God and Me in Twenty-Three (2023): How can we help each other in 2023 Follow-up.
In last Friday’s blog post I issued the following challenge:
Okay, here is my challenge for this week: I would love it if as many of you who will, let me know how you help, pray for, intercede, love on, and be of assistance to those in need. I will compile your responses and share as many as possible in next week’s blog post. Just let me know if you want it to be anonymous.
Following responses:
- Thanks again Mike! I like to make myself available to help others whenever someone calls and is in need, and at church whenever they call and need help.
- When a need is brought to my attention, I ask the Lord what he would have me do. If he wants me to respond in some way, I try to respond to the best of my ability with God’s help.
- I try to be a good friend by listening.
- Prayers for family, friends, country, leadership, etc. The etc. means the prayers are often short somewhat generic but well meant. Donating as much as possible to Salvation Army and other organizations. We love to see our stuff be put to good use, and admittedly we do get a little tax break. Also try to help neighbors the best l can with mowing, snow removal, advice, prayer and some listening. Sharing tools and other possessions. This all sounds a little self grandizing so off to bed, good night.
Hopefully, the reading of the above responses will encourage each of us to be responsive to others in need! Praise the Lord!
Here are some Scripture passages for us to reflect upon:
Acts 20:33-35 (NLT2)
33 “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. 35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Proverbs 22:9 (NLT2)
9 Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.
Matthew 25:34-40 (NLT2)
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”
Hebrews 13:15-16 (NLT2)
15 Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.
16 And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT2)
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
