The Beggar At Your Gates: Where?

Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging.

Luke 18:35 (NKJV)

And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.

Acts 3:2 (NKJV)

Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her...

Luke 13:10-12 (NKJV)

Where do you live, work, walk or go to school? Your addresses are not accidental. The paths you take are not accidental.

Instead, your ‘WHERE’S’ are God-incidental. ' 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord' (Jeremiah 29:11). Wherever you are, God has a purpose.

Look around. 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself' (Mark 12:31). In what way can you help just one person? 

When 'A woman of Samaria came to draw water' (John 4:7), Jesus sparked a lively conversation. It was a match of truth that changed her life. It was match that lit a wondrous fire, which spread to her city and far beyond.

If you live in Christ and He lives in you, what would He do to help those around you?

'He has anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed' (Luke 4:18).

As a Man, that was His job description. Is it yours and mine?

Note To Young Christians: School bullying is nasty and deadly. Take a risk with your popularity, because 'Friendship with the world is hostility toward God' (James 4:4).

Be friendly to the unpopular kids. They need help, and Satan is offering. But… YOUR hand will stop his. Repeat after Jesus: 'Come, follow Me' (Luke 18:22).

'When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends... invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you' (Luke 14:12-14). So too, school lunches.

Note To Grown Christians: Although some saints cover their despair well, their need for caring fellowship remains. Seek out the loners.

'If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?' (Matthew 18:12).

 Actor, models, and talent for Christ: Your path has purpose. 'I will guide you with My Eye' (Psalm 32:8). 'The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go' (Joshua 1:9). You have courage and a Great Commission. Every person is a part of the world.

The Beggar At Your Gates: Where? (Part 2)

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.