just before noon when Joseph walked into my office. His clothes were dirty and wrinkled. He must have been cold from the driving rain and winter wind.
“I know I look nasty,” he said. “I’ve been sleeping in a barn for the past three nights. There’s no heat, and it’s been hard to stay warm. Mind if I sit in your chair over in the corner? It really looks comfortable.”
“This soft drink is all I’ve had for two days. I’m a diabetic and need to eat but I’m drinking this drink as slowly as I can until I find someone who can help me. I was thrown out of my home Christmas Day because I couldn’t pay the rent. Do you have any money you can give me? I’ll have some by Friday and can pay you back then.”
Our offices are located on a state highway, and many folks like Joseph stop by daily. Cal stopped by Monday. His mother, along with his two-month-old daughter, was killed by a drunk driver the day before. He was on his way to Florida to make funeral arrangements before he deployed to Iraq with his Marine unit. He did not ask for anything except prayer. “I saw your Chapel,” he said, “and I knew I could find someone here who could pray for me. That’s really all I need.”
It is difficult to remember a day when no one has stopped by for help. Their stories are compelling, often even heart-breaking. Occasionally they are untrue. In the end, however, they answer to God for what they do. “He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker.”
Prayer: Help us, Father, to help those who are poor and in need. You’ve sent them our way for a reason. May we show Your love, mercy, and grace to those in need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: Proverbs 17:5a He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker.
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