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Last week, the ESV Bible Blog posted about reading the ESV on your iPod, so I gave it a try. Only the New Testament is available at the moment. This is a great resource if you’re wanting to do some light reading or need to look up a verse while you’re on the go. There’s two versions available… one for the iPod nano and one for the iPod video. I’d highly recommend checking it out!

I almost hate leaving the office some nights. But it’s not because of work… it’s what I encounter when I leave our office. Last night, while I was making my to our parking lot, a (homeless?) man approached me. He said he was really hungry, and needed some money to eat. Two things ran through my mind at this moment, and the first was “Yeah, Right.” (He was dressed fairly well for someone without money.) The second was, “I don’t have any money and I’m wearing my iPod in plain sight… is this guy going to try to attack me?” After a brief pause, I told him I didn’t have any money (which is true… I never carry cash on me) and walked away. Thankfully, nothing happened.

If I were in the same position, would I be humble enough to ask for help?

I can’t help but think of how uncomfortable the whole exchange was, though. For me, there was discomfort in the fact that I immediately started doubting whether this guy was genuinely in need, and that my thoughts nearly immediately turned to predicting my own bodily harm if I didn’t give him anything. Fortunately, the latter didn’t happen. For him, I could imagine that if he truly was in need how uncomfortable it must have been for him to ask for help. If I were in the same position, would I be humble enough to ask for help?

Mark 5:38-42: 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. (ESV)

From the passages above the Bible tells us: “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” I keep trying to tell myself that… But it’s difficult given how the world is. You never know if someone is truly in need of help. You never know if the money you give someone will be used for food, or will it be squandered on drugs, alcohol… You just never know. I suppose that’s the point though: it’s not for me/us to understand. Hopefully, I’ll be able to handle the situation differently if I’m approached again.

What are your thoughts on “panhandling”? Do you give to strangers that ask for money?

⁹ And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰ so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11, ESV)

It’s a beautiful day already! Not a cloud in the sky. The air is crisp and cold outside. A perfect Thanksgiving day.

Later on today, Kim and I will visit with my family and hers and share a Thanksgiving meal with them. I’m looking forward to it. I love this time of year. It reminds me of the importance of family, and being together for the holidays. I know that I am truly blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” (Psalm 95:2, ESV)