Matthew 25:35(from RR blog)

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." (Matthew 25:35)

This verse, spoken by Jesus, reminds us that not only are we helping the person who is looking right at us, but by helping that person, we are serving God. Jesus says that when we are doing something for those around us that serves them in their need, we are serving Him as well. When was the last time you looked at a homeless person requesting food and saw them as Jesus, just waiting to be served? Or that person who needed an extra dollar in the grocery line ahead of you in order to buy food for their family? What about the person who has nowhere to go for the holidays and is sitting home alone just praying someone will stop in to say hello? And of course, the child waiting for a home to call their own... Do you see Jesus in them?

He says that when "I" was hungry you gave "me" something to eat, and yet the people replied saying they never saw him. But it was Him that they served as they gave to the people around them. There are so many names for this...

"being Jesus with skin on"
"living by Faith"
"compassion ministries"
"Luke 4 ministries"
"community outreach"

But reality is... living your life and giving just a small piece away to someone in need around you... this is what Jesus is about. Serving and showing love.

Do you have a heart for people? Can you spare that extra cheeseburger as you pull on to the interstate and see someone hungry by the side of the road? Can you share that extra $5 and buy a toy for the local drive for families struggling? Do you dream of another little one to call you "Mom" or "Dad"?

Another way you can reach out this holiday season is by sponsoring a child on Reece's Rainbow by going to www.ReecesRainbow.org/angeltree2008.htm. Help one more child come closer to having a family this Christmas. Think of all those "Jesus" faces looking out from their need. Which will you help fulfill? Will you feed Him? Give Him water? Invite Him in?