Monday – Gospels and Acts

Reading – Acts 3

Highlight Verse:

“But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!””
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Most days I work in downtown Denver.

Despite recent improvements, Denver has one of the worst homeless problems in America.

There are days when my walk from the parking garage to the building I work out of mean walking past people sleeping on the sidewalk.

Many, if not most days, at least one person asks me for cash.

I don’t normally carry any.

Most homeless experts urge people not to give cash to the homeless as many are battling addiction issues. The cash just enables their addictions.

Today’s verse shows us the timelessness of the problem.

Peter operated from the gift of healing with confidence and brought life change to the crippled beggar.

To be honest, I’ve never had God work that way through me, though I have prayed for healing for many.

So, what can we do?

There have been rare occasions when I have bought a meal for someone and had a conversation and prayer with them. I don’t usually have the time (or money) to do that during the workday.

In my haste, I usually offer a brief kind word, though that probably falls short when it is not accompanied by aid.

Probably the most effective way I’ve helped is by giving to the Denver Rescue Mission.

They are focused on helping people escape homelessness, offering temporary shelter and food while providing rehab, training, and housing placement assistance.

There are many such services throughout the country and world. Most get by on very limited budgets.

Giving to them is probably the most effective way to help the homeless in your area.

And, if God moves you, by all means stop and help someone who needs it.

How do you react to homeless people when you encounter them?
What are some good ideas to help them?
How can we help prevent homelessness?