O, SNAP

Most likely, I am going to get in trouble for writing this story. People will say, "How uncaring!" or "Does he think people should starve to death?"

No. But I would hope that people would consider what the Bible teaches. More on that in a bit.

I watched a bird trying to get a drink out of our frozen bird bath the other day. It tried a few times, pecking at the ice, before it flew away. What a perfect example of what SHOULD be happening after our government's latest shutdown. When the bird couldn't get water at the usual place, it went sonewhere else.

The United States Congress cannot seem to agree on a budget so it has shut itself down. Largely, I welcome this news. Less government is wonderful IMHO! Yet there are certain ramifications that come with rhe shutdown.

For example, people hoping to catch a plane for Thanksgiving are now wondering if they will even have a flight at all. Air traffic controllers are not being paid because Congress cannot agree. How long would YOU work for free? It's been over a month for them.

And how about all of the people on food stamps, now called SNAP (Suplimental Nutrition Assistance Program). Here's what SNAP does:

SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families," the agency states on its website. "Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income and other factors."

42 million Americans rely on the program. Not to mention quite a few illegal immigrants. Part of the reason Congress can't agree.

And now for some scripture.

"For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Now, I know that there are those who can't work due to some disability. But for those who are able to work, why aren't you working?

I don't know about you, but if I was facing a shortfall in cash for the month, there would be two choices - cut expenses or increase income. Cancel Netflix and get a second job.

And where is the church in all of this? They are out there, helping. My wife just made a donation to her church's food bank. One of the volunteers told her that there were a lot more "clients" this month compared to last month.

One of my favorite verses in the Book of Acts is about The Church.

"And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." - Acts 2:45

The Church has been helping it's members for 2,000 years. There are food banks in most communities. Friends and families. Make due and contact your members of Congress and tell them to quit fighting with each other and do what they were hired to do, without hurting the people who hired them. Elections have consequences. So does not choosing to follow Jesus.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. ³⁰And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." - Matthew 10:29-31