Worship is a wonderful experience at Shepherd’s Gate. The Lord shows up in so many interesting ways as the ladies and staff give praises to Jesus! I am always thrilled to watch the lives that are transformed in the presence of our King. One particular morning a lady who had been through our program 5 years prior came to worship. She and her precious daughter were doing well and she said she just missed us and wanted to visit.
We welcomed her; rejoicing over all God had done in her life. These precious ones who return to visit are treated like royalty…as they are! She enjoyed entering into worship and also encouraged the ladies still in our program with her changed life. I received a particular surprise from her as well. As she was leaving, she wrote a check and gave it to me, stating how grateful she was for the opportunities that she was given while in our program. I hugged her neck and thanked her for the gift. No gift is too small and I was truly grateful for her desire to help others who were hurting. As I walked back to my office I opened the check. I was astonished by the amount…$5,000! For 5 years, this precious lady had been denied benefits that she should have received when her husband passed away. She had given up trying to obtain this money. Then very unexpectedly she was sent a check for $50,000! God had intervened and blessed her! She was rejoicing over the news with her daughter…who immediately said: “Mom, you have to tithe to Shepherd’s Gate!” She gladly brought the check with joy in her heart. God loves a cheerful giver! I am continually amazed by His faithfulness to all who put their trust in Him. “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?” James 2:1 NLT “…man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b NASB “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2 NASB “Each one must do just as they have purposes in their heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NASB “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.” Proverbs 19:17 NIV You just never know “whom” you are helping when you reach out to someone in need…and you never know how God will repay the loving action…. but He always does! In Jesus’ Name, Steve