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Listen while you read: "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah"1 (Lyrics) |
Last year, I had emergency surgery and nearly died. For a week after I was released from the hospital, had it not been for the kindness of my son-in-law's sister, I would not have had a place to go. My landlord had just sold his house when I was taken to the hospital, and he needed me out as soon as possible, but my new suite wasn't ready. I would have had to take a hotel room, so it gave me a taste of homelessness — but nothing compared to what some dear souls are going through.
Many communities are facing the challenge of homeless people. The reaction of most people is "Not in my neighbourhood!" There have been many meetings in the community that I live in, and a supportive living home is being considered. However, there are many protests. I understand the concerns of property owners, but I also realize that but for the grace of God, I, too, could be homeless. Disaster often strikes without any warning, and many are living from paycheque to paycheque.
There was another who was homeless — Jesus.
Matthew 8:20 – And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." (NKJV)
Our Lord was even born in a stable because there was no room for his family in the inn.
The apostle Paul also knew what it was like to be broken and homeless:
1 Corinthians 4:11 – To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. (NKJV)
If Jesus needed a place to sleep near you, would you say, "Not in my backyard"? Would we not give Him our best bed and clothing, and feed Him? Jesus said, "Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (Matthew 25:40b NKJV)
We should treat others as kindly as we would wish to be treated in similar circumstances. We need to encourage rather than discourage. Let us each do as much as possible to help the homeless, even if it is just giving a friendly hello. I am almost 85, and not wealthy by any means. However, for the past few years, I have been knitting scarves and hats, and donating them to the homeless as the cold weather sets in. Perhaps you can do something as simple as that, or some other service like making up packs of essential personal care products. There are also various organizations that we can volunteer with or donate to.
Prayer: Dear Father God, there are so many in our midst today who are broken-hearted, downtrodden, hungry, and homeless, without a place to lay their heads. Instil in Your people kind and charitable hearts and help us to realize that any one of us could be in similar circumstances. Bless those who are out there helping to the best of their means and abilities. Help us to realize that we are our brothers' keepers. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Saturday, May 18, 2024 – In North Africa — Living in North Africa we get so used to hearing the call to prayer it becomes like background noise and sometimes I don't hear it anymore. I am challenged by the fact that some Muslims are so committed to pray that they go to the mosque 5 times a day. Would you consider, with me, setting your alarm to go off at 3:00 every day and pray for these three things: 5 families to come to know Christ, 3 people for us to read scripture with,1 new church plant.
Housing: "Update May 16, 2024: Please continue to pray for T and her son A to find a different apartment...." 
God bless your work, June.
What a blessing that you continue to share your talents even as you age.
Thank you for a beautiful piece. Great reminder for all of us to be kinder and more caring.
Thanks for a good word today June and keep on knitting!
Blessings.
Thanks June for sharing this thought and action-provoking devotional with us. Blessings.
This is an issue that is very close to my heart, it disturbs me that in our prosperous country we still have this. I do what I can and thank you for raising awareness.
Dear June
Thank you for your devotion today, you make some very good points. And the “Homeless” is a problem indeed.
Blessings.
Thank you, June, for your thought-provoking devotion.
Please know that you are making a difference, and there will be many hearts who are touched by your selfless service and your caring.
Blessings as you continue to do the work of Christ.
Dear “Jinnybug” June,
I am so inspired by you that your caring heart is still desiring to help others, and to point us all to help others. You also encourage all of us to keep writing because God continues to use you in a very purposeful way.
So very true June.
I have had my share of homeless moments. The details are known to God. Thankfully, I leaned upon His guidance in the most desperate moments and He blessed me – and saved me.
Bless you, for sharing and reminding each of us that we should be less judgmental, and more caring toward less fortunate souls.
There, but for the grace of God, we could be.
(Ontario)
Dear June,
Your heartfelt devotional on Homelessness, has stirred within me a desire to seek God in ways I perhaps can be more sensitive, helpful and aware.
Thank you and God Bless!
Wonderful to see you writing for the PresbyCan devotional.
Thank you for that.
Dear June:
Thank you for your inspiration. I am hoping to start crocheting again. I used to do it when I was much younger and I will, with God’s help, relearn it.
God bless you my sister in Christ.
June – thank you for this devotional. I never thought of Jesus as being homeless before. You are absolutely right. I will need to reflect on this more. God Bless you and happy thanksgiving.
Hello June,
I read your article of Homeless and it impressed me so much. We have to open our hearts for the homeless before opening our doors, the only best way to exercise our hearts is to reach down and lift people up. Wishing you the best in your writing.