El Delirio

"Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'who is The Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." -Proverbs 30:8-9

 This week Pablo and I were able to travel to a poor community, El Delirio, about an hour and a half away from Matagalpa to help provide some food. The village is a steep uphill climb from the road that made for a difficult time carrying 100 pound bags of rice and beans on our shoulders. But it was well worth the work when we arrived to the 46 families that we were able to assist. After a time of prayer and some scripture, we distributed food and observed the community that is far from well off. Pablo and I plan to go back regularly to help with projects and spend time with individuals in prayer.

 When Jesus instructed us how to pray, "give us today our daily bread", he was not only asking God to provide. He was also asking that God might not provide so much that we would forget where it came from.  Part of wisdom is discerning the difference between wants and needs, because most often times our wants can help supplement someone else's needs.

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength." -Philippians 4:11-13

We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, but not for selfish gain.  Just as Christ,  our king, did not live for selfish gain, we ought to understand that this Christ like strength comes from selflessness.  May we serve those around us who are in need just as we have been served by Jesus when we were in need.