God helps those....

who help themselves...? That's not even in the Bible.

I read something today that says that is even the exact opposite of what is biblical. Basically.. we can't help ourselves. We need Jesus to help us - believing we can stand alone is a lie from the pits of Hell.

Jer 17:5 (NIV) This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD."
Prov 28:26 (NIV) He who trusts in himself is a fool...

God is teaching me something about benevolence, and how His throne of grace fits into that picture. God is a benevolent, giving, loving God.. and those of us He has blessed are called to give back to needy people, and bring Jesus along to introduce them to Him. All the charities, fund-raising and money in the world won't help if the hurt and lost don't know Christ. Can I get a witness, here?

I recently met a woman through ministry who has always been a hard worker, she takes care of her kids, loves and supports her husband, but due to some hard life circumstances, is about to lose her home. Not only that, they have not even been able to set aside money to cover security deposits and the like to get into a rental home. My first reaction is to throw money at the situation, and beg others to do that. God says " Ask me first." I have asked and asked and asked, made calls upon phone calls to people that I know who own, or know people who own rental property who MIGHT be willing to work with them. I have prayed with every group of people I have been with over the past two weeks, for this woman and her family, and spent hours on the computer researching foreclosure prevention, and charitable help for families in this area and have pretty much come up empty. So what is God doing here? This lady is His child. So are her children and her husband.. they just don't yet know their Father. What kind of example am I setting here if I can't help them? Or worse.. what if GOD chooses not to help them this time? Moreover, there are people IN my own church who are in the same boat... but for some reason, THESE people are on my heart. I am begging God to help, bring help from SOMEWHERE - and He speaks to me. " I am on My throne, here." *I* know He is in control.. how do I convey this to someone who doesn't know Him?

I am learning about Godly guidelines, and boundaries. I am learning about His loving control over every single thing that happens here. He knows what my friend is going through. I am praying and asking that no matter what, she sees Him in me- and maybe even comes to accept that He loves her. Rock bottom can be the best place a person can be, if that person finds Jesus there. ( Thanks, Holly, I needed to be reminded of this, today.)

Thank you, God, for being on Your throne. Help me bring my friend to see You.

In His name and covered by His blood,
Amen.