Luke 1:53 – He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. (NIV)

Few verses reach me as deeply and as often as this one today. Most of us in the rich "first world" countries are well fed, but God says that the rich may well be sent away empty. Ouch, that hurts, for unavoidably, though we are not as rich as some, we are better off than most of the world, and very well cared for.

One recent Sunday, we had a special speaker at our church sharing with us the work being done by World Vision. We heard of the devastating famine ravaging South Sudan and saw pictures of people famished and vulnerable. The look on their faces is blank — nothing is happening in their lives that would make them smile. Their whole country is so hot that the land is drying up, and nothing can grow in the fields. We heard of many families starving. They need help.

Here in Canada, it's raining a lot, but not yet stopping farmers from growing fruits and vegetables. But what is coming? We trust the Lord to help us. We need to reach out to those who have very little or nothing to eat.

2 Corinthians 8:14-15 – At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: "The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little." (NIV 2011)

As we age, we may feel that we are needy, but we still need to share what we have with those without, both here at home and overseas through operations like World Vision.

As you read God's Word for us today, who do you know who is suffering, from either lack of food or support from friends and family? We are a needy people, but our need reminds us that people in need overseas are starving and very unhappy as they grow weaker and weaker, needing something to eat, or waiting for the Lord to take them home. Let's pray for them and find ways to help the poor and the needy, as the Lord has said.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, our Saviour and our God, help us to see clearly what is happening in the world around us, as many are suffering and starving. Yes, we can help, so we offer ourselves and our church groups to reach out to the poor and needy as You have told us to do. We know that You will also share Your love with them and with us as we reach out and give away our money and food. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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