Why?

[Pittsburgh Christian]

If you're determined to pluck christian heartstrings, you could always take your wife to an abortion clinic. Start walking to the door, then when you get surrounded by angry protesters, tearfully explain your situation and how your home church abandoned you and how you've prayed for christ to send a miracle, how you don't really want to abort, if only you had any kind of support...

From a Christian's standpoint, this is pretty terrible advice.

 

[Glas Ridire]

I served 6 years in the military and 6 months in Iraq. I don't ask people for anything. I want to stay smaller than a camel.

Bolding mine, you say this and yet indicate that other people are paying your way. I am sure if you illuminated the obvious contradiction, it'd make sense. Right now, things don't line up.

As for that camel. You'd have to eat a LOT of cheetos to get as big as a camel. Seriously, it grieves me that many Christians are so "heaven focused" that it becomes an excuse. "I'd help the poor but it might cut in to my prayer time so . .. back to watching Steve Wilkos". I am not saying you aren't. . . whatever you say you are. . . I am saying I have a hard time lining your posts up with what I know of the world. Now I have traveled the world and thrown an anchor a time or two, soared like an eagle . . . but ya know, I don't make an issue of it. Matter of fact, if you don't "get" that, I won't say more (on that topic) but I don't know anybody with the history you claim that would chime in with your views. It doesn't wash, even people I know with really dirty hands don't try to get the blood off by turning .. . whatever that is. You are an individual, I will give ya that.

 

[TheRefinersFire]

Bolding mine, you say this and yet indicate that other people are paying your way. I am sure if you illuminated the obvious contradiction, it'd make sense. Right now, things don't line up.

As for that camel. You'd have to eat a LOT of cheetos to get as big as a camel. Seriously, it grieves me that many Christians are so "heaven focused" that it becomes an excuse. "I'd help the poor but it might cut in to my prayer time so . .. back to watching Steve Wilkos". I am not saying you aren't. . . whatever you say you are. . . I am saying I have a hard time lining your posts up with what I know of the world. Now I have traveled the world and thrown an anchor a time or two, soared like an eagle . . . but ya know, I don't make an issue of it. Matter of fact, if you don't "get" that, I won't say more (on that topic) but I don't know anybody with the history you claim that would chime in with your views. It doesn't wash, even people I know with really dirty hands don't try to get the blood off by turning .. . whatever that is. You are an individual, I will give ya that.

Exactly. It appears that QueSi is riding on the backs of others, instead of paying his own way. We're in a different time then when Jesus was physically here (in the flesh & spirit). There are countless stories (the only exception I could think of is Mary & Joseph), where if you were true and genuine, you could roam into a town, and someone would take you in. The bible shows that quite clearly. They were more hospitable.

Now days, you need money to live. Back then, you grow it you eat it, you kill it, you eat it. Now days, you need money to grow it, you need money (lots) to kill it. You can't stay anywhere for free, and very few places for barter.

I worked every last day that I could. I am now fighting with the government to take up the rest.

Perhaps I should make an example out of Christian (un)nature. Maybe I should write a letter about how life isn't worth the struggle, how no Christians came to help physically or on Indiegogo, how I had to fight the government for support, and make the example. I bet I could make national news, and perhaps change a few minds. Perhaps some wealthy Christians would reconsider buying that brand new BMW, replacing the one they just got last year, and HELP PEOPLE! Hey, I am very comfortable with that decision. I don't have any hesitations. I just may do that next month after my wife and I get kicked out. That's how things (systems, personal beliefs) get revamped...

 

[QueSi]

Exactly. It appears that QueSi is riding on the backs of others, instead of paying his own way. We're in a different time then when Jesus was physically here (in the flesh & spirit). There are countless stories (the only exception I could think of is Mary & Joseph), where if you were true and genuine, you could roam into a town, and someone would take you in. The bible shows that quite clearly. They were more hospitable.

Now days, you need money to live. Back then, you grow it you eat it, you kill it, you eat it. Now days, you need money to grow it, you need money (lots) to kill it. You can't stay anywhere for free, and very few places for barter.

I worked every last day that I could. I am now fighting with the government to take up the rest.

Perhaps I should make an example out of Christian (un)nature. Maybe I should write a letter about how life isn't worth the struggle, how no Christians came to help physically or on Indiegogo, how I had to fight the government for support, and make the example. I bet I could make national news, and perhaps change a few minds. Perhaps some wealthy Christians would reconsider buying that brand new BMW, replacing the one they just got last year, and HELP PEOPLE! Hey, I am very comfortable with that decision. I don't have any hesitations. I just may do that next month after my wife and I get kicked out. That's how things (systems, personal beliefs) get revamped...

I only ride when it is offered, I find it very rude to turn down someone's generosity.

 

[IanCG]

That is correct, but God softens their heart.

That's kind of a cop out. You do need more than faith in God, you need someone else who is able to take care of you if you're not able to do it yourself.

You're also implying that those who go hungry are doing so because they don't have enough faith, which is awfully sadistic when you think about it.

 

[IanCG]

Thumbs up, it only needs to be as big as a mustard seed.

So all those children who starve to death, they just didn't believe hard enough, huh?

 

[Dave Ellis]

Thank all of you for your replies. As for as food stamps, disability, and unemployment goes, it is different here. I am Canadian. With no clear medical diagnosis I can't get disability. Right now I am playing the waiting game to see if the WSIB (Worker's Safety and Insurance Board, or "Worker's Compensation") will accept my application for reinjury benefits. IF they do, then we will be fine. IF they don't (which is likely) then we won't be fine.
We don't qualify for subsidized housing.

My question was not about faith, but pertaining to the love, respect, and integrity Christians show to others. The premise was why Christians can't be the hands and feet of Jesus, obeying Him to help the poor and afflicted. This is not a societal issue. This is a base spirituality issue that should spread across all faiths. The scriptures are the scriptures. It is, in fact, a commandment. Think of Matthew 25:35-40 (look it up on Biblegateway if you need to). I have volunteered quite a bit for Christian causes (feeding the hungry, church events, other faith based events), and now I can't even get a bit of help. I don't want it to be my reward, but an opportunity for others to get a reward.

Both your arms are paralyzed and there's no medical diagnosis of disability?

How long have you been out of work, did you apply for EI?

 

[Dave Ellis]

I only ride when it is offered, I find it very rude to turn down someone's generosity.

I'd find it rude to rely solely on the generosity of others to live your life. You'd be far better off going out, earning your own way, then providing some generosity to others.

 

[QueSi]

I'd find it rude to rely solely on the generosity of others to live your life. You'd be far better off going out, earning your own way, then providing some generosity to others.

I rely on the generosity of God, he works through people.

 

[Dave Ellis]

I rely on the generosity of God, he works through people.

Prove it.

And regardless, why rely on charity when you can go out and get it yourself?

 

[QueSi]

Prove it.

And regardless, why rely on charity when you can go out and get it yourself?

"It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God"

I don't rely on charity but the love and generosity of God. He provides everything I need and sometimes things I want.

 

[IanCG]

"It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God"

I don't rely on charity but the love and generosity of God. He provides everything I need and sometimes things I want.

Until he doesn't.

 

[bricklayer]

Stay curious my friend. God will provide until the day He doesn't. There will come a day when I reach for a dollar or a breath or a heart beat, and it won't be there.

When Job heard all that had happened, he did not blame the Sabeans, the Chaldeans, the fire or the wind. Job's baseline assumption was that God was behind it all. Job blamed God, but Job would never say that God did not have every right to do with His creation whatever He wills.

Stop blaming the Sabeans, the Chaldeans, the fire and the wind. Tear your robe, shave your head, fall to the ground and worship God.

Much worship is not offered in an attempt to not blame God.

 

[dogs4thewin]

I do not know why. Actually I do people are just greedy. However there are people out there that help my church does. I help out ( when I can) I am currently on SSI but looking to get off one day. I know other Christians ( my aunt and uncle) who have take (family and non-family) onto their home long-term, so people still do it is just becoming rarer I will pray.

 

[Dave Ellis]

"It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God"

I don't rely on charity but the love and generosity of God. He provides everything I need and sometimes things I want.

Quoting the Bible doesn't prove anything more than if you quoted Captain Kirk.

The sad part is, other people are providing the things you need and want and you aren't giving them credit for it.

 

[wannabeadesigirl]

Sometimes people do what they're not supposed to do and they don't do what they're supposed to do.
In the US at least it's a stereotype amongst waiters that Sundays are the worst days to work: You get large after church crowds that come in and then don't tip well.

I don't know how things work in Canada, but perhaps you ought to seek other church help? I live in Utah, and I know that the Bishops Warehouse will set people up with help even if they're not LDS. You might look for an LDS church in your vicinity...

Coming from a more pragmatic point of view, yes God helps us. He gives us everything we need in due time. At the same time there is alot to be said in the Bible about working for yourself. Obviously you cannot work, but I can't believe that in Canada all of your threads are tied. Keep seeking and I am certain you will find.
God bless you. Please don't let your misfortunate run ins with your church paint the rest of your brothers and sisters in a negative light.
All my prayers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
QUESI,

2 Thessalonians 3:10 states that if a man does not work he does not eat.

If you are KNOWINGLY able bodied, and capable of working in any capacity and are not, then you shouldn't be relying on the generosity of others to survive. Each "gift" you get from people who are generous and whose hearts "God" softened is non taxed and it is another Biblical concept to give to Ceasar what is Ceasars.

From one Christian to another stop living off the naivety of other people and start working. NONE, and I mean NONE of your quotes about how God provides negates the fact that there are hundreds of Bible verses extolling a days money well earned through labor.

Yes God provides. My mom is an excellent example of that, but she also works for a living, and allows God to fill in the gaps that her paycheck does not cover. If she doesn't have enough money for groceries and rent she'll pay rent and let God provide the rest. Relying on God is NOT an invitation to be lazy.

 

[bricklayer]

God's will for our lives is revealed by what happens.
This is exactly the creation God choose to create.

 

[Dave Ellis]

God's will for our lives is revealed by what happens.
This is exactly the creation God choose to create.

Why would God choose to create someone with two paralyzed arms and no means for income? That's not exactly the sign of a loving being....

 

[Carmella Prochaska]

Wish I could donate to you but I have no idea how. I'm not even in the UK right now :S

 

[bricklayer]

Why would God choose to create someone with two paralyzed arms and no means for income? That's not exactly the sign of a loving being....

God's love does not trump all of Hiis other attributes.

Read Job.