God's Word to Live By:
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Deuteronomy 15:11
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
Psalm 82:3
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
Proverbs 14:31
He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Proverbs 19:17
He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.
Jeremiah 22:16
He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?" declares the LORD.
1 John 3:17
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Deuteronomy 15:11
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
Psalm 82:3
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
Proverbs 14:31
He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Proverbs 19:17
He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.
Jeremiah 22:16
He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?" declares the LORD.
1 John 3:17
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
Kirsten Strawn
The Faith Coach
Empowering You To Experience God's Power, Peace And Presence
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My Homeless Brother page 2
Previously this homeless man had shared how his wife had left him for another man. He had forgiven her saying it was up to God to judge her.
Holding out his arms like a bird he described the dream he had of flying over San Diego. God had given him a vision in Seattle of the harbor and the Mountains of El Cajon directing him to move south. His ex-wife had called him crazy.
He pointed to the ground next to him, “I sleep there last night, behind bushes.” I became concerned knowing most people in my community would not welcome a homeless man walking around or sleeping in front of the grocery store.
During my conversation with Nick I noticed two employees from Vons walk by at two different times to evaluate the situation. I felt their judgment towards Nick and their concern for me. Or maybe it was me they were judging; thinking, who is this crazy lady talking to a homeless man? Either way, all that mattered to me was to discover why God put this man in my path again.
Noticing Nick’s petite frame I offered to buy him something to eat, but he graciously turned down my offer saying that he had food, pointing to the meager snacks in his backpack. Surprised that a homeless man would decline food, I thought he probably wants money. Although, as a society we are warned not to give money for fear that the homeless will feed their addiction.
Nick seemed too coherent to be on alcohol or drugs. Wondering if he was living off an inheritance I asked, “How do you afford to buy food?”
He said, “I show God’s Word,” holding up the same typed scripture verses he showed me three months earlier, “people give me money. I want to give them something, but copy-store not open.” I noticed the nearby UPS store still closed in the morning hour.
When my boys and I met Nick we questioned if he was of sound mind as he shared about Jesus in his broken english. I was reminded of my boldness as a new Christian to tell people the Good News about Jesus dying on the cross, taking all my sin upon himself, so that I could be forgiven and blameless.
Identifying with Nick, I chuckled, “You know, some people think I’m crazy because I tell them about Jesus.” I sensed a connection with him that led me to speak truth in love.
Gently I said, “I want to tell you something, but I don’t want to hurt your feelings.” His eyes got wide in anticipation of what I had to say, I continued, “I think your visions and dreams might only be for you, just between you and God, not for anyone else.”
Suddenly as I spoke I realized the message was for me. I wondered how people, without a relationship with God, viewed me as crazy when I shared how God spoke or directed me.
With tears in his eyes, Nick nodded, placing his hand over his mouth. Nick said, “You right. You my angel. Maybe I not suppose to say anything,” motioning with his hand to zip his lip.
Worried that he misinterpreted what I said, I emphasized, “Nick, you should share about Jesus; just not the visions that God is giving you.” Shaking my head I said, “We might push people away from Jesus if we seem too crazy. But God loves you and He is using you to share the love of Jesus. Keep doing that.”
Nodding, he said, “I understand. I share Jesus, but visions from God just for me,” holding out his arms as though he was flying.
I smiled; seeing how precious he was I wrapped my arms around him. I said, "Jesus loves you, my dear brother." He beamed with appreciation. I wondered how long it had been since he received a hug.
I wanted to help Nick in some way, reaching into my wallet I took out ten dollars. I offered him the money, but he refused. I thought surely he would take the cash. I insisted, encouraging him to make copies of the scripture verses to hand out.
Humbly he accepted my gift to support his mission. I wanted more time to sit and talk with him, but I needed to take my son to school before going to Bible study. Reluctantly I said good-bye to Nick.
Later God showed me that Nick was a true follower of Jesus who listened to God. In following God, Nick had great joy and all his needs were being met as promised in the Bible, seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be given unto you. In a community where wealth is rampant I struggled to be satisfied with what I could afford. Nick was a reminder that my inner peace and happiness is not of this world.
I look forward to eventually seeing my Christian brother again, a homeless man, who made his home in heaven.
Previously this homeless man had shared how his wife had left him for another man. He had forgiven her saying it was up to God to judge her.
Holding out his arms like a bird he described the dream he had of flying over San Diego. God had given him a vision in Seattle of the harbor and the Mountains of El Cajon directing him to move south. His ex-wife had called him crazy.
He pointed to the ground next to him, “I sleep there last night, behind bushes.” I became concerned knowing most people in my community would not welcome a homeless man walking around or sleeping in front of the grocery store.
During my conversation with Nick I noticed two employees from Vons walk by at two different times to evaluate the situation. I felt their judgment towards Nick and their concern for me. Or maybe it was me they were judging; thinking, who is this crazy lady talking to a homeless man? Either way, all that mattered to me was to discover why God put this man in my path again.
Noticing Nick’s petite frame I offered to buy him something to eat, but he graciously turned down my offer saying that he had food, pointing to the meager snacks in his backpack. Surprised that a homeless man would decline food, I thought he probably wants money. Although, as a society we are warned not to give money for fear that the homeless will feed their addiction.
Nick seemed too coherent to be on alcohol or drugs. Wondering if he was living off an inheritance I asked, “How do you afford to buy food?”
He said, “I show God’s Word,” holding up the same typed scripture verses he showed me three months earlier, “people give me money. I want to give them something, but copy-store not open.” I noticed the nearby UPS store still closed in the morning hour.
When my boys and I met Nick we questioned if he was of sound mind as he shared about Jesus in his broken english. I was reminded of my boldness as a new Christian to tell people the Good News about Jesus dying on the cross, taking all my sin upon himself, so that I could be forgiven and blameless.
Identifying with Nick, I chuckled, “You know, some people think I’m crazy because I tell them about Jesus.” I sensed a connection with him that led me to speak truth in love.
Gently I said, “I want to tell you something, but I don’t want to hurt your feelings.” His eyes got wide in anticipation of what I had to say, I continued, “I think your visions and dreams might only be for you, just between you and God, not for anyone else.”
Suddenly as I spoke I realized the message was for me. I wondered how people, without a relationship with God, viewed me as crazy when I shared how God spoke or directed me.
With tears in his eyes, Nick nodded, placing his hand over his mouth. Nick said, “You right. You my angel. Maybe I not suppose to say anything,” motioning with his hand to zip his lip.
Worried that he misinterpreted what I said, I emphasized, “Nick, you should share about Jesus; just not the visions that God is giving you.” Shaking my head I said, “We might push people away from Jesus if we seem too crazy. But God loves you and He is using you to share the love of Jesus. Keep doing that.”
Nodding, he said, “I understand. I share Jesus, but visions from God just for me,” holding out his arms as though he was flying.
I smiled; seeing how precious he was I wrapped my arms around him. I said, "Jesus loves you, my dear brother." He beamed with appreciation. I wondered how long it had been since he received a hug.
I wanted to help Nick in some way, reaching into my wallet I took out ten dollars. I offered him the money, but he refused. I thought surely he would take the cash. I insisted, encouraging him to make copies of the scripture verses to hand out.
Humbly he accepted my gift to support his mission. I wanted more time to sit and talk with him, but I needed to take my son to school before going to Bible study. Reluctantly I said good-bye to Nick.
Later God showed me that Nick was a true follower of Jesus who listened to God. In following God, Nick had great joy and all his needs were being met as promised in the Bible, seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be given unto you. In a community where wealth is rampant I struggled to be satisfied with what I could afford. Nick was a reminder that my inner peace and happiness is not of this world.
I look forward to eventually seeing my Christian brother again, a homeless man, who made his home in heaven.
