“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD...” —Proverb 19:17
Just because I believe in something don't always mean I walk the walk like I should.. I will be the first person to step up and say this momma is far from anything perfect. This is just what I believe.
But
No mater if you believe in God or not is not this point of this blog.. You don't have to be a believer of anything really to help someone you know that is having a hard time and it don't always just mean the homeless here. Maybe there is a struggling single mother that you know of that lives a block away or one who is a waitress at your favorite place to eat...
Maybe is a single father whos spouse has perhaps passed on and hes alone now to raise the kids alone.. Anyone who is in need and struggling should be reached out to.. Everyone feel pain just as much as the next person and everyone has it hard. Just because someone is poor or having a hard time does not mean they are not trying..
This is just a reminder of what I feel everyone of us needs to practice.. Its all on you all. Do with this what you wish.. Just keep in mind when the times comes and your in need how will do you think you will feel when your friends are no longer around and there is no one there that has the time to worry about what you have going on. So now they are you the ones who are to tired to busy to broke to overwhelmed. Ya its cool your overwhelmed I understand totally. It only hurts when your the one who's in need. But in tell then shoot whats there to worry about right? Do what you know that right in your heart to do.. We need to eat every day to survive not just at Christmas.
There are many different ways to help the homeless, ranging from simply providing them with a free packaged-meal and some Gospel literature, to going as far as providing a shelter for them to temporarily lodge for the night to escape the brutal cold. I would definitely recommend giving out blankets, gloves, hats and warm clothing during the winter months.
It is heartbreaking to see someone living in a cardboard box in an alley as a makeshift home. It is common in big cities to see the homeless living down in the subways, away from the chilling winter winds, or sleeping on heated sidewalk air vents from nearby skyscrapers. The homeless are often shunned, despised and inhumanly treated by business owners. They are often beaten, bullied and robbed. Where are the poor to go?
WHAT TO GIVE THE HOMELESS
It is best not to give money to the homeless, it just makes them more vulnerable to be robbed. In addition, some of them will spend the money on alcohol. Tragically, many homeless people freeze to death during the winter months. The alcohol makes them feel warm, even though they are freezing to death, and they die.
Consider what items you would likely need if you were homeless. It's a good idea to assemble some basic necessity gift packages, containing some of the following items:
* New Testament Bible (the Gospel of John would be ideal)
* doctrinally sound Gospel tract or booklet
* Vienna hotdogs in a can (with easy open lid)
* pre-cooked, easy-open foods
* Granola Bars, Beef Jerky, Slim-Jims, snack chips
* Snackables (cheese and crackers)
* bottled water
* today's newspaper
* fresh fruit, nuts, a few pieces of wrapped candy
* comb, nail-clippers
* A couple small packs of Advil
* tissues, handy-wipes
* chapstick or lip-balm
* hand-lotion for dry-skin
* toothpaste and toothbrush
* gloves, socks, earmuffs, scarf and blanket (during winter)
* McDonalds gift certificates
* Addresses and phone numbers of nearest helpful shelters (enclose $1 in change for phone calls)
* Addresses and phone numbers of nearest good churches
* a handwritten note of kindness (it may simply be a brief note; e.g., “given in Jesus' name”)
* It's helpful to place all these items in some type of cloth carrying pack that they can continue using.
* a small pillow (“...the Son of man hath not where to lay his head,” Matthew 8:20) . . .
SOULWINNING AND THE POOR
Helping the homeless must NEVER take precedence over preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ . . . “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing ... Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth” (1st Corinthians 13:3,6). The word “charity” here means LOVE. 1st Corinthians 13:6 tells us that genuine Biblical LOVE rejoices in THE TRUTH. Sadly, many apostate religious groups today such as the Salvation Army have compromised their convictions, spending most of their time helping the needy at the expense of preaching the truth. What does it matter if we feed the hungry, cloth the naked and shelter the homeless if they die and go to Hell because we failed to preach the Gospel to them? I wouldn't give you a dime for any ministry that is not aggressively preaching the Gospel and placing the truth of God's Word at the forefront of their ministerial efforts. This is critically important.
“Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” (James 2:5).
“And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled” (Luke 14:23).
Soulwinning is every believers calling and duty. God said in Luke 14:23 that He wants His house “filled.” The Bible commissions us to “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in.” One of the biggest problems with most churches today is that they meet behind closed doors a few times a month, but never obey the Lord's command to “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in.” Many churches operate more like a secret occult organization than they do a New Testament church. What behind those church walls? How will people know if you don't have outreach ministries?
If we are to obey the Lord's command to “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in,” then we must “Go out.” This means putting forth a conscious effort to reach the lost for Christ. In Acts 20:20 (often referred to as the soulwinner's 20/20 vision) the Apostle Paul went soulwinning HOUSE-TO-HOUSE publicly . . . “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house.” That is God's method of winning souls—public evangelism.
SAFETY
The foremost concern when dealing with the homeless should always be your own safety. It is a matter of common sense. ALWAYS have someone with you. It is unwise to minister alone in today's society.
It's also recommended to minister in the daytime only, preferably in known areas where homeless people reside. It would be very helpful to speak with other ministries in the area who work with the homeless. Never trespass on private property or enter into secluded areas that may compromise your safety.
Also, be aware of the reputation of the neighborhood you're in. Every major city has certain areas that are just too dangerous for ladies and children to enter into. Avoid high crime areas. If you do enter into such areas, keep in mind that there's more safety in numbers. The goal is to reach the poor for Christ and meet some of their basic necessities without getting mugged in the process.
If you meet a homeless person who you feel needs medical attention, call 911 for them. It's not recommended to let them ride in your own vehicle, unless you have a partner with you. However, even if you have a ministry partner, NEVER allow someone of the opposite sex to enter into your vehicle. You can't be too careful these days. The Bible admonishes us to be careful . . .
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished” (Proverb 22:3).
“Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1st Thessalonians 5:22).
Also, it's never wise to wear expensive jewelry or watches when in public.
If you come across any stray dogs that look threatening, reach down as if you are going to pick up a rock. This scars away nearly all dogs. It really works. I guess they know from experience.
I didn't write most of this blog.. Most of it is a copy and paste but you all know me.. Believe me my two cents is in there also.. But no worries over what part came from my keyboard or not.. I agree on all that's said here so if its easier to just think I wrote every word then whatever.. Just do the right thing whatever that right things is for you. Just do it.. 
