<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<oembed>
  <version>1</version>
  <type>rich</type>
  <provider_name>Libsyn</provider_name>
  <provider_url>https://www.libsyn.com</provider_url>
  <height>90</height>
  <width>600</width>
  <title>How do you know when to help people?</title>
  <description>Welcome to Season 3&amp;amp;nbsp;of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (97)&amp;amp;nbsp;I’m continuing a multi-episode series answering questions from a survey I did a few months back with my subscriber list. &amp;amp;nbsp; Question: “There are so many people out to scam others so how do you know when to help people. I have heard different takes on this but no one wants to be taken so how do you handle this?” &amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;nbsp; First, the bad news  There are indeed people who are out to scam. They will target Christians because they know:  We care deeply. We look for the best in people and causes. We tend not to really do our homework We are generally unfocused. We are easily manipulated by sad stories. We are supposed to be gracious and forgiving.   At some point, someone will take advantage of us.  &amp;amp;nbsp; The good news  Those with legitimate needs and good causes far outnumber the scammers. It is much easier to find information than ever before. The fact that you are able to ask the question is an indication that God has blessed you with resources to help. God does not expect you to say &amp;quot;yes&amp;quot; to every request, but to display His character in every response.  Be strategic  Clearly identify your missional priorities and strategies. Strengthen partnerships to multiply effective ministry. Prayerfully choose a primary focus ministry and review annually. Establish a budget (time, talent, money). Say &amp;quot;no&amp;quot; with grace because you are clear on your larger &amp;quot;yes.&amp;quot; Leave room for &amp;quot;God moments.&amp;quot;  &amp;amp;nbsp; </description>
  <author_name>Your Church Matters</author_name>
  <author_url>http://drgerrylewis.libsyn.com/webpage</author_url>
  <html>&lt;iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/5096749/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;</html>
  <thumbnail_url>https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/item/5096749</thumbnail_url>
</oembed>
