April 9, James 1:27

Do you know of anyone who is fatherless or is a widow? The fatherless were children whose fathers had died and the widows were women who had lost their husbands. The Bible tells us that these groups of people were lonely and poor.

At the time when James wrote this New Testament book, the church was greatly persecuted. Many Christian men were killed for their faith in Jesus and were survived by their wives and children.

The earthquakes and tsunami in Japan killed and injured thousands, and caused many more to be homeless. Many children became fatherless, motherless or orphans. Women lost their husbands. Buildings and houses were reduced to rubble. Some areas of Japan lost electricity and water supplies. It was a long, long road to rebuild Japan. One word to describe the state that Japan was in at that time is ‘devastation’. When we hear and see all these on the television, what are your feelings? Does your heart go out to them, especially the fatherless, motherless and widows? Do you pray for these suffering people? Do you help them? These people are not within your reach and you can’t really do much but pray.

But, you don’t really need to look far because there is very likely someone near you who needs your help or words of encouragement. He/she might be in your church or in your class.He could be that quiet child or even that naughty boy, who is not having love and attention at home. Look out for this person.

Here are some nice things you can do for those in need. Add other helpful ideas, too.
• Write a card.
• Donate your used things in good condition.
• Buy them food.
• Visit them in their homes.
• Invite them to your house for a meal
• _____________________________________________
• _____________________________________________

Thought: Have you helped someone in need?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me look out for the needy people and give me strength to help them and to encourage them. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.